This is a sobering exhortation. It keeps us humble to realize that perhaps it could be possible for one to think they are a Christian when maybe they are not. How should we examine ourselves? Here are some questions that come to my mind as I think on this.
What am I basing my salvation on? Church membership? Works? Grace alone, through faith alone?
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be
saved.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
What fruit of the Spirit do I see being developed in my life or is there any?
Galations 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Do I desire to spend time reading the Bible?
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- Do I desire to spend time in prayer?
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
1Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
Do I want to fellowship with God's people on Sunday because I want to worship Him and am anxious to hear the Bible preached or do I go out of duty or to socialize with friends?
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to
good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.
Do I desire to do the will of God, or do I pursue my own interests?
1Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
1Peter 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
1Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
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