Examine Yourself Whether Ye Are Still In The Faith

TEACHING DELIVERED BY PASTOR G. O AKINTOLA, PH.D, AT THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S TEACHING DURING THE 48^{^TH} LAWNA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION HELD ON 3^{^RD} OVER 9^{^TH} AUGUST 2024

TOPIC: EXAMINE YOURSELF WHETHER YE ARE STILL IN THE FAITH

TEXT: 2 CORINTHIAN 13:5

PREAMBLE

My heartfelt gratitude goes to God, who has generously called me to this ministry and planted my feet in this vision. I also thank my father, the LAWNA chairman and national vice president of TACN, Pastor (Dr) S.G.O Uyeh, JP, for the incredible opportunity to speak at this year’s conference, particularly during the youth service. Thank you, Sir. May God grant you the power, insight, and resources you need to carry out the RAISE agenda, in Jesus’ name. My gratitude extends to all of our fathers, as well as the LAWNA executive council, for your tremendous efforts to ensure the growth and spread of the church, as well as your desire to see the younger generation succeed.

INTRODUCTION:

Medical science has adviced that as we age on, we should go for periodic medical check-up so as to detect early symptoms of a health issue before it becomes a problem. Even more important than a physical check-up is a spiritual check-up. It’s one of the most important examinations we will ever take. We might has well refer to our topic for discussion as Paul’s proposition for a spiritual check-up, a panacea for a spiritually wholesome life. I believe there has never been a better time to discuss this topic than now. We live in a time when many Christians have become complacent in their faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5 is a call to spiritual accountability. It challenges believers to assess the authenticity of their faith and to live in light of Christ’s indwelling presence.

THE CONTEXT OF 2 CORINTHIAN 13:5

The Corinthians were the critics of the apostles’ time. They gave themselves a lot of credit for their intelligence and language skills, and as most men who are knowledgeable in their own eyes do, they abused their wisdom and learning by criticising the apostle Paul. They criticised his style. “His letters,” they add, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak and his speech contemptible.” Not satisfied with that, they went so far as to deny his apostleship, and for the first time in his life, the apostle Paul was forced to “become a fool in glorying; for,” he says, “you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.” The apostle addressed two letters to them; in both, he is obligated to upbraid them while defending himself, and when he had completely disarmed his opponents and wrested the sword of their critique out of their hands, he directed it at their own breasts, saying, :

“Examine yourselves.’ You have disputed my doctrine; examine whether you be in the faith. You have made me prove my apostleship; ‘prove your own selves.’ Use the powers which you have been so wrongfully exercising upon me for a little season upon your own characters.”…

UNDERSTAND THESE FACTS

The Christian journey is a journey of faith not assumption. It’s a journey of confident assurance and not doubt or presumption.
You can’t follow Jesus and not Know.
Unfortunately, many profess to be followers of Jesus that they do not know.
It is possible to be a long-standing member of a church but is never known by Christ.
It is possible to preach or witness to others and they become saved while you remain unsaved.
Being a church officer, pastor, or apostle and performing signs and wonders does not guarantee recognition in heaven.
It is unwise to presume that since you are a long-standing member of the church, you are going to heaven.
It is costly to assume that because you are the greatest donor to the church project, you are approved of God.
The Scriptures call us to do a periodical examination of the quality of our walk with Christ

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “EXAMINE YOURSELF WHETHER YOU ARE IN THE FAITH?”

First of all, it is important to underscore that the object of examination is YOURSELF. In the Greek rendition of the verse, the first word is YOURSELF, not examine.

The words examine yourself and test yourself mean essentially the same thing. Some Bible versions have “look carefully at yourself” or “ask yourself.”
It means do a self-assessment in terms of your faith walk with Jesus and how closely your life aligns and reflects the teaching of Scriptures
It means to scan and scrutinize your hearts to be sure that your faith is founded on Christ, and that your witness is true and not counterfeit
Examining yourself according to our text means engaging in a deep, personal reflection on one’s faith and relationship with Christ.
It’s about taking a honest look at one’s spiritual life to ensure it is aligned with Christian values and principles.

Rather than cross-examining others, believers are to stick to examining their own lives: “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else” (Galatians 6:4 NIV).

Instead of finger-pointing others, we should evaluate our thoughts, actions and beliefs to see if they are consistent with Christ’s finished work.

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR SELF-EXAMINATION

A tough but spiritually beneficial question to ask ourselves regularly is, “What is my spiritual condition?” The bible makes it unambiguously clear the need for regular spiritual check-up. Few among these passages that underscore this position are:

“Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the LORD” Lam. 3:40.

Here, the prophet Jeremiah called God’s people to honest self-evaluation and repentance.

Scripture calls us to “test everything,” renounce evil, and “hold fast what is good” (1 Thes. 5:21-22 ESV).
Hear David’s prayer of thorough self-evaluation and supplication: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24)
Matthew 7:3-5 – “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?…You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul told them, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27 NLT). Paul made it a practice to examine himself, too.The verse underscores the need for constant vigilance and discipline in the Christian walk. Paul is aware that spiritual laxity can lead to a loss of effectiveness.

7 AREAS TO ASEESS YOURSELF

Evaluate your SALVATION EXPERIENCE.

Your personal salvation experience must not be left to assumption or chance. You need to have a clear-cut assurance of your salvation in Christ and the ongoing sanctification work of the Holy Spirit within you.

Evaluate your Faith – Hou authentic is your faith?
Is Jesus just a belief or is He the Lord of your life? James 2:19
Examine Your Spiritual Life: 1 Pet. 2:2; Heb. 6:1-3
Are you growing in your faith and knowledge of God?
Is your prayer life consistent and meaningful?
Evaluate Your Relationships. Prov. 27:17
Are the people you spend time with positively influencing your faith and character?
Are your friendships building you up spiritually?
Have you forgiven others? Are you seeking forgiveness?
Examine Your Values and Goals: 1 Thes, 5:21
Do your values and goals align with God’s Word?
Are your priorities in order? Is God first?
.How do you respond to temptations that challenge your values?
Evaluate Your Habits and Choices: Phil. 4:8; Prov. 3:5; Jos. 24:15
How are you spending your time?
What kind of media are you consuming?
Are your choices aligned with your goals and values?
Evaluate Your Good Works. Eph. 2:10;
How committed are you to the things of God
Are you interested in the advancement of the kingdom of God where you are

THE PURPOSE OF SELF-EXAMINATION

In a world full of distractions and conflicting messages, self-examination helps young people distinguish between genuine faith and superficial practices.

The Bible recommends that you do not live in assumptions of your faith in God but to proof the authenticity of your faith through an assessment of the kind of fruit you produce. 2 Pet. 1:10-11; Phil. 2:12;

1. Alignment with God’s Will. Romans 12:2

2. Preventing Spiritual Complacency. Revelation 3:15-16

3. Identifying Hidden Sins. Psalm 19:12; 1 Jn 1:8-9

4. Promoting Personal Spiritual Growth and Maturity. Ephe 4:13; Phil 3:12-14(NIV)

5. Enhancing Relationships with Others. Matthew 7:3-5

6. Fostering Accountability. Prov. 27:17

7. Experiencing God’s Grace and Mercy. 1 John 1:8-9 ]

8. Regular self-examination is a proven way to avoid being disqualified. 2 Cor. 13:5b; 1 Cor. 9:27, NLT.

Summarily, Self-examination in spiritual growth is crucial because it enables us to understand our spiritual condition, recognize areas needing improvement, and align ourselves more closely with God’s will. It involves a deep, honest look at our faith, actions, and relationship with Christ, which is essential for authentic spiritual development.

THE GOAL OF SELF- EXAMINATION

The primary goal of self-examination is to encourage spiritual growth and development.
Dependence on God’s Grace: Acknowledge that self-examination is not about perfection but about recognizing areas where you need God’s grace and strength to grow and improve.
Self-examination is a crucial aspect of maintaining a vibrant and authentic Christian faith, ensuring that your life consistently reflects the presence of Christ within you.
Genuine self-examination should lead to repentance and a commitment to make necessary changes.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT I AM STILL IN THE FAITH

1. Evidence of a Transformed Life. 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 12:2

If Jesus is in you, your life will be changed. It cannot be that you say you know Jesus and your life after you know Jesus is essentially the same as your life before you knew Jesus.

2. Evidence of Obedience to the will of God. 1 Jn 2:3-5; 1Jn 5:1-3

The proof of authentic faith is obedient to the will of the master

3. Evidence of Fruit-Bearing. Matt. 7:16; John 14:15; 2 Cor. 13:5 AMP; Gal. 5:22-23

There must be the corresponding fruit of the Spirit mirrored in your life that showcases the lifestyle of Christ.
Does your character reflect Christ?

4. Evidence of a Spirit-Field Life.

As many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.” Rom. 8:14

5. Visible Evidence of a Sanctification. Gal. 2:20; Ephe. 4:1; Phil 2:12-13

6. Evidence of Undying Passion for Souls. Matt. 28:19; Matt. 4:19;

7. Evidence of Insatiable Hunger for God and his Word. Matt. 5:6; Ps. 42:1; Jer. 15:16

PRACTICAL STEPS TO SELF-EXAMINATION

Develop a daily habit of quiet time to immerse yourself in the word and refresh yourself in His presence. Psalm 5:3 (NIV); Psalm 63:1-3.
Dedicate a specific time each day for reflection and prayer.

2. Engage in daily Bible reading plans or devotional. Jos. 1:8; Psalm 119:11

Spend time with God to the point you can find yourself in Him

3. Fasting and Extended Prayer. Set aside quality time of prayer and fasting.

Dedicate specific days for fasting and extended prayer sessions. Lk. 18:1; Lk 6:12; Matt. 17:21

4. Engage with Spiritual Content. Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) 1 Tim. 4:13

Invest time in reading books and articles on spiritual growth and self-examination.
Listen to Sermons and Podcasts. Find sermons and podcasts by trusted Christian leaders.

5. Accountability Partner, Prov. 27:17; Jams 5:16

Connect with a trusted mentor or spiritual leader who can provide guidance and accountability.

6. Spiritual Inventory. Philippians 3:12 (NIV); 2 Corinthians 13:5

Identify specific areas where you need improvement and make a plan to address them.

APLLICATION AND CONCLUSION

God desires that we grow and mature in Him. God wants us to become more Christlike. He wants you to move towards maturity. He wants us not only to know Jesus but to grow in Jesus
This teaching encourages believers, especially the youths to assess their faith actively, ensuring a genuine and vibrant relationship with Christ.
Regular self-examination fosters spiritual maturity and guards against spiritual complacency or deception
Emphasize that self-examination is not about condemnation but about growth and maturity.