Man is so prone to sinful ways, that without maintaining a constant strict watch over himself, no other can be expected than, that he will walk in some way of sin. Jonathan Edwards
Examine Yourself
October 4, 2008
Very wise men in the faith have seen this verse as worth paying attention to. George Whitfield, for instance, unknowingly preached this text at what ended up being his final sermon. Or consider John Calvin:
"As long as we live in this world, let us learn to profit and go forward more and more, resting assured that there is still always very much that is blameworthy in us. For they that imagine any perfection are as good as bewitched by hypocricy and pride, or rather, have no feeling or fear of God in them, but they are far-gone mockers. For he that examines himself shall always find such a store of vices that he shall be ashamed of them if he seriously consider them." (Ephesians sermon #3)
Octavious Winslow: "Lukewarmness is most abhorrent to God, and grieving to the Holy Spirit....and yet....who pauses to examine himself, to ascertain what real progress his soul is making - what grace is enfolded, what part of the Spirit's work is decayed, what spot of his soul is barren and unfruitful, and how far is he secretly and effectively grieving the Holy Spirit by a known, allowed and cherished state of spiritual declension?"
Winslow ponders how our cold state pains the Holy Spirit, as "the temple he has erected at such a cost falls into decay, and recedes into a state of coldness and formality in its spiritual duties and affections." PERSONAL DECLENSION AND REVIVAL
Remember Peter's reassurance to Jesus that he was "just fine, thank you very much," and Jesus could count on him? "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Luke 22:33 We all know how that turned out, as the cock crowed three times.
The church at Laodicea got this rebuke from Jesus - "You say 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, bllnd and naked." Revelation 3:17
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for thy courts above
COME THOU FOUNT