Nigel Lee emphasizes the importance of spiritual integrity and discernment in 'The Sermon on the Mount (4)', urging believers to examine their own lives before judging others. He highlights the necessity of seeking God's kingdom first and warns against the dangers of a critical spirit, encouraging self-reflection and personal accountability. Lee also discusses the significance of building one's life on the solid foundation of God's Word, contrasting it with the futility of a life built on sand. The sermon concludes with a call to action, reminding listeners that true faith is demonstrated through obedience and the fruits of one's life. Lee's message challenges the congregation to make conscious choices in their spiritual journey.

Shane Idleman preaches on the significance of self-examination and the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our own hearts and motives. He draws parallels between the Passover and Jesus as the ultimate Passover lamb, highlighting the power of the blood for redemption. Idleman encourages believers to not only serve but also to worship, warning against the dangers of being too busy for God. He stresses the need for genuine repentance and the importance of examining oneself before partaking in communion, reminding the congregation that true faith produces genuine fruit in their lives.

Charles Finney emphasizes the critical importance of self-examination in understanding one's true character in the faith, urging believers to actively assess their moral standing before God. He outlines the necessity of this requirement for personal peace, honesty in faith, and effective service to others, arguing that uncertainty about one's spiritual state hinders both personal growth and outreach. Finney asserts that self-examination is not only possible but essential, providing practical steps for believers to engage in this process, including focusing on the realities of sin, their relationship with God, and their feelings towards others. He warns against the dangers of self-deception and encourages believers to actively engage with their faith and the world around them to gain clarity about their spiritual condition.

Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of breaking up the fallow ground of our hearts to prepare for a revival within the Church. He explains that fallow ground represents hearts that have become hardened and unproductive, and that true revival requires self-examination and a deep, honest confession of sins. Finney outlines practical steps for individuals to reflect on their spiritual state, confront their sins, and cultivate a heart receptive to God's Word. He warns that without this internal work, preaching and religious activities will be ineffective, leading to a fruitless faith. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to this transformative process to experience genuine revival and spiritual awakening.

J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for self-examination among believers, urging them to reflect on their spiritual state in light of the abundant privileges and dangers present in their age. He challenges his audience to consider their relationship with God, the authenticity of their faith, and their engagement with the means of grace. Ryle warns against mere outward religious practices devoid of true heart transformation and encourages a deep, personal connection with Christ. He concludes by calling for a readiness for Christ's return, reminding listeners that genuine faith must be active and fruitful.

J.C. Ryle emphasizes the necessity of self-inquiry in the Christian life, urging believers to reflect on their spiritual state and relationship with God. He draws from Acts 15:36, where Paul proposes to revisit the churches to assess their faith and growth. Ryle highlights the abundance of spiritual privileges in the present age, yet warns of the dangers of mere outward profession without true heart-religion. He challenges readers to consider their thoughts, actions, and the authenticity of their faith, ultimately calling for a deeper communion with Christ and readiness for His return.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the significance of humility in the Christian life, urging believers to examine themselves rather than others. He highlights that true discipleship requires a mindset like Christ's, characterized by meekness and lowliness. Waldvogel warns against the dangers of pride and self-seeking, advocating for a transformation of the mind through Christ. He illustrates that embracing humility leads to spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with God, ultimately allowing believers to reflect Christ's glory through their actions. The sermon calls for a radical shift in perspective, where the challenges and criticisms faced are seen as opportunities for growth in humility.

Harry Ironside emphasizes that the primary theme of the Book of Job is repentance, rather than the question of why the righteous suffer. He illustrates how Job, a man of great integrity, ultimately comes to recognize his own sinfulness and need for repentance, culminating in his declaration of self-abhorence and humility before God. Ironside contrasts Job's journey with other biblical figures, highlighting that even the most righteous among us must confront the evil within and seek God's mercy. The sermon underscores that true repentance is essential for all, regardless of one's perceived righteousness, and is a work of the Holy Spirit leading to self-judgment and blessing.

F.B. Meyer delivers a poignant sermon on the dangers of despising one's spiritual birthright, using the examples of Esau and Saul to illustrate how yielding to temptation and partial obedience can lead to being cast away from God's service. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination and the need for believers to confront their appetites and hidden sins that may hinder their relationship with God. Meyer urges the congregation to seek God's forgiveness and restoration, warning that even those in ministry can become castaways if they do not fully surrender to God's will. He calls for a deep introspection to ensure that one's life is not choked by unconfessed sin, which can block the flow of God's grace. Ultimately, Meyer encourages a return to fervent prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit to avoid the fate of being a castaway.

J. Edwin Orr emphasizes the necessity of self-examination and surrender to God, urging believers to invite the Lord to search their hearts and cleanse them from sin. He highlights the transformative power of God's love and the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to ignite a revival within. Orr calls for a deep desire to magnify God's name and a commitment to live wholly for Him, acknowledging that true revival begins in the individual heart.

Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of inviting God to search our hearts, especially during times of spiritual darkness, insensibility, or guilt. He outlines various conditions under which this prayer is particularly relevant, such as feeling distant from God or lacking the spirit of prayer. Finney warns against self-deception and the dangers of justifying one's actions through false standards, urging believers to seek divine illumination to uncover hidden sins. He concludes by encouraging persistent prayer and self-examination, reminding the congregation that true spiritual awakening requires a willingness to confront and confess one's shortcomings.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity for Christians to pause their religious activities and engage in deep self-examination, urging believers to search their hearts and confront any wickedness within. He highlights the current state of the Church, noting a lack of reverence and spiritual power, and calls for a period of silence to prepare for a divine outpouring. Tozer prays for church leaders to encourage this introspective time, recognizing that constant activity can hinder true spiritual growth and connection with God.

Charles Finney addresses the concept of 'Legal Religion,' emphasizing the distinction between true love for God and a self-serving approach to faith. He categorizes religious individuals into three classes, focusing on those motivated by self-love, who treat religion as a secondary concern and perform duties out of obligation rather than genuine affection. Finney critiques this mindset, highlighting that such individuals often prioritize their own salvation over the salvation of others, lack true joy in spiritual practices, and are more concerned with avoiding punishment than with the honor of God. He calls for self-examination among believers to determine their true motivations in faith and urges them to embrace a more genuine, selfless approach to their relationship with God.

John Nelson Darby emphasizes the importance of self-examination in the Christian faith, as Paul instructs the Corinthians to assess their spiritual state and the authenticity of their faith. He contrasts the power of Christ that enables believers to overcome sin with the dangers of reprobation, urging the congregation to recognize their reliance on Christ rather than their own merits. Darby highlights that true peace comes from faith in Jesus, not from self-assessment, and encourages believers to seek completeness in their spiritual journey. He also notes the significance of the titles used for Jesus and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of self-judgment for spiritual growth, asserting that a Christian's progress is directly linked to their ability to critically assess themselves. He references Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 11:31, highlighting that self-judgment can help us avoid God's critical judgment. Tozer argues that without a humble, self-critical spirit, practice alone will not lead to perfection but rather reinforce our faults. He encourages a learner's attitude of humility and willingness to be corrected, which opens the mind to improvement.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the hard-heartedness of the Pharisees, illustrating that their outward honor of God is superficial as their hearts are distant from Him. He compares the heart of a Pharisee to butter in a freezer, becoming hard and unyielding due to their separation from God, who is the source of softness and compassion. Poonen points out that those who are hard on others often reflect their own distance from God, while true followers of Christ judge themselves rather than others. He also highlights the hypocrisy of Pharisees, who impose strict rules on others but show leniency towards their own families. The sermon calls for personal convictions without imposing them on others, urging believers to maintain a soft heart through closeness to God.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of self-examination in the Christian faith, urging believers to scrutinize their spiritual growth and relationship with God. He encourages individuals to assess whether they are becoming more loving, righteous, and eager for Jesus, while also warning against apathy and bitterness. Wilkerson highlights that a true desire for spiritual growth, marked by a thirst for righteousness, indicates that one is growing in faith. He reassures listeners that God is actively working in their lives, even during difficult times, to help them develop spiritually. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt plea to the Holy Spirit for guidance and growth in faith.

Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of self-examination for Christians to understand their true moral character in the eyes of God. He argues that uncertainty about one's spiritual state leads to a lack of peace and that individuals must actively engage with their faith to discern their standing as either saints or sinners. Finney warns against the dangers of self-deception and the importance of focusing on God and His standards to gain clarity about one's feelings towards sin and salvation. He encourages believers to take action in their faith rather than waiting for feelings to come, asserting that true emotions arise from engaging with the realities of faith and the world around them.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the critical need for self-examination of our souls, warning against the dangers of self-deception as illustrated by a young man who believed he was healthy despite his terminal condition. He draws parallels between physical ailments and spiritual health, urging the congregation to assess their relationship with God and the state of their souls. Waldvogel highlights the importance of repairing the broken altar in our hearts, as Elijah did, to restore our connection with God. He reminds us that true healing and understanding of our spiritual condition come from the discernment of Christ, who knows our hearts. The sermon calls for a sincere commitment to God, urging believers to not wait until it's too late to seek Him.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the danger of drifting away from Christ, warning that spiritual neglect and apathy can lead to a loss of communion with God. He highlights the importance of not just reading the Bible for quantity but for understanding and meditation, urging believers to heed the warnings of Scripture. Wilkerson encourages self-examination and diligence in maintaining a strong relationship with Christ, reminding us that we are partakers of His grace as long as we remain steadfast in our faith. He calls for a spiritual inventory to assess our walk with Jesus and to guard against complacency. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a wake-up call to remain vigilant in our faith and relationship with God.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dangers of self-assurance and pride, illustrating how individuals can become blinded by their own qualifications and achievements, leading to a hardened heart and spiritual stagnation. He warns that when one believes they are above reproach, they risk losing touch with humility and the transformative power of the cross. Tozer urges listeners to reflect on their past and the sacrifice of Jesus, suggesting that true self-examination will reveal the need for repentance and reliance on God's grace.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of honesty in all aspects of life, particularly in business and moral judgments, urging Christians to examine their scales and balances. He points out that while we may accurately measure physical weights, we often distort our perceptions of our own and others' virtues, trials, and responsibilities. Spurgeon challenges believers to ensure that their evaluations of afflictions and obligations align with God's standards, warning against the dangers of unjust measures in spiritual matters. He calls for self-examination to root out any unfair scales that may exist in our lives, reminding us that true justice should prevail in our hearts. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to uphold integrity in all dealings, both earthly and spiritual.

Art Katz emphasizes the importance of self-examination and critiquing within the church to foster deeper understanding and growth. He argues that a godly critique can lead to healthier relationships, stronger fellowship, and more effective service to God. Katz encourages congregations to assess their church life critically, asking vital questions about the condition of their fellowship, the effectiveness of sermons, and the overall responsiveness of the community. He highlights the need for a deeper engagement with the Cross and a willingness to embrace the tensions of faith rather than seeking mere convenience. Ultimately, this process of examination can lead to a richer spiritual life and a more profound experience of God's presence.

Zac Poonen warns about the spiritual decline seen in the five backslidden messengers and churches of Revelation 2 and 3. He highlights the loss of first love in Ephesus, the creeping worldliness in Pergamum, the rampant hypocrisy in Sardis, and the complete decay in Laodicea. Each church reflects a downward trend where complacency and pride blind the messengers to their spiritual condition. Poonen emphasizes the need for self-examination and discipline among church leaders to maintain their anointing and purity. He reminds that no one is beyond correction and that true leadership begins with personal accountability to God.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of self-judgment and the need for divine guidance in forming opinions about others, warning against the dangers of critical and unfounded judgments. He encourages believers to seek God's insight into their own hearts before judging others, highlighting the necessity of prayer and the pursuit of truth. Meyer also reminds us of the power of asking God for good gifts, particularly the Holy Spirit, and urges the adoption of the Golden Rule as a guiding principle in our interactions with others.