Text: 2 Corinthians 13:5
Christians need to “test” themselves to be sure they are “in the faith.” How can we determine if we are being as faithful as we ought to be? This lesson will examine five questions to ask ourselves about our faith.
Are You Obedient to the Faith?
- For many in the religious world, this question is nonsensical – they have been taught that faith is belief and it is diametrically opposed to works (obedience)
- Yet faith is an obedient trust in God – faith and obedience go hand in hand (Romans 1:5; 16:26)
- What is “the faith” we are to obey? … the revealed will of God (Jude 3)
- We must examine the Scriptures to know what is right (Acts 17:11) – once we know what is right, we must obey (Matthew 28:20; Colossians 3:17)
Are You Living in Faith?
- Again, faith is an obedient trust in God – previous point discussed obedience; this point is about putting our trust in God
- We obey because we trust that His way is best (Isaiah 55:8-9)
- We trust that there will be a way of escape when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13)
- We trust that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-39)
- We trust that there is a reward in heaven awaiting the faithful (2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10) – we know that death is not the end (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
Is Your Faith Growing?
- We are to build ourselves up on our faith (Jude 20) – if our faith is not continually being strengthened, we are vulnerable (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3)
- We must grow in our knowledge of the word (1 Peter 3:18) – this is the source of faith (Romans 10:17)
- We must grow in our ability to teach others in matters of the faith (Hebrews 5:11-14)
- We must grow in our practice of the things taught in the word (Matthew 5:48)
Is Your Faith Evident to Others?
- “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” – we occasionally hear this question; it is valid
- Our faith should be apparent to others (Matthew 5:14-16) – to fellow Christians (Philippians 3:17); to friends in the world (1 Peter 4:3-4); to our enemies (1 Peter 2:12)
Do You Share Your Faith with Others?
- In the point about growing in faith, we noticed the need to grow to be teachers (Hebrews 5:12) – why? … not just because it means that we have grown (1 Timothy 1:7); but so we can actually teach others
- We should be ready to share the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15) – not only should we be ready, we should be willing (Matthew 10:32)
Adapted from an article written by Rhodes Davis – 5 Ways You Must Test Your Faith
