2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you… I. MANY ARE FOND OF TESTING OTHERS WHEN IT IS MORE NEEDFUL FOR THEM TO TEST THEMSELVES. "Beginning at Jerusalem" is beginning at the right place. "Know thyself" was a very wise exhortation. To ascertain the shortcomings of others is more pleasant, but not so profitable, as to ascertain our own. The matter of first importance to us is, not whether our neighbour's scales are true, but whether ours are. Men are singularly unselfish in some directions - in the directions of giving advice and passing condemnatory judgments. II. THE TEST WHICH WE APPLY TO OTHERS WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO STAND OURSELVES. Paul was not what the Corinthians thought he ought to be, because they were not what they ought to have been. A blind man is a poor judge of colours. The beam must be taken out of our eyes before we shall be able to see clearly. An unclean man denouncing uncleanness is no very edifying spectacle. If we warn men against getting into the mire, they will expect us to come out of it. If we would be leaders, we must lead. "Come" is much more potent than "go." III. THERE IS ONE POINT UPON WHICH WE SHOULD BE MOST DESIROUS OF TESTING OURSELVES. This is - whether we are "in the faith." Men test themselves frequently, but generally upon points of secondary importance. This is the question of questions. 1. Do we truly repent of sin? Do we grieve over evil as that which has been done against God? Do we hate it, loathe it, desire to be freed from it? 2. Have we a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do we gratefully receive him as our Redeemer, and believe that his blood cleanses us from all sin? Have we come to God by Christ and obtained his forgiveness? 3. Is the vitality of our faith demonstrated by the fruits of holy living? If our faith is not accompanied by works, it is no faith - we are "reprobates" still, and hypocritical reprobates into the bargain. If we are "in the faith," we shall be subject to God, striving daily to do his will, living and labouring to please him and to extend his glory in the earth. We may still be very imperfect, but, having been "born again," we shall walk in "newness of life." IV. HOW WE MAY TEST OURSELVES UPON THIS VITAL POINT. 1. By prayerful self-examination. Prayer must come into this examination of ourselves because God must come. We need Divine help to aid us in knowing ourselves. 2. By comparing head, heart, and life with God's Word. In the Scriptures we have declared what those "in the faith" believe, feel, do. 3. By pressing home the question - Is Christ in me? "If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9). We are in the faith if the Lord of the faith is in us. How earnestly should we examine ourselves! How restless should we be until we enter into the rest which comes from knowing that we are truly in the faith! - H. Parallel Verses KJV: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? |
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