Try this Exercise when Studying Paul's Letters

When reading through Paul's letters, especially the Pastoral Epistles (Timothy and Titus), I find it helpful to stop and ask myself every so often, "Does this describe me?" In each of the Apostle Paul's letters, he offers instruction to believers. Are we living up to it?

Questions I'm asking about this short passage: Am I actively turning from godless living and sinful pleasures? Am I living with wisdom, righteousness and devotion? Am I looking forward to glory?

Paul goes on in the next two verses to say, “He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.”

More questions: Am I totally committed to doing good deeds? Am I teaching and encouraging other believers to do the same?

If my answer is "yes" to all of these questions, I’m probably lying. If my answer is "no" to all of them I may be practicing false humility. If you’re trying this, be honest with yourself. Then pray the Lord would help you.