2 Corinthians 13 Aim for Completion

Intro

It’s great to be out here at the Dabney’s house

Sometimes you need to change things up

I felt led by the Lord to have a time of fellowship as a church

It’s been a tough summer

We need a time to reconnect and realize how important us being together is

Paul hits that theme today

Twice he uses the word restoration in this chapter

In vs. 11 he says Aim for restoration

In the NKJV it says “become complete”

The word means to complete or perfect

The church is only restored or complete when it is loving God and loving one another

Paul challenges them to aim for completion

Read 2 Cor 13:1-4

Transition

Paul ends this letter in typical fashion

He has a flurry of topics he wants to address

He tells them that he is going to visit for a third time

Because of that visit they need to get their house in order

He also tells them to examine themselves to see if they are even saved

Finally, he gives a benediction on how to treat one another

Final Warning vs. 1-4

vs. 1-2 Third Visit

Paul gives advance warning that he is coming to visit

This is the third visit

When Paul visits this time he is going to come in the full authority of an Apostle

He warns them, “Every Charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses”

Paul quotes this passage from Deuteronomy 19:15, and quotes it in reference to his coming visit.

Either the two or three witnesses are Paul’s three visits or they are the testimony of his associates.

The point of the quotation is to remind the Corinthian Christians that he comes this time as a judge, not an investigator.

He has enough evidence to write, “If I come again I will not spare.”

He has given them enough warnings

vs. 3-4 Coming in Power

When he comes he is going to come in power

It would seem that in their immaturity the Corinthians were unimpressed by Christlike gentleness and meekness

They didn’t like effiminate men

They wanted to see more “power” from Paul.

He seemed too weak and humble for their liking.

In 1 Cor we see a church that likes to work in the miraculous gifts, but didn’t want to be bothered with daily discipleship

So Paul addressed this thinking: “You want to see proof of Christ speaking in me? Fine.

When I come the third time, you will see the power of God in my rebuke as I clean house.

So clean it up before I come.”

Examine Yourself vs. 5-8

Are you in the Faith?

The second thing Paul tells them to do is examine themselves

He is questioning the salvation of some in the church

Their behavior shows no markings of being a believer

They are full of sin, treat others with no respect,

Pass the Test

How do you know that you are in the faith?

Jesus Christ is in you

It’s more than just saying you believe in God

A life surrendered to Christ shows evidence of your faith

Gal 6:4-5 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Pray for Restoration vs. 9-10

vs. 9 Be Complete

Word for restoration is perfect or complete

Heb 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ

vs. 10 Seek to Build

Extend Grace to Each Other vs. 11-14

Rom 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.