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 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on June 18, 2013 of Psalm 108; 2 Corinthians 13; 1 Kings 21-22:28.
Even though most of the members of the church in Corinth had returned to the ways and practices Paul taught them originally, some still questioned his authority and challenged him, albeit in his absence, before others. He tells them he will soon be visiting for the third time and warns that trials may be held if necessary, where the strict rules of Jewish evidence presentation (two or three witnesses required) would be applied (please see verse 1). He is a little concerned that some there may see him as weak because of his slight stature and his complete servitude to Christ, so he wants to caution them that he will be as strong and stern and harsh as the situation he finds on his arrival dictates. He reminds them that even Jesus showed weakness when He was crucified, yet He reigns with the power of God. In a like manner Paul, though weak to Christ, lives with Him in His power and His authority to address the church (verse 4).
Then Paul tells all these people who are trying to find fault with him to examine themselves, apply the same test to themselves as they use on Paul. One aspect of this statement reflects what Jesus tells us all: "Judge not, that you be not judged." (Matthew 7:1, and Luke 6:37 in slightly different words.) Paul wants the people there to take a close look at themselves to see just how true their faith really is. When they look inward, do they see Jesus? If not, then they are certainly not qualified to question Paul's faith and authority. Instead, they need to work on their own faith.
This is Christ's message for us as well, delivered by His authorized servant Paul. We need to look deep into our own hearts, delve to the depths of our innermost being. Do we see Jesus there? Can others see Jesus in us, coming through us? Do we show the great and unconditional love of Christ in our words and our actions? Do our deeds honor the Lord and fulfill our commission from Him? Is everything we do pleasing in His sight? If not, then we are not qualified to question or challenge the faith of others. Jesus tells us to first remove the plank from our own eye before we try to remove the speck from our brother's or sister's eye (Matthew 7:5). God knows how we really are. We need to examine ourselves, test our own convictions, so that we might truly know ourselves and fix what is broken. For we cannot fool God. Amen.
Jesus our Savior, forgive us when we are quick to question the strength of the faith of others without first examining ourselves for our own weaknesses. Lord, please help us see ourselves as we truly are, as You see us. Help us find the broken pieces of our being so that we might repair them and more faithfully follow You, Lord Jesus. In Your precious and holiest name, dear Jesus we pray. Amen.
Then Paul tells all these people who are trying to find fault with him to examine themselves, apply the same test to themselves as they use on Paul. One aspect of this statement reflects what Jesus tells us all: "Judge not, that you be not judged." (Matthew 7:1, and Luke 6:37 in slightly different words.) Paul wants the people there to take a close look at themselves to see just how true their faith really is. When they look inward, do they see Jesus? If not, then they are certainly not qualified to question Paul's faith and authority. Instead, they need to work on their own faith.
This is Christ's message for us as well, delivered by His authorized servant Paul. We need to look deep into our own hearts, delve to the depths of our innermost being. Do we see Jesus there? Can others see Jesus in us, coming through us? Do we show the great and unconditional love of Christ in our words and our actions? Do our deeds honor the Lord and fulfill our commission from Him? Is everything we do pleasing in His sight? If not, then we are not qualified to question or challenge the faith of others. Jesus tells us to first remove the plank from our own eye before we try to remove the speck from our brother's or sister's eye (Matthew 7:5). God knows how we really are. We need to examine ourselves, test our own convictions, so that we might truly know ourselves and fix what is broken. For we cannot fool God. Amen.
Jesus our Savior, forgive us when we are quick to question the strength of the faith of others without first examining ourselves for our own weaknesses. Lord, please help us see ourselves as we truly are, as You see us. Help us find the broken pieces of our being so that we might repair them and more faithfully follow You, Lord Jesus. In Your precious and holiest name, dear Jesus we pray. Amen.
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