Topical Bible: Faith: Examine Whether You be In

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Faith, within the Christian context, is a foundational element of the believer's life, serving as the means by which individuals are justified and live in accordance with God's will. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently emphasizes the necessity of faith and the importance of self-examination to ensure that one's faith is genuine and active.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of examining one's faith is rooted in 2 Corinthians 13:5, where Paul exhorts the Corinthian church: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?" . This passage underscores the importance of introspection and self-assessment in the believer's spiritual journey.

Nature of Faith

Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1, is "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" . It is both a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8) and a response to His revelation. Faith involves trust and reliance on God, acknowledging His sovereignty and promises. It is not merely intellectual assent but involves the whole person—mind, will, and emotions.

Evidence of Genuine Faith

James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead" . Genuine faith is evidenced by works, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a natural outflow of a transformed life. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and obedience to God's commandments (John 14:15) are indicators of living faith.

Self-Examination

The call to examine one's faith is a call to ensure alignment with the truth of the Gospel. This involves:

1. Doctrinal Soundness: Ensuring that one's beliefs align with the core tenets of Christianity, as outlined in Scripture. This includes the deity of Christ, His atoning work, and the authority of the Bible.

2. Moral Integrity: Reflecting on one's life to see if it aligns with biblical standards of holiness and righteousness. This includes repentance from sin and a commitment to live according to God's commands.

3. Spiritual Growth: Assessing one's spiritual maturity and growth in Christlikeness. This involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and participation in the life of the church.

4. Love and Service: Evaluating one's love for God and others, as well as active service within the body of Christ and the broader community.

Challenges to Faith

Believers are often faced with trials and temptations that test the authenticity of their faith. James 1:2-3 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" . Such challenges are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

Assurance of Faith

While self-examination is crucial, believers are also encouraged to rest in the assurance of their salvation. Romans 8:16 affirms, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" . This assurance is not based on personal merit but on the finished work of Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

In summary, examining one's faith is a vital practice for believers, ensuring that their faith is genuine, active, and aligned with the teachings of Scripture. It is a call to live out one's faith with integrity, love, and obedience, continually growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Examine Yourself Whether Ye be in the Faith; Prove Your Own Selves ...
... 1. This is evident from the command in the text, "Examine yourselves, whether
ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." Will any one believe ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/examine yourself whether ye be.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... no more, but with the apostle, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith."
Why doth not the apostle say, Examine whether faith be in you, but "whether ye ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

Self-Examination
... says one, "You may examine me whether I am in the faith; I am an orthodox Christian,
fully up to the standard, good genuine weight; there is no fear whatever ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/self-examination.htm

He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ...
... not of faith; for whatsoever is not of faith is sin ... act, he is bound to stop there
and examine the question ... to go somewhere, and he doubts whether you would be ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that doubteth is damned.htm

Self-Examination
... "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith." It does not say examine whether
you are sufficiently earnest, or whether you have the right feelings, or ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 10 self-examination.htm

Epistle iii. To the Presbyters and Deacons Abiding at Rome. AD 250 ...
... helpful thing when a bishop, by the firmness of his faith, sets himself ... back the
epistle as it actually came to hand, that you may examine whether it is ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle iii to the presbyters.htm

"But Ye are not in the Flesh, but in the Spirit, if So be that the ...
... Truly, I think when the apostle commands us to examine whether we be in the faith ...
it as we should not endeavor to be in the faith, till we know whether we be ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiii but ye are.htm

The Necessity of Increased Faith
... your faith in your hand this morning and see whether it is ... We ought to be more careful
of our faith than of ... True, we ought to examine our conduct, we ought to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the necessity of increased faith.htm

Sermon.
... Now pray "Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith," 2 Corinthians 13:5.
"Prove your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be ...
/.../penn/a sermon preached at the quakers meeting house/sermon.htm

Letter xxi. St. Ambrose Excuses Himself for not Having Gone to the ...
... But undoubtedly, whether we go through the series of the ... the faith, though ignorant
of the sacrament of that faith? ... as judge, but that each may examine his own ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xxi st ambrose excuses.htm