The concept of examination in the Bible encompasses both self-examination and the examination of others, often with the aim of spiritual growth, discernment, and alignment with God's will. This practice is deeply rooted in Scripture and is essential for maintaining a life that is pleasing to God.

Self-Examination

Self-examination is a recurring theme in the Bible, urging believers to introspect and evaluate their spiritual condition. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, the Apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthian church, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?" . This call to self-examination is not merely for self-awareness but is intended to ensure that one's faith is genuine and active.

The practice of self-examination is also evident in the Psalms. David, a man after God's own heart, frequently sought God's help in examining his own life. In Psalm 139:23-24, he prays, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" . This prayer reflects a desire for God to reveal hidden sins and to guide the believer towards righteousness.

Examination of Others

The Bible also speaks to the examination of others, particularly within the context of church leadership and community. In 1 Timothy 3:10, Paul instructs that deacons "must also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach" . This examination ensures that those in positions of authority are spiritually mature and capable of leading others.

Moreover, the Bereans are commended in Acts 17:11 for their diligent examination of the Scriptures: "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true" . This example highlights the importance of examining teachings and doctrines to safeguard against false teachings and to uphold the truth of God's Word.

Discernment and Judgment

Examination is closely linked to discernment, a spiritual gift that enables believers to distinguish between truth and error. In 1 John 4:1, believers are warned, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" . This testing is crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and protecting the church from deception.

While examination involves judgment, it is important to note that it should be conducted with humility and love. Jesus cautions against hypocritical judgment in Matthew 7:1-5, urging believers to first remove the plank from their own eye before addressing the speck in their brother's eye. This teaching underscores the need for self-examination before examining others, ensuring that judgment is fair and constructive.

Communion and Examination

The practice of examination is also integral to the observance of the Lord's Supper. In 1 Corinthians 11:28, Paul instructs, "Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup" . This self-examination is a solemn reminder of the need to approach the sacrament with reverence and a clear conscience, acknowledging the sacrifice of Christ and the unity of the body of believers.

In summary, the role of examination in the Bible is multifaceted, serving as a tool for personal growth, community integrity, and doctrinal purity. It is a practice that requires humility, discernment, and a commitment to living according to God's standards.