Taking a test has never been something I enjoyed doing. In 1989, after three years of going to school, the exam of a life time before me, two days of answering questions about every body system, the answers are multiple choice and the choice needed to be the best answer or I would not become a registered nurse. Of course, you all know the outcome but I did not know for approximately six weeks. In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth.
“I, Paul, already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. Although Jesus crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power.
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority. 2 Corinthians 13: 2-6″
Paul making his third missionary trip to Corinth. He is warning them asking them to repent and consider if their faith is genuine. A time to repent, to rededicate, and to redeemed their lives in Christ. Examine yourself, test yourself, how do you examine yourself?
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Paul writes in verse five to test yourselves, wholehearted walk that is worthy– how is your daily walk? daily quiet time, prayer, reading your bible, how about your week? church, bible study — how about your devotion to Jesus? Tithing, personal giving of your time and talents.
We will know by the fruits of our labors. No one really knows and Paul exhorts the Corinthians to check their hearts in alignment with Christ. He says in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Beloved, we are in Christ, how are you doing?
Life Lesson: We we are completely loved and accepted by Jesus when he is our Savior.
Song: Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone.
Father God, your grace is amazing, I am free because of the work Jesus did on the cross. He died so the we who believe may have eternal life. Lord how can it be that I am so blessed to have this life that you have given me. Lord I ask that if there is one reading this that is not your daughter that she pray right now and ask for you to be her savior. I ask for the person that is feeling helpless, that they come to you for you are the author of hope. I ask for the person suffering from pain that you alleviate their pain because you are the great physician. Lastly Lord I ask that if any one just needs to draw close to you that they will claim James 4:7-8, to resist the devil, and to draw close to you because you will draw close to them. We ask all of this in Jesus name. Amen.
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