Three Important Growth Aides

2 Corinthians 13:1-14

Introduction:

The last several weeks we have seen Paul defending himself

Now we come to his final chapter

We saw last week that as an Apostle Paul was concerned with the spiritual growth of the people in Corinth (12:19-21).

As Paul closes this letter I believe that we can see three things that help all of us as believers to grow

1. Accountability

2. Examination

3. Prayer

We could certainly add other things to the list (Word of God, fellowship, etc.) but these are the three things that Paul closes with.

I. Accountability vv. 1-4

Paul had challenged them and given them many things that they need to change as believers in Corinth, now he is going to hold them accountable to do these things

1. He told them already what he wanted to see and hear 12:19-21

He wanted to see that they were growing (being edified)

He wanted to see that they were changing

Contentions, outbursts, jealousy, selfishness, backbiting, whisperings, pride, tumults, etc.

Turning away from uncleanness, fornication, lewdness, etc.

2. He is coming to see how they are doing & to confront them where they have refused to yield to God’s working

“This is the third time I am coming”

This is the heart of accountability: Someone checking up on us to see how we are doing.

*Paul had continually checked up on them by visits and talking with others whom he had sent to see them.

I have to chuckle a little when I read “This is the third time….”

*Almost like a parent counting to three

* “I told you to stop that…one, two, three.”

Paul had taught them the truth by preaching, example, letters, and others; now he is holding them accountable to follow it.

3. This is sorely lacking in Christianity today. We have bought into the lie, “Nobody is going to tell me what to do!”

We are hindered by:

Our pride of doing things our own way

Our pride of not admitting our failures and shortcomings

Our fear of being “found out.”

I dare say that there are very few here this morning who would dare to tell anyone about there shortcomings and struggles.

There are few as well who would consider confronting someone in love to hold them accountable. Although I know well that some of you have done this.

4. Paul is following the Biblical instructions given in Matthew 18:15-19

Jesus said, “If a brother sins…”

…go and tell him his fault (Paul did that via this letter)

…Take one or two with you that by the mouth of one or two every word may be established (Paul is planning to do that next)

…Tell it to the Church (Paul had not gotten to this point yet)

What do we want to do? Tell it to the Church first and spread the dirt

5. What does this have to do with growth?

This has everything to do with growth. As we hold each other accountable, we are encouraging grow. We are encouraging each other to forsake what does not belong in our lives and to push ahead to seek what does belong.

Often what we do is just hope right teaching and right living is caught by constant teaching and preaching, accountability puts the application of right teaching and preaching right in the face and holds one personally to it!!

6. Paul says that this is evidence of the fact that he is true and genuine vv. 3-4

You have looked for a sign of the fact that Christ is working in me

The sign is that I have appeared weak, but now am coming in power

Example of Jesus:

He appeared weak at the crucifixion

He showed His great power in His resurrection

It is in His power that I come to you!!

I. We grow through accountability

II. We grow through examination vv. 5-6

How much do we like tests or exams today? College students? School students?

*These show how much we know and how effective teacher is

Physical exams today:

*Help to prevent and/or catch disease early when most treatable

*Yet people are afraid of those as well

Paul challenged the Church of Corinth to examine themselves in two areas:

1. See if they were genuinely in the faith

Do you know if Jesus is in you or not?

1) Is there a point in our lives when we personally received Christ by faith?

2) Are we… 1 John 2:3-17

…Striving to keep His commandments

…Walking as Jesus walked

…Showing love to other Christians

…Loving the world more than we love the things of God

I fear today that there are many sitting in Church pews that do not really know Christ, Paul said that we need to test ourselves and see if we really have Jesus or not.

2. See if they were growing in the faith 12:20-21

Hebrews 5:12-14 writer tells them that they should be growing and are not

We need to examine ourselves and see if we are growing in our faith or not

Are we different than we were last week? Month? Year?

III. We also grow through the prayers of others vv. 7-10

I do not think that we can overemphasize the power and importance of prayer. In fact, I believe that we often underestimate it.

1. Paul’s request in prayer v. 7

That they would do no evil and that they would do what is honorable

V. 9 that they might be complete

The focus of our prayers for one another is often only focused on physical comfort and care. It is not wrong to prayer for those things, it is part of casting our care on Him.

But if we stop there, we are missing an important aspect in our prayers. We need to pray for the spiritual well-being and growth of each other.

Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13

*Lead us not into temptation

*Deliver us from the evil one

In Paul’s prayer for other believers in his epistles we see him praying for their spiritual growth

How much do we pray for each other’s spiritual growth?

Do we believe that it is important to pray for one another? Believers universally will answer yes to that question, yet if they believe it why is prayer meeting traditionally the lowest attended service and the first one done away with in many Churches?

2. Paul’s attitude in prayer

v. 7 “I would rather be a reprobate rather than have you be one

Paul was not at all concerned with himself

12:14+ you can feel his concern

Closing:

It occurred to me as I was finishing up preparing for this message: Everything Paul said about spiritual growth has to do with working together as Christians. We cannot successfully grow in Christ all by ourselves.

Accountability takes at least two people

Examination we may do ourselves, but much of the test is in how we treat other people

Praying for others takes at least two people

One of the first outward signs that some is not doing well spiritually is that they pull away from other believers.