Examining Faith: Balancing Assurance and Daily Walk

In our journey of faith, the question of how often we should question our salvation is a significant one. This inquiry, posed by Kinsey, highlights a common debate among believers: should we regularly examine our salvation, or should we focus more on evaluating our faithfulness and fruitfulness? To address this, we must distinguish between two approaches: testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith and living in a way that confirms our faith.

Second Corinthians 13:5 urges us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. This is a call for self-examination, especially when our lives are not aligning with our profession of faith. Paul, in this context, was addressing a group in Corinth who were living in sin yet claiming to be Christians. This kind of self-examination is not meant to be a daily routine but rather an extraordinary measure for critical moments when our actions contradict our faith.

On the other hand, Second Peter 1:10 encourages us to be diligent in confirming our calling and election. This is about living a life that consistently reflects our faith through virtues like self-control, godliness, and love. This ongoing confirmation is a regular part of our Christian walk, ensuring that our lives align with our faith.

The balance between these two approaches is crucial. While the serious self-test of Second Corinthians 13:5 is necessary when we are warned that our lives no longer confirm our Christian claim, the daily pursuit of holiness and living in fellowship with others is how we confirm our calling and election. This fellowship helps us avoid self-deception, as we encourage one another with God's promises and warnings.

Ultimately, the key is to live a life that reflects our faith, standing firm in our justification by faith and walking in obedience and love for the glory of Christ. This approach not only confirms our calling but also strengthens our assurance in our salvation.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Examination vs. Confirmation:** Distinguish between testing your faith in critical moments and living a life that confirms your faith daily. The former is for when your life contradicts your profession, while the latter is a regular practice of faithfulness. [05:04]
  2. Context of Self-Examination: Paul's call for self-examination in 2 Corinthians 13:5 was directed at those living in sin while claiming to be Christians. This is not a daily routine but a response to serious spiritual drift.
  
  3. Daily Confirmation of Faith: 2 Peter 1:10 encourages a lifestyle that confirms our calling through virtues like self-control and love. This is a regular practice that aligns our lives with our faith.
  
  4. Avoiding Self-Deception: Fellowship with other believers is crucial in avoiding self-deception. Encouragement and accountability help us stay true to our faith and avoid the deceitfulness of sin.
  
  5. Living for Christ's Glory: Our daily walk should reflect our justification by faith, characterized by obedience, love, and a pursuit of holiness. This confirms our calling and election, bringing glory to Christ.
  
  ** [05:04]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:12] - Introduction to the Question
• [00:46] - Examining Ourselves in Faith
• [01:24] - Distinguishing Strategies
• [02:02] - Urgency of Self-Testing
• [03:16] - Context of 2 Corinthians
• [04:00] - Paul's Urgent Call
• [05:23] - Extraordinary Self-Examination
• [06:18] - Regular Confirmation in 2 Peter
• [07:09] - Living a Confirming Life
• [08:14] - Avoiding Self-Deception
• [08:57] - Serious Self-Analysis
• [09:32] - Daily Pursuit of Holiness
• [09:45] - Closing Remarks

1. What does 2 Corinthians 13:5 instruct believers to do, and in what context did Paul give this instruction? [01:34]
2. According to 2 Peter 1:10, what qualities should believers practice to confirm their calling and election? [06:46]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between testing oneself and confirming one's faith? [01:10]
4. What was the situation in Corinth that prompted Paul to urge self-examination among the believers? [03:16]

1. Why might Paul have considered the self-examination in 2 Corinthians 13:5 as an extraordinary measure rather than a daily routine? [05:23]
2. How does the practice of virtues like self-control and love in 2 Peter 1:10 serve as a confirmation of one's faith?
3. In what ways does fellowship with other believers help prevent self-deception, according to the sermon? [08:30]
4. How does the balance between self-examination and daily confirmation of faith contribute to a believer's assurance of salvation? [09:32]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where your actions might not align with your profession of faith? How can you address these areas? [05:35]
2. Consider the virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:10. Which one do you find most challenging to practice, and what steps can you take to improve in that area?
3. How can you incorporate regular self-examination into your spiritual life without falling into constant doubt about your salvation? [06:05]
4. Think about your current fellowship with other believers. How can you strengthen these relationships to provide mutual encouragement and accountability? [08:30]
5. Identify a specific way you can live out your faith more visibly in your daily life. What changes might you need to make to ensure your life reflects your faith?
6. How can you ensure that your pursuit of holiness is not just a personal endeavor but also involves the support and encouragement of your church community? [09:32]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to realign your life with your faith, and how can you apply those lessons now? [06:05]