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…” Introspection: looking within. –Playing with the dark sewage inside: “I’m such a nerd!” “No wonder nobody likes me…” “Why am I so cursed to be me!?” –It includes the Evil Emperor syndrome: “I’m so hot!” “Someday everyone will see my genius!” “Why am I surrounded by such fools!?”

“Examine Yourselves…” Introspection: looking within. Biblical Problems with Introspection 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. …we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! 2 Corinthians 10:12 A Contradiction?

“…using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!” 2 Cor. 10:12 “Examine Yourselves…” Introspection: looking within. Scriptural Problems The shifting winds of self-examination FIRE !!!

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

For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. Matthew 15:19 “Examine Yourselves…” Introspection: looking within. Scriptural Problems The shifting winds of self-examination Mixed Motives The self-deceit of self-examination Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in [God’s] wisdom is safe. Proverbs 28:26 “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 The hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead. Ecclesiastes 9:3

“Examine Yourselves…” Introspection: looking within. Scriptural Problems The shifting winds of self-examination The deceit of self-examination Mixed Motives Neither godly or spiritual… –The “spiritual discipline” of introspection: not a biblical concept. 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.”

Luke, search your feelings… The Bible is a Heresy in Today’s World! OR: “…insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives…” Ecclesiastes 9:3

Examining the Heart Biblical Way The heart is God’s domain! The heart is God’s domain! 1 Cor. 4:3-4 “…in fact, I do not even examine myself…but the one who examines me is the Lord!” "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind!” Jeremiah 17:9-10

Understanding Yourself: the Good News! We can recognize blatant issues… We can recognize blatant issues… 1 Cor. 4:4a For I am conscious of nothing against myself… 1 Cor. 4:4a For I am conscious of nothing against myself… Motives that result in Actions… Motives that result in Actions… God does reveal! God does reveal! 1 Cor. 4:4b …but the one who examines me is the Lord. 1 Cor. 4:4b …but the one who examines me is the Lord. 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: Alone Alone Needy Needy Insignificance Problem Insignificance Problem Guilty Guilty Horizontal Viewpoint Horizontal Viewpoint In Christ: NNNNot Alone OOOOther’s Needs SSSSettled Significance FFFForgiven HHHHorizontal & Vertical Viewpoint Romans 6:11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Obtaining God’s Viewpoint: 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? δοκιμάζω ‘Analyze’ ðåéñÜæù ‘Prove’

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

A Call For Balance: ä Introspective? ä Is it Motivating You? ä Is it godly Reflection, or self-centered Introspection? ä Is it Accusation or godly Conviction? ä Leading an Un-Examined Life? ä Ephes. 5:17 “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” ä Psalm 32:9 “Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check.

A Call For Balance: ä Introspective? ä Is it Motivating You? ä Is it godly Reflection, or self-centered Introspection? ä Is it Accusation or godly Conviction? ä Leading an Un-Examined Life? ä Ephes. 5:17 “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” ä Psalm 32:9 “Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check.