Examine Yourselves: II Corinthians 13:5

GL Williams
Aug 5
2 min read

Wednesday Night Bible Study, May 14, 2025

Pastor Derk Adams

"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?"— 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV)

I. Context

- Author: Apostle Paul

- Audience: The church in Corinth

- Purpose: Paul defends his apostleship and calls the church to repentance and spiritual integrity.

- Chapter Focus: Final warnings and a personal call to evaluate one’s standing in the faith before Paul’s third visit.

II. Key Terms Explained

• Examine yourselves: Carefully evaluate your life, motives, and faith.

• Whether ye be in the faith: Are you truly a follower of Christ, or just outwardly religious?

• Prove your own selves: Test for the authenticity of your spiritual life.

• Jesus Christ is in you: A real believer is indwelt by Christ (see Romans 8:9–10).

• Except ye be reprobates: A reprobate is one who fails the test — lacking true faith or spiritual life.

III. Key Themes

• Self-Examination: A vital and ongoing practice for spiritual growth.

• Genuine Faith: True Christianity involves a relationship with Christ, not mere church attendance or religious habits.

• Christ in You: Evidence of salvation includes transformation, conviction of sin, and growing in holiness.

• Warning Against Self-Deception: Many may profess faith but lack the inward change (Matthew 7:21–23).

IV. Application Points

• Set aside time regularly for prayerful self-examination.

• Reflect on the fruit of the Spirit in your life (Galatians 5:22–23).

• Ask: Does your life reflect the presence of Christ?

• Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart (Psalm 139:23–24).

• Walk in repentance, obedience, and growth.

V. Reflection Questions

1. What does self-examination look like in your life?

2. Can others see the presence of Christ in how you live?

3. Do you feel conviction when you sin? Are you quick to repent?

4. Have you grown in spiritual maturity over the past year?

5. Is there any area of your life where Christ is not Lord?

VI. Prayer

Lord, I ask You to help me examine my heart honestly and humbly. Show me whether I am truly walking in the faith and help me prove what is genuine. May the life of Christ be clearly seen in me. Keep me from being a reprobate, and lead me into a deeper walk with You. Amen.