Author unknow, but inspired by God
Jared found these questions in his bible from the 90’s. We both enjoyed reading over these questions to examine our own hearts. We hope this would help you as well!
Examples of Sin & Transgression
- Have we forgiven everyone? Is there any malice, spite, hatred or enmity in our hearts? Do we cherish grudges; and have we refused to be reconciled?
- Do we get angry? Are there any uprisings within? Is it true that we still lose our temper? Does wrath hold us at times in its grip?
- Is there any feeling of jealousy? When another is preferred before us, does it make us envious and uncomfortable? Do we get jealous of those who can pray, speak and do things better than we can?
- Do we get impatient and irritated? Do little things vex and annoy? Or are we sweet, calm and unruffled under all circumstances?
- Are we offended easily? When people fail to notice us and pass by without speaking, does it hurt?If others are made much of and we are neglected, how do we feel about it?
- Is there any pride in our hearts? Are we puffed up? Do we think a great deal of our own position and attainments?
- Have we been dishonest? Is our business open and above reproach? Do we give a yard for a yard and a pound for a pound?
- Have we been gossiping about people? Do we slander the characters of others? Are we talebearers and busybodies?
- Do we criticize unlovingly, harshly, severely? Are we always finding fault and looking for the flaw in others?
- Do we rob God? Have we stolen time that belongs to Him? Has our money been withheld?
- Are we worldly? Do we love the glitter, the pomp, and the show of this life?
- Have we stolen? Do we take little things that do not belong to us?
- Do we harbor a spirit of bitterness towards others? Is there hatred in our hearts?
- Are our lives filled with lightness and frivolity? Is our conduct unseemly? Would the world by our actions consider us on its side?
- Have we wronged anyone and failed to make restitution? Or, has the spirit of Zacchaeus possessed us? Have we restored the many little things that God has shown us?
- Are we worried or anxious? Do we fail to trust God for our temporal and spiritual needs? Are we continually crossing bridges before we come to them?
- Are we guilty of lustful thoughts? Do we allow our minds to harbor impure and unholy imaginations?
- Are we true in our statements, or do we exaggerate and thus convey false impressions? Have we lied?
- Are we guilty of the sin of unbelief? In spite of all He has done for us, do we still refuse to believe the promises of His Word?
- Have we committed the sin of prayerlessness? Are we intercessors? Do we pray? How much time are we spending on our knees? Have we crowded prayer out of our lives?
- Are we neglecting God’s Word? How many chapters do we read each day? Are we Bible students? Do we draw our source of supply from the Scriptures?
- Have we failed to confess Christ openly? Are we ashamed of Jesus? Do we keep our mouths closed when we are surrounded by worldly people? Are we witnessing daily?
- Are we burdened for the salvation of souls? Have we a love for the lost? Is there any compassion in our hearts for those who are perishing?
If you see some area of your heart and life where you are falling short, don’t lose heart. Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more! (Romans 5:20) Repent and rest in His grace, as you actively turn from your sin.
I’d also like to add that I’m encouraged by your humility and honesty. I hope you will find encouragement in these few scriptures!
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. 26Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. 27No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Isaiah 41:9-10; 13
9I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
13For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.
Navigate
Whoever this author was that wrote down those questions was indeed inspired by God. They are questions that only make me examine my heart more for sins and being open and honest before God. Indeed the scriptures at the end were very encouraging, especially Isaiah 41:9-10 and specifically Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” This was the verse I’ve seen yesterday on my Bible app which was also the verse of the Day for 30 Jan 2023.
I was going to screenshot it but I didn’t even though I had a feeling I should’ve. The reason for this scripture was because it relates to what I was facing in the trials of last year and this new season of this year. Also all the stumbling, failures and coming short of God’s glory on my part and which I come to the Lord with great cries and sorrows and trusting for His grace to overcome these things in my life which only intensified since taking my faith in Him seriously in my life back in 2019.
Thus, despite my shortcomings I seek the Lord’s mercy with lowliness like servant/slave girl watches for her mistress.
“We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.”
Psalms 123:2 NLT
A timely post and which I continually thank the Lord for and that He is still watching and in control of all things whether heaven or earth.
God bless you my brother and sister in Christ.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover somebody who genuinely knows what they are talking about over the internet. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. I cant believe you arent more popular because you surely possess the gift.
Thank you for the comment, it is very encouraging to know that you are blessed by the work that the Lord has done through us.
A quick story – this leaflet remained in my bible for 25+ years and profited me very little. I knew it was there and occasionally would come across it when flipping through in church. I would glance at it and read it from time to time, and I still to this day remember the feeling of wanting to avoid what it said because some of those sins were remaining in my life unconfessed and unrepented of. I would feel defeated for a moment and try to get my mind off of the feelings of remorse and conviction. I didn’t know at that time that I could be FREE from those feelings, and FREE from the power of sin controlling my life! The Lord Jesus came for this purposes: to save us from sin (Matt. 1:21). This applies to all of the words of the bible as well; we can try to ignore and avoid them, but heaven and earth will pass away and they will still be there speaking to us by the Holy Spirit drawing us to confront sin, know the Lord Jesus, and be reconciled in our relationship with our Father in Heaven. There is nothing more important this day than to get out of sin and stay close with the Lord.
God bless you and have a wonderful day today in Jesus’ name! -Jared