THE RECKONING
Opening Prayer
Holy Father, I need You now.
Read 2 Corinthians 13
Final Warnings
13 This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”[a] 2 I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, 3 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 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 live with him in our dealing with you.
5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. 10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Final Greetings
11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All God’s people here send their greetings.
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Footnotes:
a 2 Corinthians 13:1 Deut. 19:15
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica
Reflect
What is really important—eternally important?The letter has followed many twists and turns as Paul has navigated his complex relationship with the church at Corinth. It has seemed that he has been on trial. Now Paul turns the spotlight on the Corinthians themselves. The time of reckoning has come. He himself is not concerned about failing any test: if the Corinthians are in fact Christians it is only because Paul is their apostle (5b), and his concern is not that he should be seen to have “passed” or appear strong, but for them to do well (6,7,9). They need to ask themselves some serious questions (5a) which they will not be able to dodge when Paul comes on his third visit to Corinth.
So the letter ends with a focus on the quality of relationships within the church itself. The God revealed in Jesus is a God of love and peace (11). Is his character evident in the church? How about grace? The Lord Jesus is the one who gives grace, even at his own expense and “weakness” (8,9). And are they participating in the life of the Holy Spirit (6:6)? Paul effectively says, “It is time to take your eyes off the “super-apostles,” to leave behind your antagonism towards me, and to focus on what matters—actually living out the Gospel I brought to you.”
Apply
Think back over the past 24 hours. When have you felt the presence of God? How have you shared in the life of the Spirit? Allow God’s sweet presence to flavor all of your actions today.
Closing prayer
Jesus, I pray that Your Gospel would be shown forth in my life and relationships today.
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