Examine Yourself
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Apostolic Defense: Book of 2nd Corinthians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 38:16
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Final words
Final words
John’s final words were of assurance and purpose (Jn20:31). Today’s passage records Paul’s final words to the Corinthians in a apostolic defense letter.
Paul had to defend his apostleship, his authority
Paul had to prove love for them
Paul shared his love, devotion and even suffering on their behalf with them.
Paul now brings his final words as he prepares to go visit them.
I mentioned John before and I should give you the verse
31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
Very similar to what he said in the epistle
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Many of the writings ended with exhortations, but what if the exhortation comes with a humiliation first?
Paul in this closing passage in his third letter wants to convey these things.
Prepare yourself (vv.1-4)
Examine yourself (vv.5-8)
Be encouraged (vv.9-14)
Prepare yourself!
Prepare yourself!
Paul is stern to the church, the problems had gone on long enough. Now he is laying out some words before he comes to see them again. Words of preparation for consideration and application.
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 2 I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone,
3 since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. 4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.
What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?
Gleaning from the scripture:
What facts does Paul speak in (v.1)?
This is the third time coming to you
That every fact is to be confirmed by two or three witnesses.
What is Paul’s promise (warning) in v.2?
I will not spare anyone.
Why does Paul issue the warning in (v.2) that you see the reason in (v.3)?
They are seeking proof of Christ speaking in Paul.
In verses (4-5) Paul expounds on the power of God because of crucifixion that appeared as weakness is really strength and power toward them.
Enough is enough, Paul is not mincing words. The defense had gone on long enough. He had provided an abundance of proof to them yet they still question and the questioning is causing division. So Paul says first.
Facts must be confirmed (ref: Deu19:15; Mt18:15-20)
15 “A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.
The presence of witnesses helps to guarantee the truth about a matter would be established. This was seriously needed with the church since there was much division, accusations and variances within them.
If they had adhered to the instructions by Jesus as recorded in (Mt18:15-20) most of these problems would have been resolved internally without Paul even being involved.
Paul was ready to counter the Judiazers who thought he was weak (2Cor10:7-11) by demonstrating just how strong he was, he was not willing to spare anyone.
They believed Paul was weak because he did not exercise his authority as an apostle, like a dictator, and if he really was an apostle he would have. They wanted Paul to prove his apostleship.
Paul responded that if Christ was crucified because of weakness, when really He was strong, then the same goes for him, in weakness he is strong.
Speaking of weakness, at the cross Jesus may have displayed weakness but it was still the power of God
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
This is spiritual warfare that Paul had previously address in 2Cor10:1-6, so watch out, better look beyond the surface (what you can see).
If we were to measure by the world’s standards Jesus and Paul were both weak, but by God’s standards both were strong.
Here is a general question, or two, to consider
How do we measure the ministry of the saints? Is it by powerful oratory or by God’s Word?
Do we measure by the worlds standard or by God’s?
We need to be careful that we use the right measure, right measuring means when it comes to examining a ministry (service to the body). God’s standard oftentimes is different than the worlds, Jesus and Paul are proof of that.
(Other scriptures used/referenced in this section: Mt18:15-20; 2Cor10:7-11, 1Cor1:18; 2Cor10:1-6)
Examine Yourselves!
Examine Yourselves!
Paul now continues with strong words about examination, about proof. They had demanded proof of him and from him, now Paul says, put your actions where your words are.
5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? 6 But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test.
7 Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?
Gleaning from the scripture:
What does Paul call for them to do (v.5)?
To test yourselves, to examine yourselves.
This next question may be a little more difficult, but I have confidence in you that if you read it in context (vv.5-6) you will get the answer.
What is Paul’s hope for them about he and the apostles (v.6)?
After testing themselves that they will find that the apostles do not fail the test.
What is Paul’s prayer for them in (v.7)?
That they do no wrong, and they do what is right.
In (v.8) Paul is tying back to (v.1) that truth is established by the witnesses and that he and the apostles cannot do anything against the truth but for the truth, or in defense of the truth.
So, in this portion Paul is saying hey guys you are examining me, stop and examine yourselves. He calls for hard examination
Paul’s call:
Examine yourself, are you of the faith?
Yes he is calling for an examination of their very salvation, not to say they were not saved but to know and let their life prove they are saved. Unless they fall the test.
Examine yourself is Jesus in you?
Some test questions to consider
Do you have the Holy Spirit in you (Rom8:9, 16)?
Is there evidence of the Holy Spirit in you?
9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.
and add to that
16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
Do you love the brethren (1Jn3:14)?
14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.
Do you practice righteousness (1Jn2:29, 3:9)?
29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.
and one more
9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Hard look at self, this is for assurance so that you know, have confidence in your salvation and that you have victory over this world and it’s ways.
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
For our victory is our faith!
Do what is right!
Without a doubt then, like now, there were many who are professing Jesus and salvation but lives do not reflect repentance and surrender to Jesus. It is important for a christian to have that blessed assurance, that confidence that if Christ came back today that you are saved (we read 1Jn5:13 earlier)
Paul’s desire was for them not to fail the test, but to pass the test so that he may boast of them!
Paul and the apostles were proclaiming the truth and he wanted the truth to prevail fulfilling the scripture (Isa55:11)
11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
(Transition) this now brings us to the final section of this book, this letter, the case of defence.
Paul’s words of encouragement
Paul’s words of encouragement
Paul’s words of encouragement to the brethren that were attacking his ministry, his character, his authority. Encouragement to a church he loved as a spiritual father whose desire for them was to be united.
9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete. 10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?
Gleaning from the scripture:
Look at the wording in (v.9) Why would Paul rejoice?
When he is weak and they are strong!
Paul gives the reason, purpose for the letter in (v.10) what is it?
So that when he is with them he need not use severity.
Final instructions are found in (vv.11-12) what are they?
They are to rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like minded, to live in peace, and to greet one another with holy kiss.
Paul gives them a promise in (v.11) if they do these things, that the God of peace would be with them. Then down in (v.14) is a beautiful benediction that they have the grace of Lord, the love of God and the fellowship of the Spirit to be with them.
Having said that let me expound a little more in the time we have remaining today.
Paul’s encouragement in his prayers (v.9)
Paul prayed for perfection or completion in them. This is not sinless perfection but it is Christian maturity which would do away with their struggle with carnal nature they had been attacking him with.
This prayer word form used here is associated with the Greek word meaning “to be fitted out, to be equipped” it can be seen in a medical term in Latin meaning “to set a broken bone , to adjust a twisted limb.” in legal terms it is a request for a result, or a demand for a certain result.
Speaking of perfection, some of Jesus ministerial works after the resurrection is:
Perfecting His people (Heb13:20-21, 2Tim3:16-17)
20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
How is this accomplished, through is Word as seen in (2Tim3:16-17) in summary it is for teaching, reproof, correction and training so we are fully equipped for every good work.
Uses the church for equipping (Eph4:11-16)
we are studying this passage on Sunday nights so join us then or tune in on Facebook live and this equipping is covered more. But I will say that the equipping is for the works of service for the body.
Suffering for growing (1Pt5:10)
10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
Prayer for uniting and completing (1The3:10)
10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?
Personal involvement in restoring (Gal6:1)
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
whew, that is a lot when it comes to being perfected in Christ as the church. Now, if we are honest, it is impossible to have a balanced growth and ministry in isolation. we need one another, we must flock together, we were created to be in fellowship with one another.
Paul’s encouragement is God’s Word (v.10)
Paul wrote at the time for the need of the local church, we get the benefit today as a part of the inspired word of God.
Paul’s heart, desire was they would receive the letter and make the changes needed to be obedient, of one mind, one accord so he would not be severe when he came to them.
Sometimes it takes some severity before there is a building up. (illustration: Marine corp boot camp) How about a biblical one
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. 8 “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord. 9 Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
10 “See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To pluck up and to break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.”
Paul had already worked at breaking down the wrong mindset the wrong thinking (2Cor10:4-6) It was necessary for a destruction so there could be construction. A building up. Maybe you have seen this before.
Paul’s next encouragement was to cultivate, grace, love and peace (vv.11-12)
In spite of their disobedience, regardless of their prior sin issues and division, Paul wanted them to grow in maturity through grace, love and peace
For God is the God of love and peace (v.11). - if they obeyed, they would love one another and there would be no discord, they would be of one accord, of one mind.
We are just about out of time and I have to look at this beautiful benediction in (v.14) for just a minute
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
This emphases the Trinity. The blessings we receive because of our faith in God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
Picture Christ at his birth and his life He became poor so we could become rich (consider 2Cor8:9)
The love of God
This takes us to the cross where God gave us His Son (consider Jn3:16) His son as atonement for our sins
The fellowship or communion of the Holy Spirit
So from the birth to the cross from the cross to Pentecost when the Spirit was poured out and the church was born (Act2:41-47)
They then and we now all need this, the blessings of grace, love and communion (fellowship)
Final words, really, God wants to continue to do mighty work, that comes through unity, unity with Christ, the Father, the Spirit and with each other.
May we be a people who depend on the grace of God, walking in the love of God, and participating in the fellowship of the Spirit, helping to continue to grow the Church that Jesus built!
(Prayer) (Exit)