II Corinthians Chapter 13
In these concluding words of Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, he reminds them of what is most important, their faith in Jesus Christ. Despite what feelings they may have about Paul the most important thing is that they make sure that they have placed their faith in Jesus. It is not enough to just believe that there is a God. It is not enough to go to church all the time. It is not enough to practice good and moral living. Paul invites every person then and every person reading his letter today to examine themselves and to know if they have a genuine faith in Jesus Christ that He is residing inside of them and is Lord of their life.
It seems incredible that there would be those within the church who have never truly placed their faith in Jesus Christ, but sadly it happens all the time. How do we know who truly is saved and who is not? We do not know. However, we can look at the fruit of their life and get a pretty good idea of where their heart condition is. Paul indicates that there was evidence within the church at Corinth that some were not truly of the faith.
Let's Reflect
1. Paul seems to indicate that when he comes to visit a third time that they will see a different demeanor from Paul. What does he say will be different?
2. What does he want them to do before his visit?
3. When dealing with those who are practicing immoral lifestyles, how many witnesses should there be before approaching that person? This takes a lot of prayer, courage, and wisdom to approach someone in sin with the goal of restoring them to the faith.
4. The church may have thought that Paul’s gentle ways were a sign of weakness, but he knew the power that resides within. He compared the idea of weakness to Jesus who never put up a fight when they sent Him to be tried and crucified. But Jesus showed great power, how?
5. Paul wanted the church people to examine themselves to see whether they were truly of the faith. If they were of the faith, they would recognize what?
6. He wanted the church to also recognize that he and Paul’s team had not failed the test. They had passed the test because Jesus was evidenced as living within them. And because Jesus was living within them, the only words that they could speak were what? See verse 8.
7. One final evidence of a church that is filled with people who are truly born again is the way that they will treat each other. What does Paul hope to see amongst the brethren at Corinth? See verses 11-14
