2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
This paragraph is an application of the word proof that Paul used in 2 Corinthians 13:3. “You have been examining me,” wrote Paul, “but why don’t you take time to examine yourselves?” I have noticed in my ministry that those who are quick to examine and condemn others are often guilty of worse sins themselves. In fact, one way to make yourself look better is to condemn somebody else.
To begin with, Paul told the Corinthians that they should examine their hearts to see if they were really born again and members of the family of God. Do you have the witness of the Holy Spirit in your heart? (Rom. 8:16) Do you love the brethren? (1 John 3:14) Do you practice righteousness? (1 John 2:29) Have you overcome the world so that you are living a life of godly separation? These are just a few of the tests we can apply to our own lives to be certain that we are the children of God. 1
Personal Application
- Read Ephesians 5:11-13. How can you be certain that you actually have eternal life?
Godly Encouragement
- But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. –Romans 8:9
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
The Bible says examine yourself: Are you a believer or make-believer? – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You for the daily grace to stay qualified in Christian ministry.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
