YOUR SPIRITUAL CHECKUP

I Corinthians 11:28 - II Corinthians 13:5

January 1, 2006

Pastor William Underwood

The Church has never been perfect. The Church at Corinth is no exception. Paul had his problems with them and he had to deal with them. They were doing some terrible things. He had to scold them for doing some wrong things during the Communion services. One rule he insisted on was a self-examination before the Communion Service. Think about this with me now.

I - AN IMPORTANT CHECKUP - "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith" II Cor. 13:5
1-Doctors emphasize the importance of regular checkups.
2-It is even more important to have spiritual checkups.
3-STORY of a young couple in Iowa--took a weekend trip to Chicago--drove all night--stopped for coffee after midnight and headed in wrong direction--before dawn they saw familiar sights and discovered they had driven all night to get nowhere.
4-The Pharisees thought they were right but Jesus told them that they were very wrong.
a-They were very religious leaders.
b-Matt. 7:21-23 "You are like painted tombs full of dead mens' bones."
5-Take a good look at yourself - are you pretending to be good - but are you for real?

II -A PERSONAL CHECKUP - "Examine YOURSELVES"
1-No one can examine you -no one else really knows you.
2-You and God alone knows your heart and where you are spiritually.
3-We are all experts at examining others - we think we can judge their motives and their destinations!
4-YOU are on trial--YOU are the prosecuting attorney - and YOU are the jury deciding the verdict.

III - A SEARCHING CHECKUP - "Examine"
1-This must be a strict test to determine facts.
2-Suppose the Dr. does not pay attention to your symptoms he disregards your condition - prescribes an aspirin and a return visit in one year - that is NOT what you wanted or needed!
3-This must be a thorough and searching examination to be beneficial to you.
4-Don't play games with God - be honest with yourself.
5-Sincerity and honesty with God and yourself will be beneficial and profitable.

"Examine yourselves". If we did not need it, why would God have repeated it? Have you done your checkup yet? Do it NOW before we come to the Lord's Table in fellowship with Him. This is what He requires of us all.