2 Corinthians 13:5
"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?"
In recent chapters, Paul has been discussing the evidences of his genuine faith and service to the Lord. Verse 3 even mentions that some were seeking proof of Christ speaking through him. Now, our Apostle turns the tables, calling not only the Corinthians but us as well to examine ourselves.
We often find it easy to examine others, to spot faults and make judgments about their genuineness. For some, it can even become a pastime. But how often do we truly examine ourselves? Specifically, we’re called to examine whether we are in the faith. The question every professing Christian should ask is not, "Are they truly Saved?" but "Am I truly saved?"
Notice that we’re instructed to see if we are in the faith. Today, "faith" is often defined as mere belief, yet in Scripture, it’s far more than that. Faith is not just acknowledging who Christ is—after all, even the devils believe and tremble (James 2:19). Faith involves trusting in Him. So, examine yourself: have you genuinely trusted in Him for the forgiveness of sin?
The Evidence of Faith
Genuine faith will always produce fruit. Paul has spent several chapters in 2 Corinthians examining the fruits of his own faith. Now, it’s our turn to examine the fruits of the faith we claim.
We say He has saved us from sin, but are we still enslaved by it?
We say He has given us a new heart, but do we still love the same things we used to?
We say we are a new creation, but do we still live like the old person we once were?
Examine Your attitude toward sin.
True Christians can and do sin, but do you hate it or tolerate it? Are you longing for deliverance from sin, or seeking opportunities to indulge in it? What is the posture of your heart? Like Paul, do you groan inwardly, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death?" Or are you comfortable with sin, even satisfied when you indulge?
Examine Your Self-Image
Do you see yourself as a “pretty good person,” or do you recognize your sinfulness? Jesus didn’t come for “pretty good people” or the “righteous,” but for sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). The well don’t need a Physician, only the sick do. A person won’t seek a cure until they acknowledge their need for it. If there has been no conviction of sin in your life, there’s been no conversion from sin.
Examine Your Love
The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart. This is perhaps the most convicting verse in Scripture, for none of us has ever fulfilled it completely—only Christ has. We can all love Him more than we do. But do you love Him at all? Love isn’t simply emotional attachment but self-sacrifice. Christ gave up His life for you because He loved you. Have you surrendered your life to Him out of love, or are you still living for yourself?
Imagine you married someone for the benefits of the relationship—yet lived separate lives, saw other people, and only met on rare occasions. Could that be called love? Yet this is how many relate to Christ, seeking the perks of Christianity, like eternal life and answered prayers, while living for themselves. This is not love; it’s using God as a crutch. So, ask yourself sincerely: Do I love Him? Don’t answer quickly—examine your life and look for evidence of genuine love toward Him.
Why Examine Yourself?
Our verse ends with a solemn reason for this self-examination: "Except ye be reprobates." The danger of never examining ourselves is that many fool themselves into thinking they are saved when they are not. Jesus gave a warning in Matthew 7:22-23:"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Imagine the horror of hearing these words. Notice, too, that this applies to “many.” Countless people will live their entire lives assuming they are Christians because they’re “good people,” or because they had a religious experience or ceremony, only to face an eternity without Christ. Don’t let that be your fate, dear reader. Examine yourself today. An honest examination will reveal our total insufficiency and our absolute need for a Savior. Don’t wait until eternity to be sure of your fate—make certain today.
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