This Is A Test. . .

This morning I just completed writing the Scripture Writing Schedule on “Self-Examination.” The memory verse was II Corinthians 13:5 – “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?” This is such a good verse. It made me think. Am I truly in the faith? How do I know? If someone asked you if you were a Christian and you said, “Yes,” what would you say if they answered – “Prove it.”

Could you quote scriptures on the plan of salvation – the steps you took to become a Christian (Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, and Be Baptized)? Could you explain the five acts of worship (Teaching of God’s Word, Praying, Singing, Giving, and Partaking of the Lord’s Supper)? Would “witnesses” (acquaintances), attest to your clean speech, your caring attitude, and modest dress? Are you able to be anxious for nothing, thankful for everything, and prayerful for all things? How is your prayer life? Is God’s Word “hidden in your heart?” (Psalm 119:11)

Other verses written this week were Psalm 26:2, “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” Jeremiah urged his listeners, “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:40) In Psalm 129:23-24. the Psalmist prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Is this a prayer that you would pray? Do you want God to know your thoughts? If not, why not?

Why do we need to “examine ourselves?” Paul explains it in Galatians 6:4 – “But let every man prove his own works, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” When Jesus is in us, we can know true joy. Our happiness doesn’t depend on the actions or words of others. We can know that we are “in the faith,” and that knowledge grants us peace. Friends, examine yourselves. Do you need to “turn again to the Lord?” God Bless, Courtney