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2 Corinthians 13:1-14
13 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— 3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. 7 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 10 For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, 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.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: In the closing remarks of his letter, Paul gives a final call for repentance ahead of his visit to the Corinthian church, warning them of the discipline he will carry out in the power of God, which will serve as proof that Christ speaks in him, though he hopes he will not have to be severe. Before he comes, he urges them to examine the authenticity of their faith and expresses a prayerful longing for their restoration. In this passage, we are reminded of the holiness of God, we’re warned of the danger of sin, but we’re also comforted by God’s provision of atonement found in Christ, the One who indwells all those who believe.
Review & Apply
What does this passage reveal to us about the dangers of unrepentant sin?
What does Paul mean when he says, "if I come again I will not spare them"? (v.2)
How do we respond to our brothers and sisters who lovingly call out sin in our lives? What does a godly response look like?
How do you examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith? What does that look like?
In what ways do we see Paul’s patience with the Corinthian church? What does this say about his ministry and character?
Consider your own response to godly authority within the church. Is it challenging for you to submit to godly leadership? Why or why not?
How has 2 Corinthians as a whole encouraged you or challenged you in your understanding of God’s design for his church?
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