2 Cor. 13 "Living Proof"

2 Corinthians 13 – Brandon Hatmaker “Living Proof”
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong.” 2 Corinthians 13:5-7

Paul’s final words to the Corinthian church were very direct. He told them to examine themselves, specifically to see if they are “in” faith. The word “in” comes from a Greek word meaning among. This is speaking of a position of being. The word “test” in verse 5 literally translates to mean, “prove”. So Paul is telling them not only to do some introspection (examine), but the way they must do that is to evaluate (examine) whether or not they actual are residing “among” the ways of faith, then to prove it, through their actions. The proof? Their lives. Reminds me of when we played “horse” as a kid. The game never ended until you could “prove” it. That proof was final.

Paul then gives them the ultimate goal, “Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong.”

Anything? Wow, that’s pretty strong, but that’s His prayer. It’s typically not ours. We settle a ton in our faith. We see our weaknesses and say, “Oh, well” at least I didn’t cheat on my taxes, or my wife, or murder anyone recently. Even when we’re doing well, there are typically struggles we don’t even allow our minds to recognize. If we were to examine ourselves, we’d find a ton of stuff we’ve shoved to the back of the closet, most are private issues, many are emotional or mental, the ones that can be covered up or hidden through false fronts or through overcompensating in our faith in other areas.

I’ve been there. I’m there now. But if we are going to truly pursue holiness, how can we be honest with God if we’re not even honest with ourselves? We are not okay… but hear me… that IS okay. God already knows it and wants us to deal with it not hide it.

So let’s examine ourselves. And let’s pray we do nothing wrong. Knowing that we will and God already knows that. Let’s pursue it anyway. Knowing that He forgives us and just wants us to not give up trying. Let’s remember that to “confess” means to “say the same thing”, so in our shortfalls, before God, we call it what it is. Nothing hidden. Everything exposed.

The cool thing is that’s the most liberating place to be… honesty, transparency, genuine, authentic… however you want to word it. It’s truth. And it’s freedom.

Father, help us to not be content with selective confession before you and ourselves. Help us to see our level of “abiding” in you by our actions. Search the secret places of our hearts and minds, show us our insecurities and our fears, our feelings of isolation and of doubt, our false pride and self-deception and help us to lay them before your throne. Especially where they end up impacting our ability to love you or others. Thank you for loving us enough to offer your amazing Grace, for eternity, and for today. Amen.