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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 855. 2Co 13:5. Self-Examination
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2Co_13:5. Self-Examination
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith."—2Co_13:5.
Our subject is one of the greatest possible importance. It is the ascertaining of our true state and character before God. It is seeing whether the tree has been made good—whether the coin bears Christ's superscription—whether we are in the church or in the world—whether we are converted or unconverted. Now these are momentous questions, essentially connected with our happiness in both worlds.
It is, however, matter of great satisfaction that we can ascertain our true condition, and be delivered from all possibility of error on this subject. It is not needful that we should be in any doubt; for the process recommended will most assuredly lead to a clear and definite conclusion.
It is worthy of note that the apostles ever speak of the Christian state as one of conscious knowledge and evident assurance. To be in Christ—in the faith—in the body of the true church—are ever spoken of as matters of spiritual consciousness; yet indifference to the question can never bring us to a satisfactory conclusion. To know ourselves, and see clearly how we stand before God, it is needful to adopt the course the text recommends:—"Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith." Let then the subject have our grave and serious consideration.
Observe,
I. What is premised in the text.
We are exhorted to examine ourselves. It clearly supposes that we may be in error on this subject. We may err in supposing,
1. Educational influence as synonymous with the faith.
Christian training exerts a mighty power, especially when followed by good and pious example; persons are thus enlightened in religious doctrines, and restrained in their daily practice and life. Now all this may be, without being in the faith, and yet may be mistaken for it.
We may err also,
2. In confounding a regard for, and an attendance on religious services, with being in the faith.
Multitudes evidence this every day. This regard to worship often arises from religious training, and the force of habit; from the power of natural conscience; from a mental pleasure in religious services—for such there is in hearing the word eloquently spoken; singing, and the attendant musical engagements. Or it may arise from a conviction of the good influence which worship has on the character and mind. There are multitudes of persons who have sensible enjoyment in religious duties, and they would on no account relinquish them; yet they are unrenewed, and without a knowledge of God. Self-deception is very easy under these otherwise pleasing circumstances.
We may err,
8. In mistaking inward emotions with being in the faith.
The passions may be moved; as of fear—as in the case of Felix who trembled when Paul preached of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come. Of desire—as in the case of the young man who asked with evident desire what he should do to inherit eternal life. And also as in the case of Agrippa, who was almost persuaded to become a Christian. There may be the transient grief and sorrow; or sudden joy—as in those who received the word with gladness, but who after all were but stony-ground hearers.
It is good to have the heart excited. Religious impressions must produce emotions; but all this may be, without being in the faith. It may go so far as to lead to church fellowship, and union with God's people. The lamp of profession may be taken, and like others we may be avowedly waiting for the bridegroom.
Now, as mistakes may arise from any or all these grounds, how needful the admonition to examine ourselves.
Observe,
II. To what the text distinctly refers.
"Being in the faith,"—evidently, having the true faith of a disciple of Christ. There is a kingdom, spiritual and divine, and the very atmosphere of this kingdom is faith. Are we then in it? There is a holy brotherhood, all bound together by faith. Are we of it? Now if we are in the faith, then manifestly,
1. The faith of the Gospel will be in us.
We shall have believed with our hearts unto righteousness; we shall have believed to the saving of our souls. Thus we shall have come to Christ, looked to Christ, rested on Christ, and have obtained saving virtue, and holy power out of Christ. Now nothing can be more evident than that our being in the faith must be ever in unison with the faith being in us; there cannot be the one without the other. Now if the faith is in us, we are consequently in the faith; if so, we are relying on the Lord Jesus Christ, and by that confiding dependence have peace, and hope, and joy, through believing. So that to answer the question, whether you are in the faith, we must propose another—"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" And if you can say that you do really believe on him, then are you most obviously in the faith. If you are in the faith,
2. The experience of faith will be in us. Faith worketh by love. "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."—1Pe_1:8, 1Pe_1:9. So also the apostle speaks of the results of faith thus—"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also, knowing that tribulation also worketh patience," &c.—Rom_5:1-3. Now such are the experimental results of faith: the fruit faith always bears, the consequences that ever follow its existence in our hearts. And if such holy results are the experience of your hearts, then are you manifestly in the faith.
3. The signs of faith will be upon us.
The mouth will glorify God. Is it possible for the tongue to be silent, if Christ has been believed on to the saving of the soul? The soul will be filled with emotions, that must be expressed:—
"Brightness of the Father's glory—
Shall thy praise unuttered lie?
Fly, my tongue, such guilty silence!
Sing the Lord who came to die."
The life will show forth his praise. Faith in the heart purifies the life; it spreads over the whole man a hallowed influence and I sanctifying power; hence there will be self-abasement, self-denial, and obedience. This is Christ's own test—keeping his words, doing as he has commanded, and walking in his steps. Faith ever produces these results, ever exhibits this practical fruit.
Observe,
III. The course the text enjoins.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith."
And,
1. Do this with earnestness of spirit.
It is a weighty, solemn thing, worthy of care, and not to be passed over carelessly or formally, when the favor of God, the glory of Christ, and the salvation of the soul, are all concerned—then there cannot be too much intensity of thought and earnestness of spirit. Apathy in the performance of this duty would be moral insanity. It should be done with all the awakened powers of your soul.
2. Do this with the word of God as your rule.
Not examine and compare yourself with yourself, for you are not to make yourselves, at any period, the standard of spiritual examination. Nor yet with others, for God has given you no directions that you are to aim at being like this or that person. Nor with human tests and human standards, for these are all defective, and not to be relied upon:—but with the word of God. This is the true mirror, the real touchstone, the only infallible standard of true holiness. It is a Bible question, and that book only can settle it. Besides, how foolish to test yourselves by other means, when the true ordeal is at hand, and within your power. In this matter it is ever to be kept in view, that we appeal to the "law and to the testimony;" and if our views, and convictions, and belief, will stand justified here, then are we truly and savingly in the faith.
3. Do it in the spirit of prayer.
It is needful to make it an object of prayer, that God may open your eyes to discern clearly and correctly; make you faithful, that you may not flatter yourselves; aid you by his Spirit, that you may not be led astray by natural feelings, which will be against this exercise. Grace only will conquer human nature, and give you power for this necessary duty.
4. Do it from time to time.
It is an exercise often to be repeated, We may suffer loss—we may be ensnared—religion may be neglected and die out—we may relapse into sin, of go back into the world, and turn aside from God. Then it should be done often. Some godly persons have made this a daily exercise; and if prayer and praise should be constantly regarded, so would it be well for examination to accompany them—in fact, we cannot regard and attend to it too often.
Then let us note,
IV. Some motives by which this course may be enjoined.
We should regard it,
1. As a duty.
God commands it; he knows its vast importance; he sees its essentiality. It is absolute, and binding on all Christians.
We should regard it in reference,
2. To our comfort.
It is for the comfort of the traveller to know he is in the right way; for the mariner to know his course of sailing is correct; for the heir to be sure that his title is unquestionably valid. How much more that we know the soul is right for eternity! Hence the poet sings:
"When I can read my title clear
To mansions in the skies,
I'll bid farewell to every fear,
And wipe my weeping eyes."
3. It is connected with our safety.
If, on examination, matters are not right, all may be made so. Now is the time to get the mistake rectified; now only can it be done—it may indeed be perhaps now, or never.
Then we urge the admonition of the text,
(1.) On the consideration of all. On the young Christian, and on the aged believer; on Christians of every grade, and of every order; for it is alike needful to each and every one.
We would,
(2.) Exhort the seeker of true religion to attend to self-examination; see what hinders you from coming to the truth as it is in Jesus. What is the stumbling-block in your way to true peace?
(3.) Let the subject be strictly remembered, and be personally carried out by all. It is ourselves who are to be examined—not others. We are not to be busy in testing and proving those around us. Alas! we fear this is often much pleasanter and easier than self-examination. But before you do this, have counsel and command from God. to do it. And here we may be instructed from the conduct of impetuous Peter, who was anxious to know what should happen to the disciple John: "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me,"—Joh_21:20-22.
Reader! examine thine own heart; and in that solemn work there will be so much to do, so much to repent of, so much to amend, so much to claim thy whole attention, that prying curiously into the state of others, will meet with no disposition or opportunity to be indulged.