The Apostle Paul had some regrets about his harshness to the churches in Corinthia in his 1st epistle. He had been forthright regarding the sins in the church, while not being present with them. He had them at heart even though some challenged him. He then turns the tables on them and tells them to examine themselves. We too need to do this and personally know that we are in the faith! Yes, SELF-examination. Something you do not hear of today, even sadly in church circles.

The church was deflecting criticism to others. Where the Gospel is preached, sin becomes manifested and with Paul it was no different. When that happens, the Word is always attacked and always revolves around sin. Many circles don't even use the word SIN today. By nature we want to deflect the gospel and the messenger of that Gospel. The Bible is replete with example after example of this. The Gospel always hits us between the eyes and it was no different for Paul who turns it on the people. Who cannot attack a pastor? An office bearer? A parent? We are very tempted to deflect SELF examination, to look at someone else, to make excuses for our behavior....BUT, the Word of God says NO! Look at yourself and know yourself. Our task is not comparison, but has to do with ME...standing before the mirror of God, knowing my sin, so I can see my salvation!

We have to go see one another, going to the cross together. But it has to do with ME! Paul puts forth two questions here:

1. Are you in the faith? Do you believe it, take hold of it, and cherish it? Your lives will reflect it if you do. Know that you are in the faith! We have tremendous knowledge at our fingertips. God returned the Bible to His church during the Reformation. Makes one wonder why so many today want to silence it or water it down....Test and examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith!

2. And subjectively know that Christ is in you! If you know the Word, can discuss it, but it is not inside your heart you have NOTHING! Know that Christ is in you! Spirit bears with our spirit that we are a child of God and the evidence is that I fall on my knees in prayer knowing my sinfulness and my own wretchedness. Does the Word of God have a PERSONAL application to us? Judge me in Christ!