Introduction

• Our eternity depends on the level at which we examine ourselves.
• Judas was called to be an apostle, but we don’t know his origin story.
• Paul’s life had the opposite direction to Judas’ life.

I Corinthians 9:27

• Paul disciplined himself.

Matthew 26:20-26

• Some translations render this to indicate that Judas was already betraying Jesus.

Honest and detailed self-examination

Acknowledge that we might be wrong

• I Corinthians 10:12
• II Peter 3:17-18 – “be on your guard”

Critically examine specific aspects of our life

• It’s easy to look at the surface only and think we are great. We must look more deeply than that.
• II Corinthians 13:5 – “test yourselves;” “examine yourselves!”
• Luke 18:11 – Don’t be arrogant like the Pharisee here!
• Galatians 6:3-5 – Don’t think you are something when you are nothing.

Look for the warning signs

• An unbelieving heart
  • Hebrews 3:12-14
• A “root” of sin
  • Hebrews 12:14-17; James 1:14-16
  • Fix sin before it gets to be a bigger problem!
• Decreased love
  • Revelation 2:4-5 – Remember how zealous you once were!