Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the Faith

In the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Corinth, a hub of trade and culture in the ancient world, the early Christian church faced a myriad of challenges. Immorality, idolatry, and divisions plagued the young congregation, reflecting the pagan influences of the surrounding society. It was into this context that the Apostle Paul penned his second letter to the Corinthians, a heartfelt and urgent appeal to address these issues and restore spiritual health to the Church. Having already spent significant time with them and written a prior letter, Paul was now preparing for his third visit. His tone in 2 Corinthians 13 is both stern and pastoral; he longed for the believers to repent and grow rather than face his apostolic discipline.

At the heart of this chapter lies a profound challenge: “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!” (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV). These words are not merely a rebuke to a wayward church but a timeless call for all believers to assess the authenticity of their faith. Why does Paul emphasize self-examination? What does it mean to “test yourselves”? And how can we apply this directive in our lives today? In this post, we’ll unpack the meaning of this passage through careful exegesis, explore its implications, and offer practical steps for self-examination, all from an evangelical perspective rooted in the gospel of grace.

Exegesis of 2 Corinthians 13:5

To fully grasp Paul’s instruction, let’s break down 2 Corinthians 13:5 phrase by phrase, drawing on the original Greek to illuminate its meaning.

“Examine yourselves”

The verse opens with a command: “Examine yourselves.” The Greek word here is peirazete, derived from peirazo, meaning to test, try, or scrutinize. This isn’t a casual glance but a deliberate, thorough investigation, like a jeweler inspecting a gem for authenticity. Paul urges the Corinthians to look closely at their spiritual condition, to probe beneath the surface of their profession of faith.

“To see whether you are in the faith”

Next, Paul specifies the purpose: “to see whether you are in the faith.” The phrase “in the faith” (en tē pistei) refers not just to intellectual assent to Christian doctrines but to a living, saving faith in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, “the faith” can denote the body of truth delivered to the saints (Jude 3), yet here it’s personal, being genuinely united to Christ. Paul wants them to confirm that their faith is real, not a hollow shell.

“Test yourselves”

He reinforces this with a second command: “Test yourselves.” The Greek dokimazete, from dokimazo, means to test or prove, often with the aim of approving something as genuine. Think of a metallurgist testing gold to verify its purity. The repetition of “examine” and “test” underscores the urgency and importance of this self-assessment. Paul isn’t suggesting a one-time check but an ongoing practice of spiritual diligence.

“Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?”

Paul then poses a rhetorical question: “Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” This points to a key indicator of genuine faith, the indwelling presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Elsewhere, Paul writes, “Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him” (Romans 8:9, ESV). If they are truly “in the faith,” they should recognize Christ’s transformative presence within them, shaping their desires and actions.

“Unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”

The verse ends with a sobering caveat: “unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” The Greek phrase adokimoi este uses adokimos, meaning unapproved, unqualified, or reprobate, the opposite of dokimos (approved). It’s a stark warning: some might examine themselves and find no evidence of Christ’s presence, revealing that their faith is not genuine. In Corinth, where some challenged Paul’s authority and lived in unrepentant sin, this was a real possibility.

Contextual Insight

This call to self-examination comes as Paul defends his apostolic authority against detractors (2 Corinthians 13:2–3). Rather than focusing on his credentials, he turns the spotlight on the Corinthians: if they are truly in Christ, they should recognize the gospel he preached and his God-given role. Yet, the primary thrust is personal, before Paul arrives to address their sin, they must judge themselves and repent.

The Importance of Self-Examination

Self-examination is a recurring theme in Scripture, vital for spiritual health. Paul previously instructed the Corinthians to “examine themselves” before partaking in the Lord’s Supper, lest they eat and drink judgment on themselves (1 Corinthians 11:28, ESV). In Galatians 6:4, he writes, “Let each one test his own work” (ESV), emphasizing personal responsibility over comparison. Even the Old Testament echoes this: “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40, ESV).

Why is this so critical? First, it guards against self-deception. Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21, ESV), highlighting the danger of false assurance. Some in Corinth professed faith while living immorally, risking disqualification (1 Corinthians 9:27). Second, it fosters growth. Honest evaluation reveals areas needing repentance, driving us back to God’s grace. Finally, it prepares us for God’s judgment, as “each one’s work will become manifest” (1 Corinthians 3:13, ESV). Paul himself practiced this discipline, ensuring his life aligned with his preaching.

How to Test Yourself

So, how do we practically “test ourselves”? Paul’s question, “Do you not realize… that Jesus Christ is in you?”, suggests the key: look for evidence of Christ’s presence. Here are five Biblical ways to do so:

Reflect on Your Belief in the Gospel
Ask: Do I truly believe Jesus is the Son of God, died for my sins, and rose again? Is my trust in Him alone for salvation, not my own works? “Whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV).

Look for the Fruit of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit’s presence produces “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23, ESV). Are these growing in your life, even imperfectly? Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:20, ESV).

Examine Your Obedience to God’s Commands
True faith leads to action. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” Jesus said (John 14:15, ESV). Are you striving to obey God, or living in willful sin? As 1 John 2:3 states, “By this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments” (ESV).

Assess Your Love for God and Others
Faith expresses itself in love (Galatians 5:6). Do you delight in God and seek to love others, even when it’s hard? “Whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7, ESV).

Consider Your Response to Trials
Does your faith sustain you in suffering, or do you abandon God when life gets tough? “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial” (James 1:12, ESV).

Practical Disciplines

To aid this process, engage in regular Bible reading to know God’s standards, prayer to seek His insight (Psalm 139:23–24), and fellowship with believers for accountability. These habits sharpen our self-awareness and align us with Christ.

Balancing Assurance and Self-Examination

Self-examination can feel daunting. How do we avoid despair or legalism? The answer lies in the gospel. Our salvation rests not on our performance but on Christ’s finished work: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9, ESV). Yet, true faith produces fruit: “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV). James adds, “Faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26, ESV).

When we test ourselves, we’re not earning salvation but confirming its reality. Imperfection doesn’t disqualify us, believers still sin, but a lack of change or desire for God may signal a problem. Assurance comes from God’s promises: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13, ESV). We examine ourselves in light of grace, trusting Christ’s righteousness, not ours.

Conclusion

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 13:5 are a clarion call to every believer: “Test yourselves.” Through careful exegesis, we’ve seen that it’s a summons to verify the authenticity of our faith by seeking Christ’s presence within us. This isn’t about doubting God’s love but ensuring we’re not deceiving ourselves. By examining our beliefs, actions, and fruit, we grow in holiness and guard against complacency.

Make self-examination a habit, perhaps before communion, as Paul advised (1 Corinthians 11:28), or in quiet moments of reflection. Ask God to search your heart, as David did (Psalm 139:23–24), and rest in His grace. For if Christ is in you, you have the hope of glory and the power to live for Him. May we echo Paul’s prayer: “that you may be made complete” (2 Corinthians 13:9, ESV), fully rooted in the faith that saves.