C. A. C., LIVING WATER
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017
TOPIC: SELF-EXAMINATION
BIBLE READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 13:1-6
MEMORISE: Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you are disqualified. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

There were certain well-known people in the church of Corinth who were seeking proof from Paul to know whether he was a genuine apostle (v. 3). He now asked them to examine and test themselves first, rather than him. Those who are quick to examine and condemn others are often guilty of worse sins themselves. One way to make yourself look better or holier is to condemn somebody else.
Many of the problems in the church at Corinth were caused by people who professed to be saved, but who had never repented and trusted Jesus Christ. In fact, our churches are filled with such people today. After a call for self-examination, Paul told the Corinthians to test themselves. The word test, refers to assaying or trying metals by the powerful action of heat. And the idea here is, they should make the most thorough trials of their faith, to see whether it would stand the test of time. It is important for a person to know for sure that he is saved and going to heaven (1 Jn. 5:11-13).
As you engage yourself in self-examination, you are expected to answer certain hard questions accurately: Are you sure of your salvation? Do you have the witness of the Holy Spirit in your heart (Rom. 8:9, 16)? Do you love the brethren? (1 Jn. 3:14). Do you practice righteousness (1 Jn. 2:29; 3:9)? Have you overcome the world so that you are living a life of godly separation (1 Jn. 5:4)? These are just a few of the tests we can apply to our own lives, to be certain that we are the children of God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Oh God, help me not to take my salvation for granted in Jesus' name.
2. I stand against the spirit of self-deception throughout the days of my life.
3. Lord, open the mind of professing Christians to know You as the true God.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 2 KINGS 7 - 10