Friday Night Breakdowns! ABQ!

This statement gives a crucial perspective to all Christians: to think critically about one's own life and walk with Christ. In this passage, Paul wrote that the Corinthians sought proof that Christ was speaking through him as an apostle (2 Corinthians 13:3). Now he instructs them to examine themselves, instead. Are they truly in the faith? Not only does biblical faith involve cautious skepticism (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1), it also means being honest and careful about looking into our own lives (1 Corinthians 13:10; Hebrews 4:13). That's not an invitation to doubt (Ephesians 3:14–19), but to honesty (Galatians 6:4–5).

Given that this letter was meant for a broad audience—though directed to a particular church—part of the meaning here is a question of salvation. To examine one's self, spiritually, includes an honest look at whether one is truly a believer in Jesus. Along with that, it calls Christians to examine the details and results of their faith, to see if it's according to the truth. It would involve scrutinizing one's own conduct to see how—or if—they follow through on the will of God for their lives.