Self-examination is a commanded duty that must precede partaking of the Passover. Paul says to examine yourself and then eat the bread and drink the cup, because unworthy partakers sin against Christ's body and blood and fall into weakness, sickness, and spiritual death (I Corinthians 11:27-30). The Greek dokimazo means to test, discern, and prove, implying scrutiny, investigation, searching, and correcting, so it is far more than a glance in a mirror and should become a way of life. Paul explains that if we judge ourselves, we will not be judged; when God judges, He chastens us out of love so that we are not condemned with the world (11:31-32). People who govern themselves by God's Word do not need to be governed, just as keeping the law brings no penalty. Paul likewise urges testing whether we are in the faith and whether Christ is in us, evidenced by the image of God in our behavior (II Corinthians 13:5-6). This requires diligence and brutal honesty, and it is hard because human nature flatters itself and carnality lies to us, which breaks the ninth commandment. Passion can become a person's standard and even his god. David stayed blind to his sin until Nathan said, "You are the man." Job forgot the gulf between himself and God, and Peter, seeing Christ's power, confessed he was a sinful man. Each saw himself in relation to God and was changed. We must therefore examine and humble ourselves so we partake worthily and avoid judgment.

Most of the judging God permits, and even requires, is judging for ourselves which way to go. Deuteronomy 30:19 commands us to choose life, and choosing requires discerning between righteousness and evil. Self-evaluation is necessary for studying God's Word for instruction in righteousness, for testing all things and holding fast what is good, and for imitating Christ. Paul examined himself and told the Corinthians to examine and prove themselves to see whether they are in the faith (II Corinthians 13:5). Yet he also said he did not judge himself, because salvation comes by grace through faith, not by our own favorable verdict on our conduct. Though he knew nothing against himself, that did not justify him, for the Lord is the one who judges. Stepping into Christ's place as Judge, even over ourselves, is beyond our authority. Our area of responsibility is like a line judge's assigned line: we judge our own way, discerning right from wrong and choosing the right, but we do not pass sentence. Our perspective is too limited and subjective to judge character fairly, and the Lord will one day bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Judging ourselves therefore means examining our conduct against God's law and choosing life, while leaving the final verdict to Him.

God's people are to judge all things righteously by the Word of God, and the first thing to judge is ourselves, every day. Matthew 7:1-2 forbids being judgmental, not discerning. Like a referee making calls from the rule book, we measure situations and conduct by Scripture, never by feeling or political correctness. Being judgmental means condemning others, assuming their motives, or feeling superior. Matthew 7:3-5 shows that the board must come out of our own eye before we can help a brother with his speck, so most of our judging belongs on ourselves rather than on the brethren. Daily Bible study lets us identify sin by God's definition, not ours. When God shows us a fault, we must repent and change, and we should accept correction from any brother, since truth is truth no matter who says it. Humility toward our own sin prepares us to judge others rightly, gently, and in love (Galatians 6:1). Yet we often fail to judge ourselves: we keep gossiping, keep pagan holidays, and ignore the warnings of the times (Luke 12:56-57), because political correctness has taught us not to judge. We should test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21), set a godly example so no brother stumbles, and make real changes in our lives to draw close to God.

As Passover approaches, we must heed the serious warning to examine and judge ourselves in light of God's Word. In moments of temptation, our choices reveal the true intent and quality of our hearts. When we store God's Word in our minds and recall it to confront our weaknesses, we either submit to Him or choose our own will. Pushing aside a verse that comes to mind, knowing it demands obedience, is rebellion against God. Scripture warns that such rebellion and cowardice in facing the truth threaten eternal life. God does not treat these choices lightly. We must bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and be renewed in the spirit of our minds. Memorizing and filling our minds with God's Word allows us to measure our thoughts against His truth. When the Word of Christ dwells richly in us, it guides our thinking and choices. By obeying what He says, His Spirit provides the strength to change. If we are serious about overcoming sin, we must identify our faults, find verses that counter temptations, memorize them, and use them immediately when wrong thoughts arise. This practice, repeated until it becomes natural, prepares us not only for Passover but for every daily battle against temptation.

In preparation for the Passover, we are called to examine ourselves, as admonished in I Corinthians 11:28, which states, "But let a man examine himself and so let him eat the bread and drink of the cup." Through this self-examination, we may find ourselves guilty of certain shortcomings, yet this does not necessarily prevent us from partaking in the Passover. We must recognize that we cannot make ourselves worthy on our own. As I Corinthians 11:31 declares, "If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged." By judging ourselves, we seize the opportunity to make changes and avoid harsher trials, a path that aligns with God's desire for us. This process of self-judgment is vital, encouraging us to reflect deeply and correct our ways before external judgment becomes necessary.