[:en]SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 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 be with him to serve you” (2 Corinthians 13:4)
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
“Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:7-8)
“And finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection. Listen to my appeal; be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11)
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
FINAL WARNINGS (vs. 1-10)
This will be Paul’s third visit to the church at Corinth. He was reminding them that he will be bold in dealing with those who were guilty of sin. Christ’s death seemed to reveal His weakness, but His resurrection raised His power. When Paul served, he seemed to be weak, but this visit would show God’s power in him. Paul’s thorn in the flesh was an example being weak in him yet strong by the power of God.
Paul told them to examine and test themselves to see if they were truly saved. He urged them to be a true Christian by turning away from wicked living and evil speaking. His discipline was not to exercise lordship over the church but for the purpose of leading the offender to repentance. Paul was using his authority to guild them up, not tearing them down. He emphasized living according to the Word of God and obeying the truth.
FINAL GREETINGS (vs. 11-14)
Paul’s final word was for them to aim for perfection – spiritual maturity in Christ. Then, he closed them with this benediction of the Holy Trinity:
“MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE LOVE OF GOD AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL” (v. 14)[:]