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| Chapter 13 |
| Bible Text | Notes and Thoughts |
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1 ¶ This is the third time I am coming to you. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." 2 I told you before, and for tell you as if I were present the second time and, being absent, now I write to those who heretofore have sinned, and to all others, that, if I come again, I will not spare-- 3 since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. Test your own selves. Know ye not yourselves how Jesus Christ is in you, unless ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 ¶ Now I pray to God that ye do no evil, not that we should appear to be approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and ye are strong. And this also we wish: even your perfection. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest, were I present, I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction. 11 ¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints salute you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. |
v1-8 I’m giving you warning. Paul gives two warnings. 1) "I will not spare." v1 If the church members had followed the instructions of Jesus in Matt 18:15-20 most of the problems would have been solved without Paul. In dealing with a problem of sin in a church we must have all the true facts and not just stories, Paul is quoting Deuteronomy 19:15, the presence of witnesses help make sure that the truth is obtained. see also 1 Tim 5:19. v2 Paul’s approach to the church had always been gentle and humble but now he warns the church that he "will not spare--" if necessary to solve the problems. v3,4 Christ will make His presence felt amongst you through Paul. When on earth, in a human body, Jesus may have appeared weak, and His crucifixion an even bigger weakness, but from this weakness comes great power from God. "We shall live," live in this power of the living Christ. 2) Examine yourself. v5,6 Paul tells them that they have been looking and examining his life, now look at yourself, first make sure that Christ is in your heart, Rom 8:7-16. Many church problems are caused by people who claim to be saved, but who have never repented and trusted Jesus as Saviour, v5 Paul calls these people reprobates, which means counterfeit, false copies and again he refers to them in v6 and v7. It is important that a person knows for sure. 1 John 5:10-13. v7 Do not fail this test and become a reprobate, neither appear to live a very pure life. Live a life which is in and through Christ. v8 God’s truth will always win, so why work against it? v9-14 Paul gives encouragement. v9 Paul is offering prayer for the Corinthians, wish means prayer. He is praying for their perfection. This does not mean sinless life but maturity in a spiritual life, the Greek word used means to fit out. v10 This letter, written by Paul, comes with the same authority as if he were present at Corinth, Paul is hoping that it will have the same effect as him being there, he hopes that it will avoid the need for more serious discipline (punishment). Paul had the Word of God as his authority, but God’s Word may need to tear down before building up a person or church. Paul had to pull down the wrong thinking before he could build up the truth. 2 Cor 10:4-6. v11-14 Final closing message from Paul. Paul sent encouragement, farewell means grace, a common greeting to grow in grace. Be perfect reference v9. Be of good comfort, is to be encouraged. Live in Peace, an instruction really needed for this church, see 2 Cor 12:20. v12 The early church used the greeting of a kiss of peace to show their love for each other as the Body of Christ. v13 All the saints, with Paul, probably unknown to those at Corinth yet one in Christ. v14 One of the most used and loved benedictions (end of meeting) of modern churches, it shows the Trinity and what is awaiting those who believe, the grace of Jesus, 2 Cor 8:9, the first stage to a Christian life. This grace brings a believer to know The Love of God John 3:16. The communion of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2 brings all the brethren to one Body in Christ. This last verse is not really a prayer but a statement of fact, go forward in Christ on this foundation. |
Easy English Translation
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