#27 2nd Corinthians 13:5 NLT

2nd Corinthians 13:5 NLT

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is in you, it means you have failed the test.

12/09/06-12/11/06

We must always examine everything we think, say, and do to see if it is in line with the faith we profess. If our faith is genuine, alive, and growing, then this will be evidenced by the things we do since faith without works – that is good deeds – is dead (James 2:18-20). The fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22-23) is an evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in us. Therefore, don’t just listen to the word of God, but absorb and follow what it says (James 1:22). If all you ever do is listen to the word of God but never take it into your heart and let it transform your life, then do not deceive yourself into thinking that you are really saved. For though we are saved by grace through faith and not by works, we are made new in Christ Jesus to do the good deeds God has planned for us to do in His name (Eph. 2:8-10). True faith will always lead to good deeds and a life seeking to conform to God’s moral standards. May we pray, “Lord Jesus, You know those who are Yours. Let us not deceive ourselves, but make us truly Yours and produce fruit in our lives by Your Holy Spirit that we may know with certainty that we are Yours. Search us and know us, oh God, and root out those things in us that keep us from all You want for us. Make our hearts good soil where Your word is planted and grows and flourishes. Father, may all of us, Your children, surrender our wills to Your will. May we seek to live every day in the center of Your perfect will and to live for Your glory alone. For we do not belong to ourselves, but to You. Transform us with ever-increasing glory into the likeness of Christ (2nd Cor. 3:18) for the sake of Your name. Holy are You, our God and alone worthy of all praise! Amen.