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"Examine yourselves..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 13:5

A CHALLENGE TO CHECK SELF

Paul was scrutinised by the Corinthians in many areas. His ministry, his theology, his life etc. There was no fear in Paul that he would be found wanting in his ministry! It was Paul’s turn to challenge the Corinthians to take a hard look at themselves!

“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.”
2 Corinthians 13:5

1. “Examine yourselves”

a) The word “examine” may be translated “test”.

b) Paul urged the Corinthians to check themselves.

2. “As to whether you are in the faith”

a) The faith

i) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

ii) A genuine faith should result in the production of the fruit of the Spirit of God.

b) Whether you are in the faith

i) The true believer is not afraid to have his faith tested.

ii) If it is genuine, it will pass the tests administered.

3. “Test yourselves”

a) The word “test” here is a different word.

b) There must be proof or evidence of faith.

4. “Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?”

a) What does it mean to really have faith?

b) The following things must be noted:

i) Christ Jesus indwells the believer.

ii) The believer is identified with the Saviour.

iii) There should be definite indications that the believer is truly indwelt by the Lord.

iv) His life would reflect the Life of Christ.

5. “Unless indeed you are disqualified”

a) The word “disqualified” is the antonym of the word “proven”.

b) The so-called believer is not proven to be a true believer after all.

c) He can only claim that he is a believer but there are no fruits to indicate a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at all.