EXAMINE YOURSELVES AS TO WHETHER YOU ARE IN

“EXAMINE YOURSELVES AS TO WHETHER YOU ARE IN THE FAITH. PROVE YOURSELF” Development Through Inventory Frequently “take stock” of ourselves in relation to the Lord

Self-inventory is Necessary Danger of “drifting” is present Hebrews 2: 1 Sin can creep into our lives quickly Galatians 1: 6 Need frequent appraisals Acts 20: 28 -31

Self-inventory is Necessary Complacency is a deadly enemy Complacency is a blight that saps energy, dulls attitudes, and causes a drain on the brain. The first symptom is satisfaction with things as they are. The second is rejection of things as they might be. “Good enough” becomes today’s watchword and tomorrow’s standard. Complacency makes people fear the unknown, mistrust the untried, and abhor the new. Like water, complacent people follow the easiest course – downhill. They draw false strength from looking back. Romans 11: 22 1 Thessalonians 5: 4 -6 Revelation 3: 1 -2

Bible Study A search for the know-how that will help us do a better job of obeying God Deuteronomy 29: 29 2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 Some study with a view to improvements that others need to make Matthew 7: 1 -5 See the value of God’s Word showing us errors that we need to remove from our life Psalms 19: 7 -14

Must Be Honest We may be guilty of glossing over some serious faults In time – we may be unable to see the truth about ourselves John 3: 19 -20 2 Thessalonians 2: 10 -12 We need to see ourselves as God sees us Hebrews 4: 12 -13

Must Be Willing to Repent Must recognize sin for what it is John and Jesus emphasized the need of all to repent Matthew 3: 7 -9 Luke 13: 1 -5 Recognize specific sins 1 John 1: 8 -10 Honest self-inventory is accomplishes much 2 Samuel 12: 13

CONCLUSION “Take Heed” is a frequent admonition in the Scriptures If you’re sure you doing “okay” – then keep watch! 1 Corinthians 10: 12 2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 Proverbs 22: 3 Make a fresh and honest inventory of the person that you are before God – if necessary, make the appropriate changes in your life