It is quite amazing to me that in the last chapter of the 2 letters to the Corinthians, (2 Corinthians 13:3), we find Paul asking a simple question.

Really? After all, I have taught and told you, you seek proof that I am speaking for Christ? (Bills translation)

He went on to challenge them to Examine, Prove, and Know that they themselves were true believers. (2 Corinthians 3:5)

That was not the first time he said men must. Example and prove themselves. (1 Corinthians 11:28; Galatians 6:34)

We all must exa!ine and prove ourselves, know in our hearts what and how we believe.

We must have evidence in our lives:

We must trust, have confidence and rejoice in knowing we are His and blameless in the beloved. (Hebrews 3:6; 2 Peter 3:14)

We must be obedient. ‘Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.’. (Matthew 7:21)

We must have growth in holiness. (Heb. 12:14; 1 John 3:3)

‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

‘ And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.’

The fruit of the Spirit must become evident. Gal. 5:22, 23),

‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.’

We must have love for other Christians. (1 John 3:13-14),

‘Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.’

We must be a positive influence on others (Matt. 5:16),

‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’

We must cling to the apostolic teaching (1 John 4:1-3),

‘Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.’

The testimony of the Holy Spirit within us. (Romans 8:15 -17).

‘For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.’

So that we Know.

They could prove themselves not to be reprobates, not to be rejected of Christ, he trusted they would know that he was not a reprobate (2 Cor. 13:6)

We must know within who we are in Him, and walk in it.

If Paul knew some disbelieved his standing in Christ. Is it so unexpected that many question those who interpret the scriptures differently than their Denomination?

Some do not except the prosperity Gospel, I understand, many more don’t except the Gifts of the Spirit as for today, again I understand.

We must cast off these teachings that contradict the Bible. Make the choice to believe the revelation from the Word over man’s wisdom.

Examine, Prove, and Know what you know.

Thanks for visiting,
Know You Are Loved

We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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