Final Words

2 Corinthians 13.

Tonight we look at the final words that we have from Paul to the church of Corinth!

let’s dive right in to verse 1

The New International Version Chapter 13

This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” s 2 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, 3 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.

Paul’s previous trip was humbling and disappointing

the church had been living contrary to the will of God, and Paul had given them a warnig

He begins to give them that warning again

he promises discipline for the unrepentant.

the proof of his apostleship would be given in the form of them being dealt with by Christ

vs. 4

The New International Version Chapter 13

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.

5 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? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 7 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.

Though Jesus certainly had the power to choose a stronger path, he chose the path of weakness.

Likewise, Paul had chosen the path of weakness.

However, God’s power could still show through

Though Paul chose weakness, the one he served was far from weak.

The idea of the examination of one’s self to see whether you are in the faith would normally imply the determination of whether one were a Christian or not

in this case, it is more likely that it is whether they demonstrate that they were in faith.

does their life portray Christ by obedience to His will.

disobedience is failure

It was their standing with Christ that was his concern, not his own.

vs. 8

The New International Version Chapter 13

For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. 10 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.

We are powerless against the truth

This is something that Paul new well.

He was hit with a lot of truth starting at the damascus Road

and power followed that he could not stand against

And in weakness, Paul is stronger

His prayer then is not to be stronger himself

not to be better himself

but for the people of Corinth to be fully restored.

He would much rather them be restored to Christ than to have to tear them down

to have to discipline them.

vs. 11

The New International Version Chapter 13

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.

12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All God’s people here send their greetings.

14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all

Paul’s final appeal here was a call for unity

be restored completely

live in peace

this could only be realized is they depended on God

Paul Closes with a prayer of Grace, love and fellowship by the Triune God.

Recognize what has gone on

Paul was obviously hurt by the fact that these people had turned from the obedience of God

He was definitely hurt by the the fact that they were questioning his apostleship.

Yet the entire time, he was focused on them coming back to Christ.

yes he defended himself, but again for the purpose of them knowing he was speaking the truth

Why is that important

because if they know he speaks the truth, then they would know the false teachers are false

then they can return to the truth.

Our concern should not be for ourselves or what people think of us

rather, it should be for others to come to Christ

we defend ourselves to defend the truth

we speak the truth

and we show Christ with our actions so others can see Him

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