The verse 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (ESV). This verse contains the phrases “examine yourselves” and “test yourselves”, which are essentially saying the same thing – to look inward and evaluate if one’s faith and life align with biblical truths.
1. Testing faith and salvation
A key aspect of “testing yourselves” is examining whether one’s faith is genuine, and whether one is truly saved. This involves assessing if there is evidence of regeneration, repentance from sin, and a sincere profession of faith in Christ. Paul wanted the Corinthians to reflect on their lives and see if they were living according to God’s commands and exhibiting the fruits of salvation. Self-examination helps determine if one’s faith is legitimate or counterfeit. As Paul states, the proof of Christ being in a person is passing the “test” and not failing to meet the standard.
Some key questions to ask when testing the genuineness of faith and salvation include:
– Do I have conviction of sin and understanding of the gospel? Have I repented and turned from sin?
– Do I have assurance of salvation and does my life exhibit a love for God and his word?
– Do I desire to live in obedience to God? Do I strive against sin and temptation?
– Do I seek to love others, forgive others, and live at peace with others?
– Do I have any secretly cherished sins I’m unwilling to repent from?
– Is there spiritual fruit evident in my life such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23)
– Do I care about evangelism and making disciples?
While passing this “test” does not mean perfection, it does require honestly evaluating if one’s life shows evidence consistent with saving faith and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Self-examination either confirms assurance of salvation, or reveals areas that require repentance and re-commitment.
2. Testing against Scripture
A second key aspect of “test yourselves” is measuring one’s beliefs and behaviors against Scripture to see if they align with biblical truth and commands. Everything must be examined against the standard of God’s word – not based on personal opinions, cultural trends, denominational traditions, experience, feelings, or what “seems right” to man. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Paul wanted the Corinthians to biblically “test” things like:
– Do my theological beliefs align with Scripture? Or do I hold to any ideas opposed to the Bible?
– Are my standards of morality and conduct rooted in Scripture? Or do I rationalize and excuse sinful behaviors?
– Do I exhibit the spiritual gifts and use them to serve others, as instructed in Scripture? Or do I seek to glorify myself?
– Does my participation in church gatherings reflect the biblical teaching on worship and order?
– Does my lifestyle align with biblical commands and principles for family, work, money, relationships, sexuality, etc?
– Am I treating others – both inside and outside of the church – in a Christ-like manner?
– Am I living out qualities such as humility, servant-hood, and submission to authority as taught in Scripture?
Everything must be carefully examined against biblical truths and commands to see if it measures up. Areas that contradict or fall short must be repented of and realigned to Scripture. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
3. Testing against Christ’s example
In addition to testing against Scripture, Christians are also called to test themselves against the perfect example of Jesus Christ. As 1 John 2:6 says, “whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” Christians should examine if their thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes mirror the example of Christ Himself:
– Jesus was perfectly humble – do I exhibit humility and resist pride?
– Jesus served others – do I live to serve, or to be served?
– Jesus was meek and gentle – am I thoughtful, patient, and kind in dealing with others?
– Jesus loved unconditionally – do I show equal love to those who mistreat me?
– Jesus was righteous and sinless – do I earnestly fight temptation and avoid sin?
– Jesus had perfect integrity – am I honest and transparent, or deceitful?
– Jesus walked in obedience to the Father – do I obey God even when it’s difficult?
– Jesus lived to glorify God – does my life give glory to God or self?
While perfection is impossible, Christians should measure how closely their lives resemble Christ in his moral excellence. As Romans 8:29 says, God’s will is for believers to “be conformed to the image of his Son.” Testing against Christ’s example shows areas to grow in Christlikeness.
4. Testing motives and heart condition
A final aspect of testing oneself is examining one’s inner motives and condition of the heart. While man looks outward, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Christians must go beyond examining outward behaviors and also test the secret intents, desires, thoughts, emotions that drive behaviors.
Relevant questions include:
– Why do I really do the things I do? What are my motivations and inner desires that prompt my actions? Are they pure or selfish?
– Do I harbor things like bitterness, resentment, jealousy, greed, pride, hatred towards anyone? What sins am I rationalizing in my heart?
– Are my thoughts pleasing to God? Or filled with things like lust, envy, discontentment?
– Am I motivated by love for God and others? Or by selfishness?
– Is there any sin I’m cherishing in my heart and unwilling to repent from? Any idols competing with God for my affections?
– Is there any hypocrisy between my inner life and outward reputation?
Proverbs 20:9 asks, “Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”? As Jeremiah 17:9-10 warns, the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure apart from God’s help. Christians must humbly ask God to search their hearts, test their motives, and reveal any areas that need cleansing and repentance.
5. Benefits of testing yourselves
While humbling and difficult at times, regularly examining and testing oneself provides many spiritual benefits, including:
– Increases spiritual discernment between right and wrong, truth and deception
– Strengthens assurance of salvation
– Reveals blindspots and areas of hypocrisy or compromise
– Sparks deeper repentance and sanctification
– Guards against drifting into apostasy or heresy
– Allows course-corrections and realignment with God’s will
– Fosters greater intimacy with God as hidden sins are confessed
– Promotes revival, renewal, and spiritual passion
– Helps believers take their faith more seriously and walk worthy of their calling
– Warns of potential backsliding before it occurs
In summary, “test yourselves” is a call to thoroughly examine one’s life and faith compared to Scripture, Christ’s example, and God’s will. This results in spiritual growth, serving as a diagnostic “check engine” light that keeps one’s walk with God on the right path until the return of Christ. As Paul urged: “Keep a close watch on yourself…persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16).