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Examine Yourself – Test Your Faith

Written by

TD Smith

in

,

Sermon Outline Title: Test Your Faith – Real or Religiosity

Bible Text, Theme, Big Idea

  • Bible Text: 2 Corinthians 13:5

  • Theme: Honest self-examination before Christ

  • Big Idea: Religion says do; the gospel says done. Examine yourself to see if you’re in Christ—and let the fruit prove the root.

2. The Call to Examine

  • “Yourselves” appears three times—this is personal.

  • AA. Don’t compare to people; compare to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

  • BB. Mirror of the Word reveals the truth (James 1:23-25).

  • CC. Beware carbon-copy religion—looks right, lacks life.

3. Sign #1 — Conversion: A Clear Moment & Public Confession

  • New birth leaves a timestamp and a testimony (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 10:9-10).

  • AA. Salvation changes desires, not just schedules.

  • BB. No “secret-service saints”—faith goes public.

4. Sign #2 — Conviction: A Desire for Righteousness

  • The Spirit grieves when we sin (Ephesians 4:30).

  • AA. Believers can stumble, but they can’t enjoy sin.

  • BB. Grace trains us to say “no” (Titus 2:11-12).

Illustration — Carbon Paper vs. Original

  • A carbon copy looks like the real thing but has no ink of its own. Self-reform mimics Christianity; regeneration is Christianity.

5. Sign #3 — Communion: A Desire for God’s People

  • New loves bring new company (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25).

  • AA. Before Christ: avoid the saints. After Christ: crave the saints.

  • BB. Family resemblance shows up in fellowship.

6. Sign #4 — Communication: A Hunger for God’s Word

  • Newborns crave milk (1 Peter 2:2); the Word lights the path (Psalm 119:105).

  • AA. Appetite is evidence of life.

  • BB. Growth follows grazing.

7. Sign #5 — Commission: A Burden for Souls

  • Found people find people (John 4:28-30; Romans 9:1-3).

  • AA. New believers swing the sword; seasoned saints should, too.

  • BB. Love compels a witness (2 Corinthians 5:14).

8. Sign #6 — Coming: A Longing for Heaven & Christ’s Return

  • Strangers and pilgrims look homeward (Philippians 3:20; 2 Timothy 4:8).

  • AA. Comfort here is not the goal; conformity to Christ is.

  • BB. Rapture or death—either way, ready beats settled.

9. Prove Yourselves: Visible Evidence

  • AA. Best testimony is when others see Jesus in you (Matthew 5:16).

  • BB. Let fruit confirm faith (Matthew 7:20).

Conclusion / Invitation
Draw a circle around your own life. Are you in the faith—or in a routine? Come to the done work of Jesus. Trust Him, confess Him, and let Him make you new today.

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