II Corinthians 13: 5 “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
The Bible teaches us to judge ourselves and prove whether we are in the faith. That we should know ourselves and not be easily deceived; and the word ‘reprobates’ is used. Often, we examine ourselves by looking at others to determine our holiness. But the Bible is clear in that we must use scripture to make a true determination of our thoughts, deeds, and words.
A reprobate breaks down to an unprincipled person. A person that does what the flesh ‘feels’ like doing. A life of self-gratification and natural excess. A life driven by ever-increasing lust for the things of this world. A life that is convinced that it is living right (outside of scripture of course.) Reprobates properly means persons disapproved, are those who, through the rejection or abuse of God’s grace, continue to present themselves unfit to be approved of God or His people. Try yourselves whether your are living and moving in that faith in Christ which you profess.
Romans 1: 28 “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” How true this is in today’s world. Many are suppressing truth with wickedness – knowing the truth of God’s word and rejecting it by their wicked actions. The reprobate willfully rejects God by choosing to live as though He doesn’t exist. He does!
An unprincipled (reprobate) person lives with limits that are eroding daily leaving them with no restrictions on sinful behavior. Sooner or later, nothing is off limits! A depressing spiral of actions based on deceit. This person demonstrates daily that they possess no desire for change; in fact, they will encourage others to engage in such sinfulness and make merry of the depth of debasement with delight.
Do you profess to be Christ-like yet possess none of His attributes? Is your lifestyle one that Jesus would be proud of? Would you want others to follow the path you have taken? Do you have a true thirst for God?
I haven’t been directing this to sinners; they know who they are. I am talking to you the one that professes to be a follower of Jesus and live the way you want! Straighten up, repent, and in the humblest manner you can muster go before His throne in tearful contrition and allow Him to pour His wonderful grace upon you. For now, test yourself and prove yourself as one that stands up to be counted among His people.