Sunday School w/ Coach Fee | Testing Our Faith| Lesson 2 | March 10

Testing Our Faith

Devotional Reading: Psalm 139:13–18, 23–24
Background Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:1–11

2 Corinthians 13:5–11

5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.


Key Text
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.—2 Corinthians 13:5a

Discover profound insights from 2 Corinthians 13:5-11 as we delve into the essence of self-examination and the criteria for being "in the faith." Uncover the importance of unity, maturity, and the fruit of the spirit in navigating our spiritual journey. Join us on a transformative exploration of faith and self-discovery.

In the timeless words of 2 Corinthians 13:5-11, we find a compelling call to examine ourselves and test our faith. As we embark on this journey of introspection, we encounter Paul's profound challenge to the Corinthian church, urging them to discern whether they are truly walking in the faith. Central to this examination is the concept of being "in the faith," a state characterized not only by belief but by a transformative adherence to the doctrines of Christ.

Within the tapestry of spiritual self-examination, we encounter the fruit of the Spirit, a divine manifestation of Christ's presence within us. As outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, these fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—serve as markers of our spiritual maturity and alignment with God's will. Through cultivating these virtues, we not only deepen our connection with God but also enrich our relationships with others, fostering unity and harmony within the body of Christ.

At the heart of Paul's exhortation lies the concept of being "reprobate," a term laden with theological significance. In its biblical context, to be reprobate is to lack the presence of Christ within oneself, leading to moral depravity and spiritual blindness. As Paul admonishes the Corinthians to examine themselves, he warns against the dangers of spiritual complacency and urges them to strive for righteousness and authenticity in their Christian walk. Thus, the journey of faith entails not only self-reflection but also a fervent pursuit of God's trut