Self-Examination: The Key to Genuine Faith
Summary
In Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 5, we are urged to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith. This self-examination is not just a good practice in life but is crucial in our spiritual journey. Just as we take stock in business or health, we must do so in our faith, as the consequences are eternal. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of this introspection, not just to affirm our beliefs but to ensure that our faith is genuine and transformative.
The danger of self-deception is real, as illustrated by biblical examples where individuals believed they were in the faith but were not. This calls for a deep, personal examination beyond mere intellectual assent to doctrines. True faith is evidenced by the presence of Jesus Christ within us, manifesting in a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not about external religious activities but an internal change that affects our desires, actions, and attitudes.
Moreover, it is possible to be a Christian and not fully realize it due to a lack of assurance or understanding. This underscores the need for self-examination to find peace and joy in our Christian walk. The Apostle Paul challenges us to look beyond our beliefs and examine our lives for signs of Christ's life within us. This involves assessing whether our religion is a matter of duty or delight, whether we control our faith or are controlled by it, and whether we welcome or resist the truth.
The true Christian is characterized by an internalized faith, a desire for holiness, and a longing to know God more deeply. They are aware of their sinfulness and rely entirely on Christ's grace for salvation. This self-examination is not meant to condemn but to lead us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Christ, ensuring that our faith is not just a belief but a living, active force in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The Importance of Self-Examination: Regular self-examination in faith is crucial as it helps us avoid the danger of self-deception. It ensures that our faith is genuine and not just an intellectual assent to doctrines. This practice is vital because the consequences of our spiritual state are eternal. [08:36]
- Beyond Intellectual Belief: True faith is not just about subscribing to the right beliefs but involves a transformative relationship with Christ. This transformation is evidenced by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, leading to a change in desires, actions, and attitudes. [14:18]
- The Danger of External Religion: A faith that is merely external, focused on religious activities or social status, is not true Christianity. Genuine faith is internal, affecting our entire being and leading to a life of holiness and devotion to God. [34:04]
- Assurance and Joy in Faith: It is possible to be a Christian and lack assurance or joy due to a lack of understanding or teaching. Self-examination can help us find peace and joy in our Christian walk, affirming our faith and relationship with Christ. [12:26]
- Signs of True Faith: True faith is characterized by an internalized religion, a desire for holiness, and a longing to know God more deeply. It involves a reliance on Christ's grace for salvation and a life that reflects His presence within us. [42:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Self-Examination
- [01:22] - Importance in Religion
- [02:22] - Eternal Consequences
- [03:07] - The Role of Preaching
- [04:16] - The Challenge of Contemplation
- [05:42] - The Danger of Being Carried Along
- [06:14] - The Urgency of Self-Examination
- [07:19] - Avoiding Generalities
- [08:08] - The Risk of Self-Deception
- [09:13] - Biblical Warnings
- [10:29] - The Parable of the Virgins
- [11:39] - Historical Lessons
- [12:10] - Assurance in Faith
- [13:47] - Examining Ourselves
- [14:49] - The Importance of Beliefs
- [16:35] - Justification and Sanctification
- [18:10] - Signs of Life in Faith
- [20:17] - The Role of Feelings
- [21:06] - The Place of Experience
- [22:41] - The Danger of Relying on Experience
- [25:22] - Understanding Temptations
- [29:35] - The Test of Christ in Us
- [31:13] - Characteristics of Non-Christians
- [34:04] - External vs. Internal Religion
- [37:40] - Controlling vs. Being Controlled by Religion
- [39:14] - Resentment Against Truth
- [41:28] - Positive Signs of True Faith
- [42:01] - Internalized Religion
- [45:05] - The Desire to Know God
- [46:29] - Reliance on Christ's Grace
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 13:5
- Matthew 7:21-23
- 1 John 2:19
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he urges the Corinthians to "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" in 2 Corinthians 13:5? How does this relate to the concept of self-examination discussed in the sermon? [00:37]
2. In the sermon, what examples are given to illustrate the danger of self-deception in faith? How do these examples relate to the biblical warnings mentioned? [09:13]
3. According to the sermon, what are some signs that one's faith might be merely external rather than internal? [34:04]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between being tempted and actually sinning? What biblical examples are used to support this distinction? [26:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the presence of Jesus Christ within us as evidence of true faith? What does this mean for a believer's daily life? [30:03]
2. The sermon mentions that it is possible to be a Christian and not fully realize it due to a lack of assurance. How does this lack of assurance affect a believer's experience of joy and peace in their faith? [12:10]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of religious activities in one's faith? How can these activities become a distraction from genuine faith? [34:04]
4. How does the sermon explain the importance of self-examination in avoiding self-deception? What practical steps are suggested for conducting this self-examination? [06:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own faith journey. When was the last time you conducted a self-examination of your faith? What did you discover about your relationship with Christ? [06:14]
2. Consider the signs of true faith mentioned in the sermon. Which of these signs do you see in your own life, and which areas do you feel need more growth? [42:01]
3. The sermon warns against the danger of external religion. How can you ensure that your faith is internalized and not just a series of religious activities? [34:04]
4. Think about a time when you felt unsure about your faith. What steps can you take to find assurance and joy in your Christian walk? [12:10]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of being controlled by faith rather than controlling it. How can you allow your faith to guide your decisions and actions more fully? [37:40]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be resisting the truth. How can you open yourself up to being challenged and transformed by God's word? [39:14]
7. The sermon emphasizes the need for a desire to know God more deeply. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God? [45:05]
Devotional
Day 1: The Necessity of Spiritual Self-Examination
Regular self-examination in faith is crucial as it helps us avoid the danger of self-deception. It ensures that our faith is genuine and not just an intellectual assent to doctrines. This practice is vital because the consequences of our spiritual state are eternal. Self-examination is akin to taking stock in business or health, but with far more significant implications. It is a practice that requires honesty and humility, as it involves looking deeply into our hearts to discern the true nature of our faith. [08:36]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: What specific areas of your life need honest self-examination today to ensure your faith is genuine and transformative?
Day 2: Transformative Faith Beyond Belief
True faith is not just about subscribing to the right beliefs but involves a transformative relationship with Christ. This transformation is evidenced by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, leading to a change in desires, actions, and attitudes. It is not enough to merely agree with Christian doctrines; our lives must reflect the transformative power of Christ within us. This transformation is an ongoing process, marked by a growing desire for holiness and a deeper relationship with God. [14:18]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform your desires and actions today, so they align more closely with Christ's teachings?
Day 3: Internal vs. External Religion
A faith that is merely external, focused on religious activities or social status, is not true Christianity. Genuine faith is internal, affecting our entire being and leading to a life of holiness and devotion to God. It is easy to fall into the trap of performing religious duties without experiencing true spiritual transformation. True Christianity is not about outward appearances but about an inward change that manifests in our daily lives. [34:04]
Matthew 23:25-26 (ESV): "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are more focused on external religious activities than on internal spiritual growth? How can you shift your focus today?
Day 4: Assurance and Joy in Faith
It is possible to be a Christian and lack assurance or joy due to a lack of understanding or teaching. Self-examination can help us find peace and joy in our Christian walk, affirming our faith and relationship with Christ. Assurance comes from knowing that our faith is genuine and that we are living in accordance with God's will. This assurance brings joy and peace, even in the midst of life's challenges. [12:26]
1 John 5:13 (ESV): "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your understanding of your faith and find greater assurance and joy in your relationship with Christ?
Day 5: Signs of True Faith
True faith is characterized by an internalized religion, a desire for holiness, and a longing to know God more deeply. It involves a reliance on Christ's grace for salvation and a life that reflects His presence within us. This kind of faith is not passive but active, continually seeking to grow in holiness and understanding of God. It is marked by a deep awareness of our need for Christ's grace and a commitment to living a life that honors Him. [42:01]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: How can you actively pursue a deeper knowledge of God and a life that reflects His presence today? What practical steps can you take to grow in holiness and reliance on Christ's grace?
Quotes
"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 now the Apostle here exhorts us to do something which I am quite sure we will all agree is right and good and salutary in every walk and Department of life." [00:18:40]
"Preaching which doesn't search US preaching which doesn't make us ask questions is not true Christian preaching the business of preaching after all is not simply to display the truth it is at the same time to apply it and however much we may know about these things intellectually and with our understandings if if they do not become a part of our lives and if they are not exercising the profoundest influence upon the whole of our behavior and conduct well then our knowledge is of no value." [03:27:12]
"Now if this is something that is important in every realm it is particularly important in the realm of religion because here after all we are dealing with the most important thing in life we are dealing with something uh in which the consequences are of more of a more momentous character than with respect to anything else it's a good thing to check your health there's a great deal to be said for a periodical medical examination whether you feel ill or not we can't afford to take risks with health." [01:43:12]
"Now I say that this is the most urgent and vital matter therefore that can ever engage our attention so this morning I'm concerned not so much to display the truth to you not so much to exalt you to anything as to put a number of questions to you I desire to be unusually practical more practical than I try to be Sunday by Sunday in order that we all may pay heed to this word of the Apostle in which he calls us to examine us eles whether we are in the faith prove your own selves know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates." [06:30:40]
"Because here after all we are dealing with the most important thing in life we are dealing with something uh in which the consequences are of more of a more momentous character than with respect to anything else it's a good thing to check your health there's a great deal to be said for a periodical medical examination whether you feel ill or not we can't afford to take risks with health it's a good thing to do so in the realm of business in your profession whatever it is but I say of all the Realms in which we find ourselves engaged there is none that is more important than this for here we are looking at something that not only governs our well-being and our happiness while we are in this world of time but we are considering something that will have its value and its importance even when we are no longer in this world and have passed on into eternity." [02:08:24]
"Now this isn't my opinion this is something which we find repeatedly emphasized in the Bible itself take it in The Sermon on the Mount by our blessed Lord himself many will say unto me in that day Lord, Lord have we not done this and that in thy name and I will profess unto them I never knew you depart from me ye that work iniquity now there it is these are the people you see who imagine that they're all right that they're Christian but he says they're not they've never been Christian these are the wolves in sheep's clothing these are the evil trees that thought they were all right it is he himself therefore who exorts us to be careful and to make sure and to search our foundations." [08:59:36]
"True faith is not just about subscribing to the right beliefs but involves a transformative relationship with Christ. This transformation is evidenced by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, leading to a change in desires, actions, and attitudes." [14:18:00]
"True faith is characterized by an internalized religion, a desire for holiness, and a longing to know God more deeply. It involves a reliance on Christ's grace for salvation and a life that reflects His presence within us." [42:01:00]
"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 now the Apostle here exhorts us to do something which I am quite sure we will all agree is right and good and salutary in every walk and Department of life." [00:18:40]
"Preaching which doesn't search US preaching which doesn't make us ask questions is not true Christian preaching the business of preaching after all is not simply to display the truth it is at the same time to apply it and however much we may know about these things intellectually and with our understandings if if they do not become a part of our lives and if they are not exercising the profoundest influence upon the whole of our behavior and conduct well then our knowledge is of no value." [03:27:12]
"Now if this is something that is important in every realm it is particularly important in the realm of religion because here after all we are dealing with the most important thing in life we are dealing with something uh in which the consequences are of more of a more momentous character than with respect to anything else it's a good thing to check your health there's a great deal to be said for a periodical medical examination whether you feel ill or not we can't afford to take risks with health." [01:43:12]
"Now I say that this is the most urgent and vital matter therefore that can ever engage our attention so this morning I'm concerned not so much to display the truth to you not so much to exalt you to anything as to put a number of questions to you I desire to be unusually practical more practical than I try to be Sunday by Sunday in order that we all may pay heed to this word of the Apostle in which he calls us to examine us eles whether we are in the faith prove your own selves know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates." [06:30:40]
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