Faithful Community

Bible Passage: 2 Co 13:1–14

Introduction

1. How do you know know if something is authentic?

2. Specific Objective: My hearers will examine themselves and the church to become a faithful community that follows Christ

3. Central Idea of the Text: Being a community that is faithful to Christ

4. Paul shares in this final section the importance of having an authentic church. A church that follows God. And we should strive to be this authentic church. And we do it in three ways: Powerful Proclamation of Christ, Personal Faith Examination, and Peace and Unity

I. Powerful Proclamation of Christ

2 Corinthians 13:1–4 NIV

This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.

What the Bible Says:

Paul is warning the church

2 Corinthians 13:1–2 (NIV)

This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others,

vs 1-2 - Judicial court - bringing judgement

speaking to unrepenting sinners

2 Corinthians 13:3–4 NIV

since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.

v3 - Christ speaks through Paul

Paul will bring discipline to these sinners

Christ will bring change

v4 - Weakness and Power

Paul is compared to Christ

God’s Power in Our Weakness

What does this mean to you:

Keep each other Accountable

In your family, someone may be struggling with anger or frustration, causing tension at home. Instead of avoiding the issue or responding with frustration yourself, take a moment to talk to them in a loving and understanding manner. Offer to pray together, encouraging them to express their feelings to God. By creating a safe space for discussion, you can help them acknowledge their struggles and seek God's forgiveness together, fostering a supportive and healing environment in your home.

In ancient Israel, the community was called to bear one another's burdens. This was not just a suggestion; it was a divine mandate. When someone sinned, they were encouraged to confess and receive support. Today, we must create safe spaces for our friends to share their struggles, just as David found Nathan in his time of sin. We are meant to walk alongside each other, offering grace and accountability as we seek restoration together.

You could encourage your audience to understand that accountability within the community is essential. Paul urges the Corinthians to examine their conduct and align it with Christ's teachings. Teens can learn to hold themselves and each other to a high standard, fostering authenticity and unity. Emphasize how Christ models perfect unity and reconciles us with God, highlighting the seriousness of our calling to live in genuine relationships.

II. Personal Faith Examination

2 Corinthians 13:5–10 (NIV)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

What the Bible Says:

Examine self

2 Corinthians 13:5–7 NIV

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.

v5 - Is Christ in them? - testing their faith

v6 - If they are Christians this proves Paul’s apostleship

v7 - changes the focus on them. he cares for them.

prove him wrong - that he does not need to go to discipline them

2 Corinthians 13:8–10 NIV

For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

truth = authentic Christian conduct

truth leads to repentance and uprightness

v9 Praises them them when they are strong

weakness = when Paul is unaprproved”

What does this mean to you:

Examine Yourself

During a particular church service, a pastor shared a story about a mirror. He explained how a good mirror can show us exactly who we are, blemishes and all. Self-examination is like this mirror; it requires courage to face our own flaws. Just as we use a mirror to prepare for the day, we must also reflect on our lives spiritually in order to grow in our faith and tackle our sin head-on.

You could encourage introspection among teens by challenging them to examine their faith in light of Paul's call for self-examination. By recognizing Christ in themselves, they are inspired to foster genuine relationships and unity within their community. Emphasizing how Christ empowers us to overcome personal conflicts, this section can encourage openness and authenticity in Christian fellowship.

Mature Our Faith

In the early 20th century, a young man named John Wooden found himself struggling with his faith while balancing his career in basketball. He decided to read the Bible daily and dedicate time to prayer, no matter how busy he was. Through discipline and commitment, he deepened his relationship with God. This transformation mirrored the journey of an athlete honing their skills. Just as they mature through practice, so can we mature our faith through consistent engagement with Scripture and prayer.

Maybe, you could explore how Paul’s desire for the Corinthians is their growth and maturity in faith. Highlighting Christ as the ultimate example of growth and restoration, this point can encourage teens to strive for maturity and authenticity in their Christian walk, fostering unity and community strengthening.

III. Peace and Unity

2 Corinthians 13:11–14 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

What the Bible Says:

Paul’s Beneddiction

2 Corinthians 13:11–14 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

4 closing elements

exhortation

peace beneddiction

greetings

grace beneddiction

5 imperatives

Rejoice in the Lord

Be Restored

Be Exhorted

Agree with the Lord

Peace

v13 - holy kiss - respectful greeting

v14 - Grace beneddiction

trinity

roles in the relationship with the believers

grace of Jesus

Love of God

Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

What does this mean to you:

Strive For Peace and Unity

During the Civil Rights Movement, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the power of peace and unity among diverse communities. He chose nonviolent protest to bridge divides, believing that love and understanding could conquer hate. His famous 'I Have a Dream' speech painted a picture of a united future where people are judged by their character, not the color of their skin. His legacy shows us the profound impact that striving for peace can have on society. We are called to live out a similar dream in our lives today.

You could conclude by highlighting Paul's final exhortations to aim for full restoration and unity. Through Christ, the source of love and peace, believers are encouraged to promote these qualities in their community, drawing a parallel with Christ’s redemptive work, which leads to unified and loving relationships.