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Verse
Context
Examine Yourselves
4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?6And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith - Ἑαυτους πειραζετε· Try yourselves; pierce your hearts; bore yourselves throughout; try yourselves by what I have written, and see whether ye retain the true faith of the Gospel. Prove your own selves - Ἑαυτους δοκιμαζετε· Put yourselves to the test, as you would try gold or silver suspected of adulteration. No more take that for Gospel which is not so, than you would take adulterated money for sterling coin. This is a metaphor taken from testing or assaying adulterated metals. Know ye not your own selves - Are ye not full of wisdom and understanding? And is it not as easy to find out a spurious faith as it is to detect a base coin? There is an assay and touchstone for both. If base metal be mixed with the pure you can readily detect it; and as easily may you know that you are in the faith as you can know that base metal is mixed with the pure. Does Jesus Christ dwell in you? You have his Spirit, his power, his mind, if ye be Christians; and the Spirit of Christ bears witness with your spirit that ye are the children of God. And this is the case except ye be reprobates; αδοκιμοι, base counterfeit coin; mongrel Christians. This metaphor holds excellently here. They had a Judaizing Christian among them; such, presumptively, was the false apostle: they had received his Judaico-Christian doctrine, and were what the prophet said of some of the Israelites in his time. Reprobate silver, adulterated coin, shall men call them, Jer 6:30. And thus, when they were brought to the test, they were found reprobate; that is, adulterated with this mixture of bad doctrine. There is no other kind of reprobation mentioned here than that which refers to the trial and rejection of adulterated coin; and, by way of metaphor, to the detection of false Christianity. This reprobation came of the people themselves: they, not God, adulterated the pure metal. Man pollutes himself; then God reprobates the polluted.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Examine--Greek, "Try (make trial of) yourselves." prove your own selves--This should be your first aim, rather than "seeking a proof of Christ speaking in me" (Co2 13:3). your own selves--I need not speak much in proof of Christ being in me, your minister (Co2 13:3), for if ye try your own selves ye will see that Christ is also in you [CHRYSOSTOM], (Rom 8:10). Finding Christ dwelling in yourselves by faith, ye may well believe that He speaks in me, by whose ministry ye have received this faith [ESTIUS]. To doubt it would be the sin of Israel, who, after so many miracles and experimental proofs of God's presence, still cried (Exo 17:7), "Is the Lord among us or not?" (Compare Mar 8:11). except ye be reprobates--The Greek softens the expression, "somewhat reprobates," that is, not abiding the "proof" (alluding to the same word in the context); failing when tested. Image from metals (Jer 6:30; Dan 5:27; Rom 1:28).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith,.... These words are to be considered in connection with Co2 13:3 for seeing they sought and demanded a proof the voice and power of Christ in the apostle, he directs them to self examination, to look within themselves, to try, prove, and recognise their own souls; where if things were right, they would find a proof of Christ's speaking in him, to them: he advises them to examine the state of their own souls, and see whether they were in the faith; either in the doctrine of faith, having a spiritual and experimental knowledge of it, true love and affection for it, an hearty belief of it, having felt the power of it upon their souls, and abode in it; whether, as the Syriac version reads it, , "ye stand in the faith", firm and stable; or in the grace of faith, either of miracles, or that which is connected with salvation; and which if they were in it, and had it, is attended with good works; operates by love to Christ and to his people; by which souls go out of themselves to Christ, live upon him, receive from him, and give him all the glory of salvation: and if this was their case, he desires to know how they came by their faith; and suggests, that their light in the doctrine of the Gospel, and their faith in Christ Jesus, as well as the miraculous gifts many of them were possessed of, were through his ministry as the means; and this was a full proof of Christ's speaking in him: prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you; by which he means, that if they took a survey of things in their own souls, it would appear that Christ was in them; not as he is in all the world, filling heaven and earth with his presence; or as he is in every rational creature, as the Creator and author of the light of nature; but in a special and spiritual manner, by his Spirit and grace; the Father reveals him in his people, as the foundation of their hope of glory; he himself enters and takes possession of their hearts in conversion, communicates his grace, and manifests himself, and is formed there by his Spirit; his graces are implanted, his image is stamped, his Spirit is put within them, and he himself dwells by faith: and this upon inquiry would be found to be the case of the Corinthians, except, says the apostle, ye are reprobates; meaning not that they were so, as such may stand opposed to the elect of God; for persons may as yet neither be in the faith, nor Christ in them, and yet both be hereafter, and so not be left of God, or consigned to destruction; but that if they were not in the doctrine of, faith, then they were reprobate concerning it, or void of judgment in it; and if they had not the grace of faith, and Christ was not in them, then they were not genuine, but nominal professors, like "reprobate silver", counterfeit coin; which when detected, would be "disapproved", not only by God, but man, as this word also signifies, and so stands opposed to them that are "approved", Co2 13:7 or if they did not make such an examination, probation, and recognition of themselves, they would be without probation: or as the Arabic version, without experiment. The apostle hereby brings them into this dilemma, either that if upon examination they were found to be in the faith, and Christ in them, which blessings they enjoyed through his ministry, then they did not want a proof of Christ speaking in him; but if these things did not appear in them, then they were persons of no judgment in spiritual things, were not real Christians, but insignificant and useless persons.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:5-6 The issue is clear cut: If they cannot recognize that Jesus Christ is living among them, they are the ones who have failed the test of genuine faith (literally are disproved). There is a play on words here: They were looking for “proof” of Paul’s apostolic authority, but Paul urges them, Test yourselves (or Prove yourselves). The lack of Christ’s presence would disprove their authenticity as Christians. But Paul himself has demonstrated that he has not failed the test of apostolic authority (literally not been disproved).
Examine Yourselves
4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?6And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Sermon That Has Angered Many - Examine Yourself
By Paul Washer37K1:13:10ExaminationISA 66:2JHN 1:5JHN 3:212CO 13:5JAS 1:131JN 1:81JN 3:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of focusing on eternal things. He warns against being enslaved to the things of this present evil age and encourages listeners to set their hearts on Christ and follow him. The preacher also highlights the need for self-examination in light of the word of God and the importance of repentance and belief in Christ. He challenges the idea of a superficial Christianity that merely repeats words without genuine transformation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep love for God and a recognition of His power and authority over all creation.
Repentance in Kansas City
By Andrew Strom23K52:40MAT 3:7MAT 5:8MAT 23:33LUK 18:9ROM 2:162CO 13:5HEB 12:14In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of Christian meetings and how they often fail to truly impact people. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and a genuine encounter with God in our gatherings. The speaker also highlights the importance of personal repentance and surrender to God, acknowledging that He sees and judges the secret sins of our hearts. The sermon references the powerful revivals led by Charles Finney and Savonarola as examples of the transformative impact of revival preaching.
Christ Imparts Life
By Major Ian Thomas14K45:04LifeMAT 6:33JHN 14:6ROM 8:92CO 13:5GAL 2:202PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fallen nature of humanity and the expectations that God has for us. He emphasizes that in our flesh, apart from Christ, we are destined for failure. The preacher uses the analogy of a pig finding delight in mud to illustrate the inherent nature of our sinful flesh. However, he also encourages believers to rely on Christ and expect Him to work in and through them, conforming them to His will. The sermon concludes with a cautionary reminder that leaving the door open to sin can have disastrous consequences.
(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 4
By Paul Washer13K1:14:20AssuranceMAT 6:331CO 13:52CO 13:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's commandments and living a life of repentance. He compares the urgency of this message to a parent pleading with their child to avoid the same mistakes they made. The preacher highlights the discipline and breaking that he has experienced in his own walk with the Lord, and questions the authenticity of those who claim to know Christ but lack discipline and obedience. He warns that the world is passing away and urges listeners not to love the things of this world.
(So Great a Salvation) Loving Ones Brother
By Paris Reidhead6.6K1:10:24LoveJHN 13:342CO 13:51JN 1:61JN 2:31JN 2:91JN 3:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a woman who cared for a sick mother and her children. Despite being just a laundress, she shared the message of Jesus with them. The speaker emphasizes that through the power of God, even the simplest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. The sermon also focuses on the importance of loving one's neighbor and how being born again in Christ leads to a deep love for all people, regardless of distance or nationality. The speaker then references several scriptures from the book of 1 John to highlight the evidences of eternal life, including loving one's brother and walking in the light.
Genuine Conversion
By Paul Washer4.6K41:34Genuine ConversionMAT 6:332CO 13:5In this sermon, the speaker challenges the common practice of reducing the gospel to a simple prayer or set of beliefs. He emphasizes that true revival is not just a temporary emotional experience, but a lasting transformation of life. The speaker highlights the importance of examining one's faith through the tests presented in the book of 1 John. He criticizes the tendency to simplify the gospel and urges listeners to seek a deeper understanding of biblical truth and a genuine conformity to Christ.
You're Changing
By David Wilkerson4.3K05:57JOS 1:9PSA 51:10MAT 6:332CO 13:5JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing spiritual decline and the subtle changes that can lead believers away from God. It challenges listeners to examine their hearts, repent, and seek a deeper relationship with God, urging them to prioritize spiritual fervor over worldly distractions. The message calls for a return to genuine passion for God, a burden for the lost, and a commitment to fervent prayer and seeking God's face.
Biblical Assurance 1 - Austin, Tx
By Paul Washer4.1K43:16AssuranceMAT 6:33ROM 8:92CO 13:5GAL 5:22JAS 2:171JN 1:51JN 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of God and His will. He criticizes the reduction of Christianity to a few principles and a prayer for personal gain. The speaker highlights that God is not a hidden or distant deity, but has revealed Himself and His desires to humanity. The sermon also introduces the concept of tests in Scripture, with the first test being discussed at the end of the transcript.
After This the Judgement (Compilation)
By Compilations4.0K06:14CompilationMAT 16:262CO 5:102CO 6:22CO 13:5HEB 3:15HEB 9:27REV 14:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for eternity and asks the listeners to examine their souls. He urges them to test themselves in the light of scripture and not rely on emotions or the opinions of others. The preacher warns that many who call themselves Christians are actually lost and highlights the gravity and uncertainty of life. He emphasizes the urgency of accepting salvation now, as there will be a judgment where everyone will be judged according to their works. The only way to be saved is to recognize one's sin, believe in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ, repent, and surrender oneself to Him.
A Faith That Does Not Save
By Danny Bond3.0K44:51FaithMAT 7:132CO 13:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Simon the sorcerer and how he had a faith that did not save him. The preacher identifies four reasons why Simon's faith was not genuine: he had a wrong view of himself, salvation, the Holy Spirit, and sin. The preacher references Matthew 13:24-30, where Jesus teaches about the difficulty of distinguishing between the real and the fake in the kingdom of heaven. The preacher also refers to Matthew 7:13-14, where Jesus emphasizes the narrow path that leads to life and the broad road that leads to destruction.
Christ's Indwelling
By Stephen Olford3.0K30:07Indwelling SpiritMAT 6:33ROM 8:102CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:16COL 1:271PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sanctifying the Lord God in one's heart. He urges the audience to give Christ complete lordship over their lives. The speaker shares a testimony of a missionary who initially lacked joy, power, and fruitfulness in her service. However, after seeking a private interview with a servant of God, she realized that she had never truly experienced Christ's indwelling. The speaker concludes by highlighting the need for a supreme empowering to receive the indwelling of Christ, acknowledging that the heart may have reservations about His absolute indwelling.
The Mightiest Weapon God Can Have at His Disposal
By Keith Daniel2.9K1:06:13PrayerMAT 7:232CO 13:5JAS 1:211JN 2:31JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith accompanied by works. He quotes from the book of Matthew, where Jesus teaches that a good tree will produce good fruit, while a corrupt tree will produce evil fruit. The preacher urges the audience to examine themselves in the mirror of God's Word to determine if they are truly in the faith. He also references passages from 1 Peter and 2 Peter, highlighting the call to holiness and the promise of partaking in the divine nature through faith. The sermon concludes with a thought-provoking question from the book of James, questioning whether faith without works can truly save a person.
Self Examination
By C.H. Spurgeon2.8K31:27MAT 7:1ROM 14:121CO 11:282CO 13:5GAL 6:4JAS 1:221JN 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-examination. He compares it to a captain inspecting his soldiers on Review Day, looking closely at every detail. The preacher warns that God will not judge based on appearances, but will purify each individual through testing and scrutiny. He urges the congregation to examine themselves thoroughly, as God's condemnation is far more severe than any human judgment. The preacher also highlights the benefits of self-examination, as it can help alleviate doubts and fears and prevent spiritual bankruptcy. He emphasizes that the eternal state of one's soul depends on the choices made in this life and encourages the congregation to take their faith seriously and not rely on others for their salvation.
Perseverance and Missions
By Paul Washer2.5K54:39MAT 6:33MAT 7:13MAT 7:182CO 13:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Matthew 7:13-14 and its context. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between destruction and life, heaven and hell. The speaker explains that those who hear the teachings of Jesus and act upon them are saved, while those who hear but do not act upon the word are destroyed. He uses the analogy of a pig and a man to illustrate the natural inclination towards sin and the need for genuine conversion. The overall message is a warning about the consequences of not building one's life upon the teachings of Jesus and the importance of genuine faith and obedience.
Hell's Best Kept Secret (German)
By Ray Comfort2.4K55:52EvangelismPSA 51:6LUK 10:25JHN 3:18ROM 3:23ROM 6:232CO 13:5In this sermon, evangelist Ray Comfort shares a teaching called "Hell's Best Kept Secret." He begins by illustrating the importance of understanding the Gospel through a story about two passengers on a plane. One passenger is skeptical about wearing a parachute, while the other understands the gravity of the situation and puts it on without hesitation. Comfort uses this analogy to emphasize the need for people to recognize the reality of sin and the consequences of not repenting. He urges listeners to share the Gospel with others, emphasizing that simply telling someone to put on the "parachute" of salvation without explaining the need for it is ineffective.
College Conference - 2 Cor. 13:5 & 1 Jn.
By Paul Washer2.3K50:31AssuranceMAT 7:20ROM 8:92CO 13:5EPH 2:81JN 1:91JN 2:31JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker highlights the problem of reductionism in our understanding of the gospel. He criticizes the tendency to simplify the message of Jesus Christ into a few basic principles, diminishing its depth and significance. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate his point, emphasizing the need to truly marvel at the gospel rather than treating it as a basic introductory lesson. He also emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to sin and growing in our knowledge of God.
Standing Steadfast in Christ - Part 2
By David Wilkerson1.8K06:232CO 13:5This sermon emphasizes the work and call of the Holy Spirit in igniting a fresh burden for lost souls, urging believers to seek God's presence individually and become soul winners. It calls for a renewed commitment to spiritual warfare, casting all cares on Jesus, and standing on God's promises for preservation and fruitfulness.
The True Church (Reading)
By J.C. Ryle1.7K1:01:31MAT 6:33MAT 16:18ROM 8:92CO 13:5EPH 2:201TI 1:15HEB 10:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church of Jesus Christ as the foundation that will endure forever. He highlights the ongoing conflict and opposition faced by the true church from the devil, who hates it passionately. Despite persecution and attempts to destroy it, the church has always prevailed and will continue to do so. The preacher assures the listeners that Christ will never be without a witness in the world, and that every member of his army will be accounted for in the end.
Wheat and Tares
By Harold Vaughan1.7K44:49Wheat And TaresMAT 6:33MAT 13:24JHN 3:16ROM 8:161CO 6:92CO 13:51JN 2:3In this sermon, the preacher presents a courtroom scenario where a person is on trial and facing condemnation. The judge is about to render a verdict when suddenly, a man in a white robe with nail scars in his hands enters the courtroom. This man, representing Jesus Christ, takes the stand and testifies on behalf of the defendant. He declares that he has taken the guilt and paid the penalty for the defendant's sins, offering his own blood as evidence. The judge then declares that the claims of sin, the world, and the devil against the defendant are rendered invalid by the blood of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the power of Jesus' sacrifice and the redemption available to all who believe in him.
Sermon on the Mount: Good for Nothing
By J. Glyn Owen1.6K49:03Sermon on the MountNUM 32:232CH 7:14MAT 5:13MAT 6:331CO 10:122CO 13:52PE 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not taking the grace, wisdom, and power of God for granted. He highlights the need for individuals and nations to address moral and spiritual decline. The preacher uses examples from the Old and New Testaments to illustrate the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. He also warns against worldliness and encourages believers to live in a way that influences the world for God rather than being influenced by the world against God.
Too Much Riding on Eternity (Part 1 of 2)
By Paul Washer1.6K53:35MAT 7:12CO 13:5PHP 1:6JAS 2:192PE 1:20In this sermon, the speaker highlights the importance of ministers of Jesus Christ being willing to confront and address the spiritual condition of individuals in the congregation. He emphasizes that this may not be well-received in American culture, where people are often thin-skinned and sensitive to criticism. However, the speaker argues that such confrontation is an act of love and necessary for the spiritual growth and well-being of believers. The sermon also touches on the misconception that salvation is a mere label or identification as a Christian, emphasizing that true salvation is a supernatural work of God and should result in a transformed life. The speaker concludes by urging the congregation to worship God wholeheartedly and with all their strength.
(Saved Through the Fire) 03 - the Path of True Salvation
By Milton Green1.6K57:54MAT 5:48MAT 7:13LUK 10:25ROM 8:92CO 13:12CO 13:5GAL 5:221PE 1:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of acting upon the word of God and not just hearing it. He emphasizes the need to stand on the foundation of God's word and reject sinful motivations. The preacher encourages believers to live a lifestyle that pleases God and not be swayed by selfishness and worldly desires. He also highlights the distinction between the wise and foolish virgins, urging listeners to be wise and attentive to the trumpet call of God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to love one another and to build our lives on the truth of the Bible.
So Great a Salvation - Part 2 (Compilation)
By Compilations1.6K28:54CompilationMAT 6:33MAT 7:212CO 13:51TI 6:10HEB 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of examining oneself to ensure that they are truly in the faith. He highlights the assurance of salvation as a key focus of preaching in revival. The speaker expresses concern about the tendency to neglect the truths of God's Word and the privileges purchased by Christ's blood. He warns against the danger of neglecting these truths and asks how one can escape the consequences of such neglect. The sermon emphasizes the need for repentance and a genuine pursuit of God's truth, rather than engaging in superficial and empty religious activities.
Loyalty
By Carter Conlon1.4K45:39Loyalty2SA 1:232SA 1:27PRO 20:62CO 13:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Jonathan from the Bible and how his loyalty to God and his faith inspired others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of examining ourselves to see if we are truly living out our faith. The story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer taking a half acre of ground from the enemy army showcases the power of loyalty and faith in God. The speaker also highlights the importance of accepting our place in the body of Christ and being loyal to those whom God has placed over us.
A Thankful People in a Reprobate Age
By Rolfe Barnard1.3K51:44ThankfulnessPSA 65:4MAT 24:102CO 13:52TH 2:31TI 4:12TI 3:1REV 2:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of being a thankful people in a reprobate day. He reads from the 65th Psalm and emphasizes the blessing of being chosen by God. The preacher shares a personal anecdote about speaking at a Baptist school and facing opposition for his message. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be saved by God and not just make a profession of faith. The sermon concludes with a call for prayer and a preview of the next message on the folly of knocking at a door that God has shut.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith - Ἑαυτους πειραζετε· Try yourselves; pierce your hearts; bore yourselves throughout; try yourselves by what I have written, and see whether ye retain the true faith of the Gospel. Prove your own selves - Ἑαυτους δοκιμαζετε· Put yourselves to the test, as you would try gold or silver suspected of adulteration. No more take that for Gospel which is not so, than you would take adulterated money for sterling coin. This is a metaphor taken from testing or assaying adulterated metals. Know ye not your own selves - Are ye not full of wisdom and understanding? And is it not as easy to find out a spurious faith as it is to detect a base coin? There is an assay and touchstone for both. If base metal be mixed with the pure you can readily detect it; and as easily may you know that you are in the faith as you can know that base metal is mixed with the pure. Does Jesus Christ dwell in you? You have his Spirit, his power, his mind, if ye be Christians; and the Spirit of Christ bears witness with your spirit that ye are the children of God. And this is the case except ye be reprobates; αδοκιμοι, base counterfeit coin; mongrel Christians. This metaphor holds excellently here. They had a Judaizing Christian among them; such, presumptively, was the false apostle: they had received his Judaico-Christian doctrine, and were what the prophet said of some of the Israelites in his time. Reprobate silver, adulterated coin, shall men call them, Jer 6:30. And thus, when they were brought to the test, they were found reprobate; that is, adulterated with this mixture of bad doctrine. There is no other kind of reprobation mentioned here than that which refers to the trial and rejection of adulterated coin; and, by way of metaphor, to the detection of false Christianity. This reprobation came of the people themselves: they, not God, adulterated the pure metal. Man pollutes himself; then God reprobates the polluted.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Examine--Greek, "Try (make trial of) yourselves." prove your own selves--This should be your first aim, rather than "seeking a proof of Christ speaking in me" (Co2 13:3). your own selves--I need not speak much in proof of Christ being in me, your minister (Co2 13:3), for if ye try your own selves ye will see that Christ is also in you [CHRYSOSTOM], (Rom 8:10). Finding Christ dwelling in yourselves by faith, ye may well believe that He speaks in me, by whose ministry ye have received this faith [ESTIUS]. To doubt it would be the sin of Israel, who, after so many miracles and experimental proofs of God's presence, still cried (Exo 17:7), "Is the Lord among us or not?" (Compare Mar 8:11). except ye be reprobates--The Greek softens the expression, "somewhat reprobates," that is, not abiding the "proof" (alluding to the same word in the context); failing when tested. Image from metals (Jer 6:30; Dan 5:27; Rom 1:28).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith,.... These words are to be considered in connection with Co2 13:3 for seeing they sought and demanded a proof the voice and power of Christ in the apostle, he directs them to self examination, to look within themselves, to try, prove, and recognise their own souls; where if things were right, they would find a proof of Christ's speaking in him, to them: he advises them to examine the state of their own souls, and see whether they were in the faith; either in the doctrine of faith, having a spiritual and experimental knowledge of it, true love and affection for it, an hearty belief of it, having felt the power of it upon their souls, and abode in it; whether, as the Syriac version reads it, , "ye stand in the faith", firm and stable; or in the grace of faith, either of miracles, or that which is connected with salvation; and which if they were in it, and had it, is attended with good works; operates by love to Christ and to his people; by which souls go out of themselves to Christ, live upon him, receive from him, and give him all the glory of salvation: and if this was their case, he desires to know how they came by their faith; and suggests, that their light in the doctrine of the Gospel, and their faith in Christ Jesus, as well as the miraculous gifts many of them were possessed of, were through his ministry as the means; and this was a full proof of Christ's speaking in him: prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you; by which he means, that if they took a survey of things in their own souls, it would appear that Christ was in them; not as he is in all the world, filling heaven and earth with his presence; or as he is in every rational creature, as the Creator and author of the light of nature; but in a special and spiritual manner, by his Spirit and grace; the Father reveals him in his people, as the foundation of their hope of glory; he himself enters and takes possession of their hearts in conversion, communicates his grace, and manifests himself, and is formed there by his Spirit; his graces are implanted, his image is stamped, his Spirit is put within them, and he himself dwells by faith: and this upon inquiry would be found to be the case of the Corinthians, except, says the apostle, ye are reprobates; meaning not that they were so, as such may stand opposed to the elect of God; for persons may as yet neither be in the faith, nor Christ in them, and yet both be hereafter, and so not be left of God, or consigned to destruction; but that if they were not in the doctrine of, faith, then they were reprobate concerning it, or void of judgment in it; and if they had not the grace of faith, and Christ was not in them, then they were not genuine, but nominal professors, like "reprobate silver", counterfeit coin; which when detected, would be "disapproved", not only by God, but man, as this word also signifies, and so stands opposed to them that are "approved", Co2 13:7 or if they did not make such an examination, probation, and recognition of themselves, they would be without probation: or as the Arabic version, without experiment. The apostle hereby brings them into this dilemma, either that if upon examination they were found to be in the faith, and Christ in them, which blessings they enjoyed through his ministry, then they did not want a proof of Christ speaking in him; but if these things did not appear in them, then they were persons of no judgment in spiritual things, were not real Christians, but insignificant and useless persons.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:5-6 The issue is clear cut: If they cannot recognize that Jesus Christ is living among them, they are the ones who have failed the test of genuine faith (literally are disproved). There is a play on words here: They were looking for “proof” of Paul’s apostolic authority, but Paul urges them, Test yourselves (or Prove yourselves). The lack of Christ’s presence would disprove their authenticity as Christians. But Paul himself has demonstrated that he has not failed the test of apostolic authority (literally not been disproved).