In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul tells the church in Corinth to examine and test themselves. He asks them if they know that Christ is in them. Paul also tells them if they test themselves they will know that Christ is in them, unless they are disqualified from the test. Disqualified? That was Paul's way of saying you cannot take a test to see if Christ is in you if you are worldly and not one with Christ. So ask yourself today, am I one with Christ?
How does one then test themselves? One way is through reading the various parables and experiences of Jesus and apply the lessons of learned/taught whether they are temptation (the wilderness), faithfulness (mustard seed and power drained), forgiveness (prodigal son) or the young rich ruler (worldly thinking). If you aren't studying Christ's life and his words, then how will you know if you are one with Christ? How will you know if the Holy Spirit is leading you? Do you say things like "It's just the way I am and I won't change" even though that something you do is not of God? Read the scripture in the right context and be Spirit led.
Also, in reading through Ephesians 5:5-7 and also Romans 1:28-32 we see a lists, if you will, of what is not God honoring. Paul calls out the sexually immoral or impure and says that they have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. He also points out that those did not see fit to acknowledge God were given up by God to their own devices. Paul says there unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness, gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. It is one thing to slip up and make a bad decision. There is grace for that from God upon repentance. But, when you accept sin into your lifestyle, that is not of the Holy Spirit. That is not passing the test of Christ likeness. That sin acceptance disqualifies you from taking that test. Look at what loves is and what is in the fruit (evidence) of the spirit. When you are led by that which is of Christ there will be evidence, likewise the opposite.
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