Try Your Own Selves
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesSUBJECT: Christian Sobriety
TITLE: TRY YOUR OWN SELVES
PROPOSITION: To set forth an exposition of 2 Corinthians 13:5.
OBJECTIVE:That we try and prove our own Christianity.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: 2 Corinthians 13:5.
2. Regarding the text:
1) Second letter.
2) Third visit planned.
3) Severity, if needed will be meted out to impenitent offenders.
4) Individual responsibility demanded by God.
5) The importance of Christian character.
3. Reference to Subject, Title, Proposition and Objective.
DISCUSSION; In this verse we have –
I. DEMAND.
1. Truth in all our endeavors!
1) Math, 1+1=2;
2) Chemistry, (HC1)2 + Z2 = H2 + Z2C12.
3) The Bible: some say, “Don’t question God” but God said we are to question everything and gave us the example in Habakkuk.
2. peiradzete = the old “trial by ordeal.” This word has both good and bad usages: (1) Good – John 6:5-6; (2) Bad – Matthew 16:1.
3. Above all, God expects every individual on earth to put self on trial.
II. DOCTRINE.
1. The proper location, “in.”
1) John 3:14-15.
2) Galatians 5:6.
2. The test must be according to “the FAITH.”
1) Denominationalism, built on feelings, can not stand the test of “the FAITH.”
2) Trust in feelings is a rejection of correct thinking and God’s word:
a. Proverbs 28:26;
b. Proverbs 14:12;
c. Proverbs 16:25;
d. 1 Peter 3:15.
3) Like our brethren in the first century, we must give a “Thus saith the Lord,” “book, chapter and verse,” for all we believe and do: 2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 3:17.
3. Can’t people have different interpretations?
1) Does truth change?
2) John 17:17.
3) 1 Corinthians 1:10.
4) Philippians 1:1-5.
III. DOCUMENT.
1. dokimadzete – when one is tested according to a standard, then objective verification or proof can be shown, demonstrated.
2. John 8:32.
3. John 17:17.
IV. DEPENDABILITY.
1. Believing a lie has the same effect as believing a truth: Genesis 37:29-35; and can prevent accepting that truth, Genesis 45:26.
2. Individual responsibility and accountability: Ezekiel 18:1-4; Ezekiel 18:20; 2 Corinthians 5:10.
CONCLUSION:
1. In this verse we have:
1) DEMAND;
2) DOCTRINE;
3) DOCUMENT; and
4) DEPENDABILITY.
2. Let us, each of us, try and prove our own selves by God’s standard.