Sermon Recap
There have been many times at the end of the day that I have looked back and thought to myself, wow…
What I said to so and so was a little critical.
My attitude earlier wasn’t the greatest.
I’m pretty sure I came across a little arrogant there.
I definitely did not exhibit the fruit of patience in that meeting.
I wish I would have been a better reflection of Jesus.
I wish I would have been kinder to my spouse.
I could have given my kids more of my undivided attention.
This list could go on and on stating some of our failures throughout each day. Now some of these probably aren’t sinful behaviors but if we don’t have a regular rhythm of self-examination behaviors like these, left unchecked, can lead us into sinful lifestyles quickly and leave us without any self-awareness.
The Rhythm of daily Self-Examination is an important spiritual rhythm to implement into your life. What this Rhythm does is position you before the Holy Spirit allowing the Holy Spirit full access to your life, words, motives, attitudes, and actions for the purpose of correction in order to shape you to look and operate more like Christ. You will read this passage of scripture again in a moment but listen to these two verses from Psalm 139.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
These two verses capture the heart behind the sacred rhythm of self-examination. We never want our lives to move away from Christ but always to move toward Christ and operate from a Holy Spirit filled life. This really isn’t too hard of a habit to start and doesn’t take much time, but the spiritual benefits of practicing self-evaluation are priceless.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
Have you ever practiced the rhythm of self-examination on a consistent regular basis?
What might be some of your fears when establishing this type of sacred rhythm?
This sacred rhythm takes vulnerability. Why is it important to practice being vulnerable before the Lord?
What time each evening would be a good time for you to take a few moments of retrospec and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas He wants to work on?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, search me and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. Look deep within me and see if there is any offensive way in me that needs to be confessed and repented of today. And lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.
Life Application
Set a time each evening and begin practicing the Sacred Rhythm of Self-Examination
Keep a short list. If you failed miserably today in some area then confess that before the Lord which simply means acknowledging your sin and taking ownership of it. Then repent and ask for forgiveness as well as the self-awareness not to fail in that area again tomorrow. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you and equip you to walk in righteousness.
Don’t Forget!
Discussion Guide Index | Sermon Playback & Video Resources | Spotify Playlist | Church Center App