Chapter 11: Bound to Know Your True Character Examine yourself whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 2 Corinthians 13:5.
In speaking from this text I design to pursue the following order:
I. Show what is intended by the requirement in the text. II. The necessity of this requirement. III. The practicability of the duty enjoined. IV. Give some directions as to the manner of performing the duty.
I. I am to show what is intended by the requirement in the text, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves."
It requires that we should understand our own hearts, that we should take the proper steps to make proof of our real characters, as they appear in the sight of God. It refers not to a trial of proof of our strength, or knowledge, but our moral character, that we should thoroughly test it, so as to understand it as it is. It implies that we should know how God regards us, and what he thinks of us whether he considers us saints or sinners. It is nothing less than a positive command that we should ascertain our own true character, and settle the question definitely for ourselves, whether we are saints or sinners, heirs of heaven or heirs of hell.
II. I am to show the necessity of this requirement.
1. It is indispensable to our own peace of mind, that we should prove and ascertain our true character, as it is in the sight of God.
The individual who is uncertain as to his real character, can have no such thing as settled peace of mind. He may have apathy more or less complete and perfect, but apathy is very different from peace. And very few professors of religion, or persons who continue to hear the gospel, can have such apathy for any length of time, as to suppress all uneasy feelings, at being uncertain respecting their true character and destiny. I am not speaking of hypocrites, who have seared their consciences, or of scoffers who may be given up of God. But in regard to others, it is strictly true that they must have this question settled in order to enjoy peace of mind.
2. It is essential to Christian honesty.
A man who is not truly settled in his mind as to his own character is hardly honest in religion. If he makes a profession of religion when he does not honestly believe himself a saint, who does not know that is not exactly honest? He is half a hypocrite at heart. So when he prays, he is always in doubt whether his prayers are acceptable, as coming from a child of God.
3. A just knowledge of one's own character is indispensable to usefulness.
If a person has always to agitate this question in his mind, "Am I a Christian?" If he has to be always anxiously looking at his own estate all the while, and doubtful how he stands, it must be a great hindrance to his usefulness. If when he speaks to sinners, he is uncertain