Practical Religion - Self-Inquiry
J.C. Ryle urges believers to engage in honest self-inquiry to assess their spiritual growth and steadfastness in faith.
In this devotional sermon, J.C. Ryle calls believers to a heartfelt self-examination inspired by the Apostle Paul's example of revisiting churches to assess their spiritual health. He challenges listeners to honestly evaluate their faithfulness, growth, and perseverance in the Christian life. Emphasizing the unique spiritual opportunities of the modern age, Ryle encourages believers to make the most of their privileges by regularly reflecting on their relationship with God.
Text
\"Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.\" (Acts 15:36).
The text which heads this page contains a proposal which the Apostle Paul made to Barnabas after their first missionary journey. He proposed to revisit the Churches they had been the means of founding, and to see how the were getting on. Were their members continuing steadfast in the faith? Were they growing in grace? Were they going forward, or standing still? Were they prospering, or falling away? \"Let us go again and visit our brethren in see how they do.\"
This was a wise and useful proposal. Let us lay it to heart, and apply it to ourselves in the nineteenth century. Let us search our ways, and find out how matters stand between ourselves and God. Let us \"see how we do.\" I ask every reader of this volume to begin its perusal by joining me in self-inquiry. If ever self-inquiry about religion was needed, it is needed at the present day.
We live in an age of peculiar spiritual privileges. Since the world began there never was such an opportunity for a man\\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Paul's proposal to revisit churches
- Purpose: to check spiritual progress
- Application of this principle to personal faith
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II
- The importance of self-inquiry in religion
- Questions to assess spiritual health
- Necessity of self-examination in modern times
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III
- The unique spiritual privileges of the present age
- The opportunity for growth never before seen
- The urgency of using these privileges wisely
Key Quotes
“Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.” — J.C. Ryle
“Let us search our ways, and find out how matters stand between ourselves and God.” — J.C. Ryle
“If ever self-inquiry about religion was needed, it is needed at the present day.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Regularly assess your spiritual progress by asking honest questions about your faith and growth.
- Embrace the unique spiritual opportunities of your time to deepen your relationship with God.
- Commit to steadfastness in faith by reflecting on your spiritual condition and making necessary changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main biblical example used in the sermon?
The Apostle Paul's proposal to Barnabas to revisit the churches they founded, as recorded in Acts 15:36.
Why does J.C. Ryle emphasize self-inquiry?
Because it helps believers honestly assess their spiritual condition and growth in faith.
What questions should believers ask themselves according to the sermon?
Are they steadfast in faith, growing in grace, progressing or standing still, prospering or falling away?
Why is self-examination especially important today?
Because we live in an age of unprecedented spiritual privileges and opportunities for growth.