2 Corinthians 13:5-4.12.22

Scripture 

II Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 

Observation-What does it say? 

Paul was concerned for the church in Corinth. He wrote to let them know that he was coming and would be dealing with some areas of sin. He urged them to examine themselves and make corrections on their own before he got there so he could lead through encouragement rather than discipline. 

Understanding-What does it mean? 

Is it time for a checkup? 

Are you good about going for an annual, routine physical checkup? My last appointment was scheduled for March 2020 .... and as you can probably guess, that didn’t happen! Every couple of months I think, “I really should schedule an appointment.” There are a couple of reasons I haven’t done it yet: 1) It takes time, and 2) I’m avoiding the results (and lectures). I know I haven’t been making the healthiest food and exercise choices for a while. I keep thinking that if I get back on track before I go in, I will get better results. 

The purpose of going for a yearly physical is to catch problems early, before they grow into big problems. We need to take the time for spiritual self-reflection for the same reason. To continue the analogy: 

Physical checkup

-Family history/predisposition to certain disease

-Put it off until I make healthier choices

-What changes/disciplines will need to be made?

Spiritual checkup

-Predisposition toward certain sins

-Put off work God is calling me to until I’m “qualified”

-What changes/disciplines will need to be made?

Life Application 

How long has it been since you had a spiritual checkup? In multiple places in the Bible, believers are urged to examine themselves/their hearts/their faith. How can we examine our faith? Here are some suggestions from the ESV Study Reformation Bible: 

Such evidence would include trust in Christ (Heb. 3:6), obedience to God (Matt. 7:21), growth in holiness (Heb. 12:14; 1 John 3:3), the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23), love for other Christians (1 John 3:14), positive influence on others (Matt. 5:16), adhering to the apostolic teaching (1 John 4:2), and the testimony of the Holy Spirit within them (Rom. 8:15, 16). 

I have identified that I need to spend more time in prayer. It’s not my go-to response and I know myself well enough to know that in order to make a change, I need to make a plan and set boundaries in place. 

How about you - is it time for a checkup? 

-Debbie Dunn