Four Diagnostic Tests

Communion Sunday
Four Diagnostic Tests
1 Corinthians 11:28 & Psalm 139:23-24

(To download and print blank sermon notes to complete while you listen, click HERE.)

“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23–24)

The Four Tests

1. The Time Test

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15–16, ESV)

I have enough time to do all that God wants me to do. I do not have enough time to do all that I Want to do or that others Expect me to do!

When I give my life to Christ, I am really giving my time to Him!

2. The Treasure Test

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

The way that I use my treasure reflects my heart’s True value system.

My use of the treasure entrusted to me Reflects my heart and Directs my heart

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;” (Proverbs 3:9)

Stewardship is the use of God-given resources for the accomplishment of God-given goals.

3. The Thought Test

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7, KJV)

The thoughts that I choose to Dwell on reveal much about the true condition of my heart!

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

• Input determines Output

4. The Talk Test

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34–37)

What my heart is full of, my mouth will Easily talk about.

Interpreting The Tests Results

• Am I truly Connected to Jesus Christ?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:17–21)

• Is there any sin I need to Confess?

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

• Is there any course Correction that needs to take place?

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5a)

Making It Personal

As I prepare to take the Bread and the Cup today, I…