Examining Your Relationship with Christ
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of examining our relationship with Jesus Christ. It's not enough to simply claim faith or rely on external behaviors; true faith requires a genuine surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Let's dive deeper into what it means to examine ourselves and the implications it has on our faith.
Examining Our Relationship:
Are we truly surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? This is a question we must ask ourselves honestly. Sometimes, our belief in Jesus might be limited to intellectual knowledge or fleeting emotions. But it is crucial to truly know who our Savior is and understand the Gospel's transformative power in our lives. (Might I suggest that you sign up for free and take the PMc Missions Academia course on The Doctrines of Grace by pastor Caleb Bunch).
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul urges them to examine themselves and test whether they are genuinely in the faith. This is especially relevant in a context where false teachers and misleading influences were present. By examining ourselves rightly, we can discern if we are standing firmly on the foundation of genuine faith in Christ or something else, sinking sand perhaps.
Testing Our Faith:
To further emphasize the need for self-examination, Paul encourages the Corinthians to assess their behavior and actions. Merely depending on external factors such as good deeds or comparing ourselves to others (something we all do too well) is not enough. True faith requires a deep connection with Christ, and it is through proper and diligent self-examination that we can discern the authenticity of our faith.
The Importance of Examining Ourselves:
Self-examination is not limited to individual believers. It is also crucial within the context of the church. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the significance of self-examination before partaking in the Lord's Supper. To rightly partake of the elements at the Lord’s table it is essential to ensure that we are in right standing with God and have forgiven our fellow believers.
Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. - 1 Cor. 11: 28-29
Peter echoes this sentiment in his letter when he encourages believers to be diligent in confirming their calling and election. This confirmation does not imply working for salvation but rather acknowledging our transformation (worked by God the Holy Spirit) through repentance, submission to Christ's Lordship, and genuine trust in Him.
Conclusion:
Examining our relationship with Jesus Christ is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. It allows us to grow in our faith, ensure the authenticity of our beliefs, and walk in the path of righteousness. As believers, we should encourage and help others to undertake this self-examination to deepen their relationship with the Lord. One reason the church may have given up so much ground to pagans in the last couple of decades is that too little attention has been given to this crucial role of self-examination. It's not a good method for growing churches in number, that's for sure, but it is essential actually for growing the church in maturity and holiness!
Remember, self-examination is not meant to create doubt or fear but to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Christ. Let us continue to examine ourselves, confirming our calling and election, as we strive to live in a manner worthy of the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thank you for reading this blog post based on a highlight from the Missions Incorporated podcast. If you have found this content encouraging or impactful, we invite you to leave a comment or share it with a friend or family member. By doing so, you can also help others discover this ministry to the Italian people and the various ways they can get involved in Biblical Missions in Italy.
Written by Jesse Schreck | servant of the Lord, founder, director, and missionary church planter with Practical Missions Cohort
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This post was created from this highlight of Missions Incorporated, the podcast of PMc. Check it out to hear more!
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