DAILY TEXT, Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are standing firm in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Keep examining yourselves to see if you are standing firm in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5).

We must strive not only to reach maturity, but also to maintain it. So we must not become complacent (1 Cor. 10:12). It is very important that we constantly examine ourselves to make sure that we continue to progress.

In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul also speaks of the importance of reaching maturity and not losing it. Although those Christians were already mature, he told them to be very careful not to be deceived by the world’s ideas (Col. 2:6-10). And Epaphras, who undoubtedly knew them very well, always prayed that they would remain “firm as complete people” or “mature” (Col. 4:12, footnote). What does this teach us? That both Paul and Epaphras knew very well that maintaining maturity requires effort and Jehovah’s help. They wanted the Colossians to remain mature Christians despite the difficulties they faced. w24.04 6, 7 pars. 16, 17

How did Paul help the Hebrew Christians continue to grow spiritually?

We find another valuable lesson in the words Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians. Some had stopped growing spiritually, and so he told them: “You need milk again instead of solid food.” (Heb. 5:12) They had not kept up with the new things Jehovah was teaching them through the congregation. (Prov. 4:18)

For example, many Jewish Christians continued to insist on obedience to the Law of Moses even though some 30 years had passed since Christ's sacrifice had abolished it (Rom. 10:4; Titus 1:10). Undoubtedly, they had had ample time to assimilate the change.

That is why Paul wanted to help them accept the profound truths he was teaching them in that inspired letter. That solid spiritual food was just what those Christians needed to understand that the new way of worshiping Jehovah was far better and to be courageous and keep preaching despite the opposition of the Jews (Heb. 10:19-23).

What could happen to a mature Christian?

Paul warned the Hebrews that a mature Christian could end up losing God’s approval forever. If his heart becomes hardened, he can drift so far from Jehovah that he is no longer able to repent and receive his forgiveness. Thankfully, the Hebrews had not fallen that low (Heb. 6:4-9).

What happens today to those who become inactive or are disfellowshipped but later repent? By being humble and repenting, they show that they are not like the people Paul spoke of. However, when they return to Jehovah, they need the help he offers (Ezek. 34:15, 16). Therefore, the elders may ask a mature brother to help them rebuild their friendship with Jehovah.

What should our goal be?

If you are progressing toward maturity, keep going until you reach your goal. Continue to nourish yourself with solid spiritual food and learn more each day to think as Jehovah thinks. And if you have already reached maturity as a Christian, do everything possible to never lose it.

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