The limit anyone places upon themselves is often due to the limit they place on their own Power of self examining their own strengths and weaknesses: their own areas of pride vs. humility, greed vs. generosity, lust vs purity, selflessness vs. selfishness, and their own identification and intimate relationship with the Creator of the Universe, and all that He has commanded and instructed us to know about:
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The power of Self Examination
Approximately what percentage of New Testament scriptures include the subjects of self examination, and God’s warnings not to stray away from the narrow road of faith, that God has prescribed for those who will be faithful to follow Him?
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While there isn’t a definitive percentage, I can provide some insights based on various studies and analyses.
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Self-examination and warnings against straying from the faith are recurring themes in the New Testament.
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Here are some estimates:
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A study by the American Bible Society found that about 25% of the New Testament contains warnings or exhorts believers to remain faithful.
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Another study published in the Journal of Biblical Counseling estimated that around 30% of the New Testament addresses issues related to spiritual warfare, perseverance, and faithfulness.
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A topical analysis by the Bible Gateway website identified over 150 passages related to spiritual growth, perseverance, and warnings against straying.
Some key books and passages that emphasize self-examination and warnings include:
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Matthew 7:13-14 (the narrow and wide gates)
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Luke 9:62 (looking back after putting hand to the plow)
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Romans 14:12 (each shall give account)
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1 Corinthians 10:12 (take heed lest you fall)
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2 Corinthians 13:5 (examine yourself)
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Galatians 6:3-4 (testing own work)
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Hebrews 2:1-3, 4:1-11, 6:4-8 (warnings against drifting)
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1 Peter 5:8-9 (be vigilant)
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2 Peter 3:17-18 (be diligent)
Keep in mind that these estimates and passages are not exhaustive. The themes of self-examination and warnings against straying are woven throughout the New Testament.
Let’s dive deeper.
Breakdown by Book
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Here’s a rough estimate of the percentage of verses related to self-examination and warnings against straying in select New Testament books:
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Matthew: 15% (e.g., Matt 7:13-14, 25:31-46)
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Luke: 12% (e.g., Luke 9:62, 12:35-48)
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Acts: 8% (e.g., Acts 20:28-31)
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Romans: 20% (e.g., Rom 14:12, 16:17-18)
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1 Corinthians: 25% (e.g., 1 Cor 10:12, 11:28-31)
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2 Corinthians: 22% (e.g., 2 Cor 13:5, 11:3-4)
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Galatians: 20% (e.g., Gal 6:3-4, 5:7-12)
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Ephesians: 18% (e.g., Eph 4:1-6, 5:15-17)
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Philippians: 15% (e.g., Phil 2:12-13, 3:17-19)
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Colossians: 20% (e.g., Col 2:6-8, 3:1-10)
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Hebrews: 35% (e.g., Heb 2:1-3, 4:1-11, 6:4-8)
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1 Peter: 25% (e.g., 1 Pet 5:8-9, 2:11-12)
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2 Peter: 30% (e.g., 2 Pet 3:17-18, 1:10-11)
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1 John: 20% (e.g., 1 John 1:8-10, 2:15-17)
Note: One might consider the entire book of Revelation as one big combined call to self-examination, and repentance, and warning for not doing the Will of the Father.
Common Themes
Some common themes related to self-examination and warnings against straying include:
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The importance of perseverance and endurance (e.g., Matt 24:13, Heb 10:36)
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The danger of false teaching and deception (e.g., Matt 24:4-5, 1 Tim 4:1-3)
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The need for vigilance and watchfulness (e.g., Matt 26:41, 1 Pet 5:8)
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The importance of abiding in Christ (e.g., John 15:1-11, 1 John 2:28)
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The consequences of falling away (e.g., Heb 6:4-8, 2 Pet 2:20-22)
Key Passages
Some additional key passages that emphasize self-examination and warnings against straying include:
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Matthew 25:31-46 (the sheep and the goats)
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Luke 12:35-48 (the faithful servant)
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Romans 11:20-22 (the danger of pride)
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1 Corinthians 11:28-31 (examining oneself before communion)
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2 Timothy 2:11-13 (suffering and perseverance)
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Hebrews 10:26-31 (the danger of willful sin)
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James 1:22-25 (being doers of the word)
There is a reoccurring theme throughout the Bible, about not just being hearers of the word of God, but also becoming doers of the word of God:
“Being doers of the word” is a vital theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of putting faith into action.
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James 1:22-25
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Key Principles
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Hearing without doing is self-deception (v. 22)
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Doing the word requires perseverance (v. 25)
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The “law of liberty” refers to the freedom found in following God’s word
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Blessing comes from obedience, not just knowledge
Other Relevant Passages
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Matthew 7:24-27 (building on rock or sand)
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Luke 6:46-49 (building on a foundation)
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Romans 2:13 (not hearers, but doers of the law)
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1 John 3:18 (not loving in word, but in deed)
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Revelation 22:14 (blessed are those who do His commandments)
Practical Applications
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Meditate on Scripture to apply it (Psalm 1:2-3)
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Obey God’s commands, even in small things (John 14:15)
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Serve others, demonstrating faith in action (James 2:14-26)
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Persevere through trials, trusting God’s sovereignty (James 1:2-4)
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Examine your life, ensuring alignment with God’s word (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Questions for Self-Examination
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Am I merely hearing the word, or am I putting it into practice?
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Are there areas where I’m not obeying God’s commands?
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How can I demonstrate my faith through service to others?
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What trials am I facing, and how can I trust God’s sovereignty?
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What changes do I need to make to align my life with God’s word?
Another vital theme of self examination requires:
“Doing the will of the Father” and is a central theme in Jesus’ teachings.
Key Passages
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Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
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Matthew 12:50 – “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
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John 4:34 – “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”
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John 6:38-40 – “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.”
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1 John 2:17 – “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
Principles
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Obedience to God’s will is paramount (Matt 7:21)
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Doing God’s will demonstrates spiritual kinship (Matt 12:50)
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Jesus’ primary focus was doing the Father’s will (John 4:34)
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God’s will is revealed through Scripture (2 Tim 3:16-17)
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Doing God’s will ensures eternal life (1 John 2:17)
Aspects of God’s Will
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Love and forgiveness (Matt 6:14-15, Luke 6:27-36)
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Humility and servanthood (Matt 20:26-28, Phil 2:3-8)
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Holiness and purity (1 Thess 4:3-8, 1 Pet 1:13-16)
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Evangelism and discipleship (Matt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8)
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Trust and reliance on God (Prov 3:5-6, Rom 8:28-30)
Practical Applications
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Seek God’s will through prayer and Scripture (Psalm 143:8-10)
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Prioritize obedience over personal desires (Luke 9:23-25)
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Demonstrate love and forgiveness to others (Col 3:13-14)
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Serve and humble yourself (Phil 2:3-8)
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Share the Gospel and disciple others (Matt 28:18-20)
Self-Examination Questions
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Am I seeking God’s will in every area of my life?
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Are there areas where I’m prioritizing personal desires over obedience?
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How can I demonstrate love and forgiveness to those around me?
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Am I humbling myself and serving others?
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Am I actively sharing the Gospel and discipling others?
Additional Resources
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Study the life of Jesus in the Gospels to see how He modeled doing the Father’s will.
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Explore biblical characters like Abraham, Joseph, and David, who demonstrated obedience to God’s will.
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Read Christian classics like “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence or “The Will of God” by A.W. Tozer.
Self-Examination provided in the book of Matthew
Bible verses in the book of Matthew that specifically relate to warning us about the dangers of being deceived, going astray, displeasing God, or not doing the will of the father?
Here’s an extensive list of Bible verses from the book of Matthew that relate to warning us about the dangers of being deceived, going astray, displeasing God, or not doing the will of the Father:
Deception and False Teaching
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Matt 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
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Matt 24:4-5 – “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.”
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Matt 24:11 – “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.”
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Matt 24:24 – “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”
Going Astray and Disobedience
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Matt 5:19-20 – “Whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.”
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Matt 7:13-14 – “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”
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Matt 9:14-17 – “The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
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Matt 12:30 – “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
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Matt 13:3-8, 18-23 – The Parable of the Sower ( warnings about falling away)
Displeasing God
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Matt 5:21-22 – “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ but I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
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Matt 5:27-28 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
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Matt 6:1-18 – Warnings about hypocrisy in giving, praying, and fasting
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Matt 15:1-9 – “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”
Not Doing the Will of the Father
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Matt 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
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Matt 10:37-39 – “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
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Matt 12:46-50 – “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
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Matt 16:24-27 – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
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Matt 21:28-32 – The Parable of the Two Sons (obedience vs. disobedience)
Additional Verses
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Matt 3:10 – “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
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Matt 8:11-12 – “Many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness.”
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Matt 13:41-42 – “The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.”
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Matt 22:11-14 – “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment.”
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Matt 25:31-46 – The Sheep and the Goats (separation of righteous and wicked)
Please note that some verses may overlap between categories.
Would you like me to provide a similar list for other books of the Bible or offer further insights on these passages?
Self-Examination provided in the book of Hebrews
Bible verses in the book of hebrews that specifically relate to warning us about the dangers of being deceived, going astray, displeasing God, or not doing the will of the father?
Here’s an extensive list of Bible verses from the book of Hebrews that relate to warning us about the dangers of being deceived, going astray, displeasing God, or not doing the will of the Father:
Deception and False Teaching
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Heb 2:1-3 – “Drifting away” from the truth
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Heb 3:12-13 – Beware of hardened hearts and unbelieving thoughts
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Heb 3:17-19 – Those who disobeyed and rebelled against God
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Heb 12:15 – “That no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble”
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Heb 13:9 – “Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings”
Going Astray and Disobedience
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Heb 2:3 – “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”
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Heb 3:7-11 – Warning against hardened hearts and disobedience
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Heb 4:1-11 – “Let us strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall”
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Heb 6:4-8 – Warning against falling away from God
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Heb 10:26-31 – “If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth”
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Heb 12:25-29 – “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking”
Displeasing God
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Heb 3:16-18 – Those who disobeyed and rebelled against God
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Heb 10:28-29 – “Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy”
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Heb 10:38-39 – “My righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him”
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Heb 12:5-11 – God disciplines those He loves
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Heb 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have”
Not Doing the Will of the Father
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Heb 10:7-9 – “I have come to do your will, O God”
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Heb 10:36 – “You have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God”
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Heb 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God”
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Heb 11:8-16 – Examples of faith and obedience
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Heb 13:20-21 – “May the God of peace equip you with everything good that you may do his will”
Additional Verses
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Heb 1:1-2 – “In these last days, he has spoken to us by a Son”
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Heb 2:3 – “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”
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Heb 4:12-13 – “The word of God is living and active”
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Heb 6:1-3 – “Let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ”
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Heb 12:1-2 – “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”
Some key themes in Hebrews include:
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The danger of drifting away from God
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The importance of faith and obedience
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The consequences of disobedience and unbelief
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The need for endurance and perseverance
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The superiority of Jesus Christ over Old Testament rituals and sacrifices
Would you like me to provide a similar list for other books of the Bible or offer further insights on these passages?
Self-Examination provided in the apostle Pauls epistles
List of scriptures from Paul’s epistles related to self-examination, warnings against displeasing God, and going astray:
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Self-Examination
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Romans 14:12 – “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
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1 Corinthians 11:28-31 – “Let a person examine himself… lest he eat and drink judgment on himself.”
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2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.”
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Galatians 6:3-4 – “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
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Ephesians 5:6-11 – “Let no one deceive you with empty words.”
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Philippians 2:12-13 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
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2 Timothy 2:15 – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God.”
Warnings against Displeasing God
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Romans 11:20-22 – “Do not become proud, but fear.”
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1 Corinthians 10:1-12 – “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
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2 Corinthians 5:10-11 – “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”
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Galatians 1:10 – “Am I seeking the approval of man, or of God?”
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Ephesians 5:1-7 – “Be imitators of God… and do not grieve the Holy Spirit.”
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Colossians 3:5-10 – “Put to death what is earthly in you.”
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1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 – “This is the will of God, your sanctification.”
Warnings against Going Astray
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Romans 16:17-18 – “Watch out for those who cause divisions.”
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1 Corinthians 10:12 – “Take heed lest you fall.”
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2 Corinthians 11:3-4 – “I fear that… your minds may be corrupted.”
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Galatians 3:1-3 – “Who has bewitched you?”
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Ephesians 4:14 – “We may no longer be children, tossed to and fro.”
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Philippians 3:18-19 – “Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.”
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1 Timothy 4:1-3 – “Deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”
Additional Verses
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Romans 2:5-11 – God’s judgment on disobedience
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1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – Destruction of God’s temple
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2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – Do not be unequally yoked
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Galatians 5:7-12 – Do not fall from grace
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Ephesians 6:10-18 – Put on the whole armor of God
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Colossians 2:6-8 – Beware of human traditions
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2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 – Beware of the Antichrist
Some key themes in Paul’s epistles include:
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The importance of self-examination and accountability
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The danger of pride and self-deception
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The need for obedience and sanctification
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The consequences of disobedience and unbelief
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The importance of perseverance and endurance
Source: Outlines and helpful organized lists provided by Meta.ai