In this closing chapter of 2 Corinthians the
apostle concludes his very personal remarks to this church he loved.
·
On the matter of the visit he had not made Paul
indicates he is still going to pay a visit, his third (v1). Thus he will have more than enough personal
involvement with them to establish any needed discipline (v2-3).
·
On the matter of ministry credentials we again
see the theme of strength in weakness
(v4). What comfort there is in the death
and resurrection of Christ. We are most
like Christ when God is at work through our weakness. Also on this issue we see that Paul is not
simply concerned that they recognize his credentials and approve him; he is
concerned for their approval and edification (v7-10).
The 12th chapter concluded with a
call to repentance. The 13th
chapter gives 3 valuable insights regarding the matter of repentance.
First, there is a call for self-testing,
v5. They sought proof that Christ was
speaking in Paul (v3). He now calls on
the Corinthians to provide proof of their faith. They are not to see if their actions are sinful; the sins in 12:20-21 are not up for
discussion. What they need to do is to
examine themselves as to whether or not they are in the faith. Unwillingness
or failure to repent of sin is a strong indication that one does not truly
belong to the Lord. To fail the test is
to be disqualified. How much better to
find that out now, while one can turn to Christ, than to only find it out
before His judgment seat when we enter eternity.
Second, there is a call to be complete (v9,
11). This term has the idea of being fixed or made useful. It’s what a
fisherman was doing as he mends his nets (Matt. 4:21). Believers need to become useful to their
Master. The process is:
o
the work of Christ (Heb. 13:20-21: may he make you complete),
o
accomplished through His word (2 Tim. 3:16-17:
by God’s word we are made complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work)
o
in the context of life’s trials (1 Peter 5:10:
after we have suffered awhile).
Third, we see encouragements from God to help
us leave behind our sin.
o
Farewell (v11) literally means “be glad”. Sorrow over sin is normal for a
believer. But as we seek to grow in
holiness we need gladness for God’s forgiveness and for the hope there is when
we yield ourselves to Christ.
o
Be of good comfort (v11). This is how the letter began (1:3-7). It reminds us that God, by His Spirit, the
Comforter, will come along side to help.
o
The greetings (v12-13) remind us of the value of
fellowship in our local church as we seek to grow in Christ. We need to know others are praying for us and
are there to help us up when we fall.
o
The benediction (v14) is a strong reminder of
the value of God’s presence for the believer.
As we struggle to overcome sin we need the constant reassurance that it
is only by grace, that we are still loved, and that the indwelling Spirit is
our companion.
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