Paul found himself under attack by the Judaizers in Corinth based on his meekness and gentleness. Now the apostle engages the Corinthians in putting him to the test where he would indeed display Christ like strength, allowing the spirit of God to be revealed.
Describing his forthcoming visit as the ‘third time” he would visit Corinth, Paul predicts the outcome of this virtual trials by which the apostle had been labeled as weak. He would reply on the Lord’s strength to prove his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
“1 This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” (2 Corinthians 13:1)
Though Paul had visited Corinth twice before, he was prepared to return to Corinth to complete his mission appointed to him by God, as anointed preacher to the Gentiles.
“2 I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare— 3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.” (2 Corinthians 13:2-3)
Paul reminds the Corinthians of his warning, that all sins are punished. He would not be as weak toward the Corinthians as he was previously which led to the Judaizers unleashing their attack in the apostle. His rebuke would be in tune with God’s strength, aimed at provoking other believers with christ like love.
“4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives 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.” (2 Corinthians 13:4)
Paul sheds light on the magnificence if Jesus Christ expressed both in weakness, as He was nailed to a cross and left to die, then strength as the King of Kings raised from the dead and was resurrected, fulfilling old testament prophecy.
All believers should not be afraid to show weakness when led to do so by our heavenly Father, as Christ was weak when he was crucified. We should also show christ like strength when preaching the Holy word of God almighty, the creator and moderator of our lives.
“5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.” (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)
Paul’s intent was for the Corinthians to examine their lives and make certain they not only talk the talk, and share the good news about Jesus Christ, but also walk the walk by which they would be identified as Christians by their actions, by their works.
Applying this section of Paul’s letter to our lives should be simple. Take a look at your life and ask yourself this question: In Christ in me? Either He is, and by faith in Him you are headed to heaven, or Christ is not in you which leads to eternal life in hell where the “disqualified” will suffer for all time. How do you make sure you are in Christ? First repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Then surrender control to God daily through prayer and worship. Finally, dwell in God’s word daily as you continue your walk along the narrow path that leads to eternal life in heaven where our glorious Father awaits. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
