Self Examination
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, “Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.”
This exhortation was given by Paul to Barnabas after their first missionary journey. There was a need to see how the brethren were doing. Were they growing in grace or standing still? Were they overcoming the world or were they being overcome?
Brethren, how are we doing? Are we still in the Good way?
Spurgeon said, ” I would rather go all the way to heaven doubting than to be lost in self-confidence.”
Are we going to heaven when we die? Are we living in this world as strangers and pilgrims?(1 Peter 2:11)
Christianity has spread greatly in the world. For the last century, many people in the world were sunk in the darkest heathenism. Missionary efforts seemed to do little. If many would be asked if Christianity would spread so greatly, they would be tempted to like the Samaritan noble man, “Look, even if the Lord should open the flat Gates of heaven, should such thing be?
But the Lord has opened the flat gates of heaven. There is more profession of the Christian faith than it was in the last hundred years.
But how is it with our souls?
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the Faith; prove your own selves. Know ye, not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
There are many churches being opened, and many theological schools and colleges being started. Many Bibles were printed and sold. Many sermon tracts are being circulated. Missions and crusades have been supported to reach the unconverted. Technology effected the spread of the gospel.
With all this, what is the condition of our souls?
It is sad that many go to church to have their ears tickled and evaluate the preacher’s ability to preach. Eloquent preachers are being cheered with clapping of hands and wiping of handkerchiefs with cries of “indisputable preacher”, “man of God”, “apostle”. Preachers also have been moved by the congregation to preach what hearers need to hear. Ear-tickling sermons have been fed to masses and with efforts and make church a comfortable place for everyone.
It was beyond doubt many have never known what it means to be Christian.
Are we killing sin or is sin killing us? Are we growing in grace or are we standing still? Are we overcoming the world or are we being overcome? Are we walking in the Spirit or are we walking after the flesh? Do we diligently search the scriptures or do we just take what our pastor gives us? Are we concerned with the souls of the unconverted or are we the follower of who said, “Am I my brother’s keeper? Even of Cain. Do we love the things God loves and do we have the things God hates? Are we born again?
Are we in a Good way?
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is a good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16 KJV
Let us then go to Christ and repent and believe the gospel.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Mathew 11:28 KJV
