Introspection or SelfReflection 2 Corinthians 13 Background u

Introspection or, “Self-Reflection” 2 Corinthians 13

Background u 2 Cor. 13: 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Cor. 13: 2 -3 I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, [3] since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.

“Examine Yourselves…” l Introspection: looking within. A l Scriptural Problems Countradiction? – 1 Cor. 4: 3 -4 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. [4] For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.

“Examine Yourselves…” l Introspection: looking within. l Scriptural Problems FIRE !!! l Subjectivity: a shifting basis…

“Examine Yourselves…” l Introspection: looking within. l Scriptural Problems l Subjectivity: a shifting basis… l Mixed Motives – Not entirely free from bad motives. – Some are hard to discern. – How much “bad” motives are still “good” ?

Introspection: the Good News! l We can recognize blatant issues… l 1 Cor. 4: 4 a For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted… l Motives that result in Actions… l God l 1 does reveal! Cor. 4: 4 b …but the one who examines me is the Lord. l Philip. 3: 15 …and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;

The “Discipline of Introspection” u. A Sin-Focused Approach to God – Spiritual Hypochondriosis u Lacks a Christ-Centered Life: – John 15: 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. ” u Self-Absorption

Healthy vs Unhealthy ‘Reflection’ In Adam: n Alone n Needy n Insignificance Problem n Guilty n Horizontal View In Christ: Ø Not Alone Ø Other’s Needs Ø Settled Significance Ø Forgiven Ø Horizontal & Vertical Viewpoint

Obtaining God’s Viewpoint: l 2 Cor. 13: 5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you— unless indeed you fail the test? ðåéñÜæù ‘Prove’ δοκιμα ζω ‘Analyze’

Healthy ‘Reflection’ 1 Cor. 4: 4 “the one who examines me is the Lord. ” l God-Supervised Reflection: Psalm 139: 23 -24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; [24] And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. l Things we may not even know: 1 Cor. 4: 4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted…