2 Corinthians 13 - Is Christ in You?

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.” 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.

Paul ends his letter on an ominous note. Since they have challenged him on his apostolic credentials, he will be confronting them on their worldly behavior. It reminds us that there is a place in the church for discipline. We often don't see it done very well today. It is either too harsh or doesn't happen at all. When we stick to the biblical admonition to speak the truth in love, and when there is a conflict of information, to bring two or three witnesses to testify, we can do much better. 

Though Jesus was humble and suffered on the cross, it doesn't mean he is weak or soft on sin. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father and will come back to judge the living and the dead. 

 Those are strong words: I will not spare. However, the situation among the Corinthian Christians called for strong leadership. A Christian pastor must never let authority corrupt into authoritarianism, yet, “Rebellion against an appointed minister is rebellion against the higher power that appointed him.” (Hughes)

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.

Paul tells them to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith. If they are in the faith, the assumption is that they would be living in a manner worthy of our their calling Christ. This new life is only possible if Christ lives in them by faith. Paul doesn't assume they are all Christians. Only God knows who is a true believer, but their behavior at the very least begged the question. 

We are often very ready to examine and test others, but first – and always first – we must examine and test ourselves. “That was the trouble at Corinth. They criticized Paul and failed to examine themselves.” (Redpath)

What are we to look for when we examine and test ourselves? We are to see if Jesus Christ is in you. We are not to look for perfection – in ourselves or in others – but we should see real evidence of Jesus Christ in us. - Guzik

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.

Paul ends on a positive note. His goal in all of this is "restoration". When there is conflict in the church, the goal is always resolution and reconciliation. When we are wrong, we should promptly admit it and turn from what we know is wrong. We should ask for forgiveness from anyone we have wronged. God can actually bring people closer to each other after this type of resolution. But where there is no resolution, the conflict can destroy the fellowship the Holy Spirit gives to the body of Christ. 

When we are in good relationships with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, we experience the love, joy, and friendship God wants for us to have. Our relationships in the church are much different than those in the world. Our affection for each other can include what Paul calls, "greeting one another with a holy kiss". This is not meant to be sexual at all, but a physical expression of the love we have for each other. 

Are you part of a local church where you can experience this type of fellowship and affection? During COVID many people worshipped online, which was fine, but too many people still worship online, though they could attend a church. You can't get the same sense of intimacy by watching a service online. I realize there are people who are shut-in and this is a great way to be part of a service, but for others it is just laziness.