Examine Yourselves

September 22, 2017

DAILY READING

Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45

Exodus 15:22-27

2 Corinthians 13:1-4

This week’s sermon text: Romans 7:13-25

FIELD NOTES

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul encourages the church to examine themselves to see if they truly are living according to faith in Christ. The church at Corinth had begun to doubt Paul’s authority as Christ’s apostle, causing a crisis of faith in the community. Though they have made many mistakes, Paul has not given up on them, nor has Christ.

No matter how many mistakes you’ve made, Christ has not given up on you either. But you must repent of your sin and seek to be made perfect in God’s love as revealed in Christ. We do this individually and communally through examining ourselves and our faith constantly.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Have you examined yourself lately? Are you truly living according to the faith, or just going through the motions?
• What does Paul mean when he says “you may become perfect” (verse 9)?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Discuss as a family what it means to forgive a mistake.

Prayer Guide

Lord, forgive us when we make mistakes, and help us to do better next time. Equip us to examine ourselves in light of the teachings of Jesus. If we aren’t living up to your expectations, reveal to us how we can do better. Amen.