Daily Devotions - Bellevue
Posted 05-28-2009 at 11:47:21 AM by meggers
May 28
Examine Yourself!
2 Corinthians 13:5--"Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?"
Sometimes church members have serious doubts regarding the certainty of their salvation. Paul advises such people to "test" and "examine" themselves to see if they are truly "in the faith." What traits should characterize a true Christian? What questions should we ask ourselves in order to discern whether or not we are really saved?
Does the Spirit Lead Me? True Christians are "led by the Spirit of God" into spiritual maturity (Romans 8:14). They may experience temporary setbacks, but habitual backsliding indicates lostness (1 John 2:19). Christians should grow in grace.
Do I Enjoy Obeying God? True Christians want to keep God's commandments (1 John 2:3). If you can disobey God without being grieved in your spirit, you are not really saved. Those who know Christ have a burning desire to do His will (Luke 6:46).
Do I Love Other Christians? Genuine Christians also love other believers (1 John 2:9-11); 4:7-8, 20). Those who perpetually criticize other Christians and never have a desire to attend church are not saved, despite any "religious experience" they have had.
Do I Have Inner Peace? If we are saved, the Spirit within us "testifies with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16). He gives us the inner assurance and peace that Christ knows us (John 10:27-29) and that God is our Father (Romans 8:15).
Other questions can be asked, but these are sufficient to see if you are truly "in the faith." Is Christ in you? Be honest. Do not cheat. No exam matters more than this one. Failure brings death and hell. Passing brings life and heaven. Examine yourself today.
A note from meggers: I just wanted to add that this devotion is not saying that if one doesn't attend church they are not saved. Or if one doesn't always do right, they're not saved. Even if you've fought an old habit for years, it doesn't mean you're not saved.
What it is saying is: what do you desire? Do you desire fellowship with other Christians? Do you desire doing the right thing & loving that hard-hearted sister in Christ? Are you sad when you fail to beat that habit yet again? Are you truly working toward change & praying openly about it? God will work out the rest through a process of sanctification, but before He can, your heart has to be on Him through salvation in Christ Jesus.
You can PM me anytime, with any questions.
Examine Yourself!
2 Corinthians 13:5--"Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?"
Sometimes church members have serious doubts regarding the certainty of their salvation. Paul advises such people to "test" and "examine" themselves to see if they are truly "in the faith." What traits should characterize a true Christian? What questions should we ask ourselves in order to discern whether or not we are really saved?
Does the Spirit Lead Me? True Christians are "led by the Spirit of God" into spiritual maturity (Romans 8:14). They may experience temporary setbacks, but habitual backsliding indicates lostness (1 John 2:19). Christians should grow in grace.
Do I Enjoy Obeying God? True Christians want to keep God's commandments (1 John 2:3). If you can disobey God without being grieved in your spirit, you are not really saved. Those who know Christ have a burning desire to do His will (Luke 6:46).
Do I Love Other Christians? Genuine Christians also love other believers (1 John 2:9-11); 4:7-8, 20). Those who perpetually criticize other Christians and never have a desire to attend church are not saved, despite any "religious experience" they have had.
Do I Have Inner Peace? If we are saved, the Spirit within us "testifies with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16). He gives us the inner assurance and peace that Christ knows us (John 10:27-29) and that God is our Father (Romans 8:15).
Other questions can be asked, but these are sufficient to see if you are truly "in the faith." Is Christ in you? Be honest. Do not cheat. No exam matters more than this one. Failure brings death and hell. Passing brings life and heaven. Examine yourself today.
A note from meggers: I just wanted to add that this devotion is not saying that if one doesn't attend church they are not saved. Or if one doesn't always do right, they're not saved. Even if you've fought an old habit for years, it doesn't mean you're not saved.
What it is saying is: what do you desire? Do you desire fellowship with other Christians? Do you desire doing the right thing & loving that hard-hearted sister in Christ? Are you sad when you fail to beat that habit yet again? Are you truly working toward change & praying openly about it? God will work out the rest through a process of sanctification, but before He can, your heart has to be on Him through salvation in Christ Jesus.
You can PM me anytime, with any questions.
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