self-examination questions

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SELF-EXAMINATION QUESTIONS Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13) On Sunday, September 22 (2013), The Bridge sought to define sin and ask some simple questions about possible sins that might be residing in our own lives. Our goal was not to make people feel bad, but rather expose how easy it is for us to tolerate, justify or rationalize sin in our lives. Often we simply grow numb to the damaging effect that sin is having upon us. But rather than being “too soft” on ourselves or watering down God’s standards, it is our desire as Christfollowers to agree with God about how evil and utterly “sinful” sin is. So we need to ask some honest, penetrating, self-examination questions in order to flush sin out from hiding in our lives, confess it to God, evict it, receive God’s cleansing and forgiveness, and walk in righteousness. DEFINITION OF SIN  Any offence or fault; any act contrary to the expressed will of God; any failure to live up to God’s perfect laws (whether by sins of commission or omission); to miss the mark in thought, word or deed GENERAL CATEGORIES OF SIN (Not Exhaustive) idolatry misusing God’s name neglecting spiritual development lying cheating stealing gossip sexual immorality lust jealousy hatred unforgiveness pride indifference malice selfish ambition greed explosive anger/rage violent behavior foul language discord lack of self control divisive spirit critical spirit slander occultic practices compulsive behavior self-destructive habits etc. DIGGING DEEPER / SELF-EXAMINATION QUESTIONS What about my relationships with other people?  Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am a better person than I really am?  Is there the least suspicion of hypocrisy in my life?  Am I honest in all my words and acts?  Do I exaggerate?  Am I reliable?  Can I be trusted?  Do I confidentially pass on what was told to me in confidence?  Do I grumble and complain… about my life, family, church or country?  Am I jealous?  Am I impure in my thoughts, words or joking?  Am I irritable?  Am I touchy?  Am I self-conscious, self-pitying or self-justifying?  Am I proud?  Do I thank God I am not as other people?  Have I allowed bitterness to take root in my heart?  Is there anyone I fear, dislike, criticize or resent? If so, what am I doing about it? 1

What about my devotion to God?  Does the Bible live to me?  Do I give it time to speak to me?  Do I go to bed in time and do I get up in time?  Am I enjoying my prayer life today?  Did I enjoy it today?  When I am involved in a problem in life, do I use my tongue or my knees about it?  Am I disobeying God in anything, or insisting upon doing something about which my conscience is very uneasy?  When did I last speak to someone else with the object of trying to win him/her for Christ?  Am I a slave to books, dress, friends, music, money, work, convention, TV or social media?  How do I spend my spare time? If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

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