Get the appNew Creation: A Study in 2 CorinthiansSample
What does it say?
Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to examine whether or not they had true faith.
What does it mean?
Paul wasn’t trying to give the Corinthians doubts regarding their salvation. He was, however, warning those in Corinth who had put their faith in the false doctrine being taught. He encouraged a period of self-examination and testing regarding the sincerity of their faith. Truth was the standard by which they were to measure themselves, which is found in God’s Word and observable in the life of Christ. For believers, such an examination should show evidence of Christ-like character and a desire to grow in their faith.
How should I respond?
We’re prone to taking long looks in the mirror to determine what about our physical appearance needs attention. But when was the last time you examined yourself spiritually? Like the Corinthians, you need to be sure you have a true relationship with Christ, not just head knowledge about Him. What evidence of Jesus do you see in your life? Is your lifestyle consistent with the teachings of Scripture? Take a moment right now to look in a spiritual mirror. Do you see yourself as you truly are? Godly character will continue to develop as you read and apply the truth of God’s Word to your life.
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About this Plan
In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul encourages believers to live in the identity Christ has provided for them. Although as fragile and mundane as jars of clay, God’s people hold the inestimable treasure of the gospel in their lives (2 Corinthians 4:7). 2 Corinthians reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ, tasked with showing and sharing God’s good news of reconciliation for all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:20).
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