Have You Checked Your Faith Lately?

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” -St. Thomas Aquinas 

Not surprisingly, there are many reasons why self-examination is not a very popular thing to do. Some people already have such strong feelings of guilt, and such low opinions of themselves, that the thought of listing their faults seems like another exercise in self-punishment.

As difficult as this might be for us do, we need to take time now and then to do this. Think of it as a sort of "spiritual tune-up." We take our cars in for regular maintenance, we get our annual medical physicals, we check our bank balances, so why not a "faith check-up?"

Here are a few examples of faith self-examinations taken from the Bible, just so you can see that this concept is neither new, nor revolutionary:

-As Jeremiah lamented over the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, he called for the people to examine themselves and turn back to the Lord (Lamentations 3:40-41).

-In teaching on the proper observance of the Lord's Supper, Paul wrote that it was to be a time for self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:27-31).

-Paul later challenged the Corinthians to "examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. "Prove yourselves." (2 Corinthians 13:5). In doing so, he employs the present tense for the verbs "examine" and "prove" Doing this indicatesthat such examination was to be an on-going activity!

Granted, many of us do find the courage to examine ourselves, but we don’t feel that it's an enjoyable process. And, like a visit to the dentist’s office, we put it off for longer than we should. I admit that I have been guilty of doing this, too. So, if you've never had a faith check-up before, then today's your lucky day!

Let's start today's message by asking the obvious question: "Why should we examine ourselves?" Well, I suppose a fair answer would be "to determine whether we are in the faith, or not." Paul said, "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). The expression "in the faith" refers to being a faithful Christian. Thus, we are to examine whether or not we are remaining faithful to the Lord!
   
We need to remember that the danger of drifting is always there. It's possible to drift away if we neglect our salvation (cf. Hebrews 2:1-4). It is also possible to develop an evil heart of unbelief (cf. Hebrews 3:12-14). But, it is possible to know of one's standing before God. In fact, the Bible was written for this purpose, so that we might know!

Examining ourselves also serves "to determine if Jesus Christ is in us." Paul challenged the Corinthians to consider whether Jesus Christ was in them. That Christ indwells the Christian is a wonderful thought. It was promised by Jesus Himself  (John 14:21-23).

And, it begins when we put Christ on in baptism (Galatians 3:26-27). We may wonder at times "how" He indwells, but the key here is to know that He does; and to realize there are ways we can know whether He does. Which is why we need to periodically examine ourselves!

Additionally, the importance of checking our faith can be used "to determine if we are disqualified." It is a given that Christ is in Christians, unless they have become "disqualified." What does "disqualified" mean? It literally means, "not standing the test", and in this context it refers to the test of being in the faith, and having Christ in you.
   
Paul warned of falling from grace (cf. Galatians 5:4). Peter likewise warned of falling from one's own steadfastness (cf. 2 Peter 3:17). Jesus described what would happen to those branches who did not bear fruit (John 15:1-2,6). Once again, only through self-examination can one know what their true condition is!

Finally, a faith check-up can be used "to determine if we really know ourselves." As Paul calls for self-examination, he asks "Do you not know yourselves...?" We can easily fall into the trap of self-deception (e.g., James 1:22-25). The religion of such a person is "useless" (James 1:26). Only through periodic self-examination can we avoid deceiving ourselves!

Of course, there are so many other questions that might be appropriate to ask, as well, when examining ourselves. After all, we've only just briefly touched on this subject today. But, at the very least, I hope this illustrates the importance of how we need to use the Word of God to faith-check ourselves!

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 John 1:9; Galatians 6:3-5; Romans 12:3; Lamentations 3:40; Philippians 4:6-7; John 17:17

Prayer: Dear Father, I love you and thank you. With you all things are possible! Please help me keep this in mind as I go through this day. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Makinzie