Paul’s Message to the Corinthians Made Simple
Let’s talk about a simple but powerful idea that Paul, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, shared with the believers in Corinth: “Test yourselves.” What did he mean? And why does it still matter today?
Why Did Paul Say to Test Yourself?
Paul wrote letters to the church in Corinth because they were having some serious issues—people were making poor choices, some were pushing back against Paul’s leadership, and the whole church was struggling with sin. Paul was planning to visit them again and wanted the people to reflect on their lives and choices before he arrived.
In his letter (2 Corinthians 13:5), Paul tells them: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Don’t you realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”
In simple terms, Paul was saying: before you point fingers at others or question someone else’s faith, look at your own life. Are you truly living out what you say you believe? Is there real evidence that your faith is genuine?
It’s Not About Judging Others
It’s easy to look at what someone else is doing wrong, but Paul turns it around. He encourages everyone to honestly reflect on their own actions, motives, and the state of their own heart. He reminded them: “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else” (Galatians 6:4).
How Do You “Test Yourself”?
You might wonder: what does it look like to do this self-test? Here are a few practical steps based on Paul’s advice:
· Check Your Heart and Actions: Are your choices and attitudes in line with what you believe? Do you act with love, kindness, patience, and self-control?
· Look for the “Fruit” in Your Life: Paul said that the evidence of God working in you—what he called the “fruit of the Spirit”—looks like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). If these qualities are growing in your life, it’s a good sign your faith is real.
· Be Honest With Yourself: It’s not about being perfect, but about being willing to honestly look at where you fall short and seek to grow. Even Paul said he had to keep himself in check so that he wouldn’t fall short after teaching others (1 Corinthians 9:27).
· Ask God for Help: King David prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart…see if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23–24). It’s okay—even good—to ask God to help you see things you might be missing.
Why Self-Examination Matters
Paul wanted the people in Corinth to grow spiritually. He didn’t want to show up and have to deal with the same old problems. He hoped they would take his warnings to heart, turn away from what was wrong, and come together in faith and unity.
Doing a spiritual “check-up” isn’t about being hard on yourself—it’s about making sure you’re on the right path, that your faith is genuine, and that your life is showing the good things that come from knowing God.
The Bottom Line
Testing yourself is about honest reflection, not harsh judgment. It’s about asking: Am I growing in faith, love, and goodness? Is the presence of Jesus changing the way I live? If the answer is yes, keep going. If you see room for improvement, you’re not alone—even Paul said he had to do this! The good news is, God is with us, helping us to change and grow every step of the way.
So next time you read those words—“Test yourselves”—remember, it’s an invitation to personal growth, spiritual health, and a deeper relationship with God.
Minister A Francine Green
July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 