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9/24 Reading Portions: 2 Samuel 20; 2 Corinthians 13; Ezekiel 27; Psalms 75-76
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.
EXAMINATION
At first glance this command may seem simple enough. Yet many of us will typically use this verse in a wrong manner. I must confess that I have not used this verse rightly in the past. I thank the Lord that I am able to express my understanding of it here; and clarify what I believe is the true intent of this practical imperative. You may have even heard ministers suggest that you look at your life, of who you were before you were saved, who Christ has changed you to become in Him, and who you are now. This would not only be foolish because of the subjective nature of the examination; it would also be unbiblical. Earlier in the letter, the apostle says this:
But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 2 Corinthians 10:12
Now, while the immediate context speaks on a different topic, the principle of truth is the same and applicable. I must not compare myself with others. Likewise, I should not compare myself with myself from another time and place. It’s too subjective. A true examination must be objective. Therefore, when we examine ourselves to see whether or not we are in the faith, we must examine ourselves to the standard to which Jesus Himself lived. When we see ourselves in the light of the perfect, sinless life of Jesus Christ, who kept the law of Moses both actively and passively in thought, word, and deed, we will recognize that the best of what we offer God— in prayer, in worship, in thought, in word, in good works— is so full of the corruptions of flesh, we must repent before Him in godly sorrow, throwing ourselves upon God’s mercy, and praising God for His amazing grace. When examined and tested rightly, we’ll be driven more passionately into the arms of Christ. This is the faith and its examination. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
When you and I do test ourselves,
Examine by Christ’s light:
As we must live by grace always,
For Christians, this is right.
