Subject: Signs of a Stillborn Faith

Subject Details

Signs of a Stillborn Faith

People often misconstrue our Lord’s words in Matthew 7:1 (“Judge not, that you be not judged.”) to mean that we are not to make judgments based about outward, moral behavior that God has already condemned. Instead, this command means that we are to avoid censorious judgments of others (especially inward motives that are unknowable) without first examining ourselves. In fact, we are commanded to be fruit inspectors, first and foremost of ourselves (“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” 2 Cor. 13:5), then of others (“So then, you will know them by their fruits.” Mat.7:20). Notice that the latter is just a few verses later in the same chapter in Matthew as “Judge not.” So, what are the signs of a stillborn faith? And how can we examine ourselves to ensure that our faith is living?