Psalms
26:1-3
INTRO:
The word examine comes from Hebrew “Baw-Khan” meaning to test, to investigate,
to prove, to try and to tempt (convince, attract, excite). We need to examine
ourselves once in a while in order to know our proficiency (advancement) and
knowledge of God and the stage of our faith. This is to be done through
questions or inquiry about ourselves. Problems, uncertainties, difficulties,
sometimes doubts help us examine ourselves.
I.
EXAMINING FIRST
A.
Let God examine us first. “Susiha ug
sulayi ako o Ginoo, usisaha ang akong mga tinguha ug mga huna-huna.” (Psalms
26:2)
B. Have a ready
defense. From Hebrew “Gawnan” which means protect or defend. A defense from God’s
examination does not mean resistance but an apology or a plea for vindication. In
human treatment, this diligence of having a defense is shown in 1 Corinthians
9:3 “Kon sawayon ako sa mga tawo, tubagon ko sila.” Such response is not to
counter back with the same condemnation but to ‘react with wisdom’
(Eccleasiastes 7:12). and let your accusers and critics hear your defense (Acts 22:1)
II.
EXAMINING AFTER
A.
Then we examine ourselves. Check, inspect, scrutinize what’s wrong, observe, think about,
analyze, weigh up, sift, and investigate yourself. First Corinthians 11:28
tells us to question or appraise ourselves.
B. Stay in
faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5) Be your own critic and evaluator. Judge yourself
and pronounce an opinion about what and where you are, whether you are still devoted
and committed to God.
CONCLUSION: Receive the reward of blessing—a good grade from
God Himself. Have a deepened and developed faith, intensified more by the
examination that gives God all the glory.
