In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul reminds his readers that Jesus Christ is in them unless they are reprobates. Paul commands us to examine for ourselves whether or not we are in the faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

I used to think that to examine myself meant to examine what a wretched sinner I am and stay in a constant state of repentance. If God chooses to remember my sin no more (Hebrews 8:12), and it is His goodness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4), then my old understanding doesn’t quite line up with His Word.

Now I know that I examine myself to see if my soul and body are in alignment with my born-again spirit.

Spirit, Soul, and Body

1 Thessalonians 5:23 makes it clear that we are three-part beings. We are made up of a spirit, soul, and body. The only way that we can see ourselves the way God sees us is through Jesus. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among men (John 1:14). That’s right, the Word of God is the only way we can truly know who God created us to be!

Who Am I in Christ?

Born-again believers are the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). In 2 Peter 1:1, Simon Peter introduces himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” How did they “obtain” this like precious faith?

The Righteousness of God

Romans 3:22 says that “the righteousness of God is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.” Do you believe it? This is how you should examine yourself. Are you being ignorant of God’s righteousness and going about to establish your own righteousness because you are not submitting yourself unto the righteousness of God (Romans 10:3)?

Trouble with the Taditional Church

This is the trouble with the traditional church! We are making converts and then dumping the law back on them to “establish their own righteousness” that they have already obtained at salvation! This is the very law that Jesus blotted out that was against us, that was contrary to us. Jesus took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross (Colossians 2:14)!

Verse 15 goes on to say that God spoiled principalities and powers making a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it!!! Hallelujah!!! This is how God is still working today. God likes to show Himself strong and mighty in His children. He has fully equipped us unto every good work. Examine yourself to find out who you are submitting to.

Submit to God; Resist the Devil

Jesus plainly tells us that the thief comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy, but “I have come that they may have life and that life more abundantly” (John 10:10). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

According to the Scripture, anything that comes to steal, kill, and destroy such as sickness, death, poverty, depression, etc. is from the thief. Jesus counters the thief by coming that we may have life and that we might have it more abundantly.

Are You Resisting God and Submitting to the Devil?

Are you submitting to anything that comes against you to suck the life out of you and your loved ones? Do you submit to the excuses that prevent you from meditating in the Scripture examining who God says you are and finding out what God says you have? If you answer yes then you are actually resisting God and submitting yourself to the devil! That is just the opposite of James 4:7. The devil is not going to flee from you if you believe that God is responsible for the devil’s evil and therefore submit to it!

Friend, don’t be deceived (1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 6:7). This is exactly why we need to examine ourselves and meditate in the Scriptures?

All Scripture

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).” This is God’s good and perfect will for you.

The more that you examine yourself by going to the Scripture for instruction in righteousness, the more YouWillWantTo.