Introduction

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather here today, not as disparate souls, but as a unified body, bound by the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are here, not because we are compelled by ritual or tradition, but because we are drawn by the irresistible pull of His divine grace. The grace that cleanses, heals, and restores. The grace that reminds us, time and again, that we are His beloved, His cherished, His treasured possession.

Today, we are here to engage in a heartfelt contemplation, not of the world around us, but of the world within us. As we stand on the threshold of the Lenten season, let us take this moment to turn our gaze inward, to examine the depths of our spiritual existence, to question the authenticity of our faith, and to reaffirm our commitment to our Savior.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "A vigorous self-examination is as necessary to a healthy spiritual life as is physical examination to bodily health." It is this very sentiment we shall embrace today. We are not here to judge others, but to judge ourselves, to hold our faith up to the light of God's Word, and see if it withstands the test.

Let us consider the words of the Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians: "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 Corinthians 13:5)

The Apostle Paul, in his divine wisdom, urges us to scrutinize our spiritual selves, to test the mettle of our faith, to ascertain if we are indeed walking in step with our Savior. As we embark on the Lenten season, let us heed his call, let us undertake this spiritual examination with sincerity and humility.

Let us also remember that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from our Savior. He is the source of our spiritual vitality, the wellspring of our faith. As we tread the path of self-examination, let us lean on Him, let us draw from His inexhaustible reservoir of grace and love.

And so, as we stand at the precipice of this sacred season, let us resolve to remain steadfast, to persevere in our faith, to weather the storms of doubt and uncertainty, fortified by the assurance of His love and grace.

Self-Scrutiny in Spirituality

As we stand on the precipice of the Lenten season, we are called to turn our gaze inward, to examine the depths of our spiritual existence. This is not a task to be taken lightly, for it requires us to confront our deepest fears, our most hidden sins, and our most stubborn doubts. Yet, it is a task that is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity.

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, urges us to scrutinize our spiritual selves. He challenges us to test the mettle of our faith, to ascertain if we are indeed walking in step with our Savior. This is not a call to self-condemnation, but to self-awareness. It is a call to recognize our shortcomings, to repent of our sins, and to realign our lives with the teachings of Christ.

The first aspect of this self-scrutiny involves an honest assessment of our spiritual condition. Are we living in accordance with God's Word? Are we walking in obedience to His commands? Are we exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives? These are questions that require deep introspection and honest answers. They require us to strip away the veneer of religiosity and confront the reality of our spiritual state.

The second aspect of this self-scrutiny involves a recognition of our sins. Sin is not a popular topic in today's culture. It is often dismissed as an outdated concept, a relic of a bygone era. Yet, the Bible makes it clear that sin is a reality that we must confront. It is a barrier that separates us from God and hinders our spiritual growth. Recognizing our sins is the first step towards repentance and reconciliation with God.

The third aspect of this self-scrutiny involves a commitment to change. Recognizing our sins is not enough. We must also be willing to turn away from them, to make a conscious decision to live in obedience to God's Word. This is not a one-time decision, but a daily commitment. It is a commitment that requires discipline, perseverance, and reliance on God's grace.

The fourth aspect of this self-scrutiny involves a reliance on God's grace. We cannot change our spiritual condition on our own. We cannot overcome our sins by sheer willpower. We need God's grace, His unmerited favor, to transform us from the inside out. It is His grace that empowers us to live in obedience to His Word, to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, and to grow in our relationship with Him.

As we embark on this Lenten season, let us heed the call of the Apostle Paul to examine ourselves. Let us confront our sins, commit to change, and rely on God's grace. Let us remember that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from our Savior. He is the source of our strength, the enabler of our spiritual vitality.

Strengthening our Stride with the Savior

As we navigate the path of faith, we find ourselves in the company of our Savior ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO