Examine Yourself Specifically

Title: Examine Yourself Specifically

Text:

Series: Communion

Introduction:

Familiarity can lead us to dangerous oversights. (when we grow accustomed to a place, a people we can dangerously take certain realities for granted).

The Snake:

“The song tells the story of a kind and tender woman who finds a frozen snake on the ground on her way to work one morning. The snake begs the woman to take it home and take care of it. She obliges and takes the snake to her home and puts it by the fireplace with a silk blanket, some honey, and some milk. When she gets home from work later that evening, she finds that the snake is now warm and revived. Feeling happy for the snake's recovery, she picks it up and gives it a tight hug and kisses it on the head. However, the snake is actually vicious and gives the woman a bite, fatally poisoning her. She asks the snake why it bit her even though she took it in and cared for it, to which it responds: "Shut up silly woman! You knew d**n well I was a snake before you took me in!"

Do not be so familiar with this night, this passage that you dangerously overlook what you should be testing for specifically.

What‘s the point?

Our self-testing must be very specific!

What question is the Lord asking me this night?

(*) Have I sacrificially served a diverse church member at a recent gathering? (v. 29, )

Why should hear & answer this question?

(*) Because of what you are about to contemplate

- You are contemplating the betrayal of Jesus.

- You are contemplating Jesus giving his life for the disciples. (V. 23-25)

(*) You are contemplating that you’re in covenant with him and each other. (v. 25)

(*) Because of what you are about to demonstrate (preach)

(and your life should match your preaching (v. 26)

What are some specific ways I can pray tonight?

(1) Pray with humble trust upon the Savior (selfless, sacrifice of Christ).

(2) Pray with honest testing of your self

(3) Pray with heart-felt tenacity to sacrificially serve

We observe the Lord’s Table once per quarter, but we should live out the message of the Lord’s Table ceaselessly within the covenant.

Our self-testing must be very specific!

To what degree would you go for your brother/sister in Christ?

In April 2003 climber Aron Ralston entered Utah's Bluejohn Canyon only to become trapped when an 800-pound (360-kilogram) boulder shifted, crushed his hand, and pinned him to the canyon wall. For six days, Ralston struggled to free himself while warding off dehydration and hypothermia.

Trapped and facing certain death, Ralston chose a final option that later made him an international sensation: Using a multitool, the climber amputated his right hand, then rappelled to freedom.

Many of us would go to great lengths to not only save our own lives but to bring pleasure to our own lives. The question tonight though is what would you do for your fellow covenant member? What have you done?