©2002 Pastor Tom Miles

2 Corinthians Chapter Thirteen

Paul again says this is the third time he has made plans to come to see them.  He also says that through the grace and power of Christ he will admonish every sinner there.  He also urges them to examine themselves and see where their faith lies.  Paul prays they will refrain from evil and strive to restore their lives to Christ.  He also gives them instructions and ends with his benediction.

2 Corinthians 13:1-4 Here in this chapter Paul is making his wishes known about the condition of the people.  Paul is anxious to see that they have made changes in their life making sure they fully understand that he will be coming and sparing no words on them. He plans to exercise his authority in Christ and discipline if needed will be quickly.  Paul knows they are seeking proof that he walks in Christ and he is going to let them see it.  Christ was crucified in human weakness for our salvation, healing, and victory and it is in Him we live having been raised with Him by the power and grace of God.

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 Paul's desire is for their faith to be increased and witnessed.  His heart is concerned with whether or not they have truly rested in Jesus.  To this extent Paul implores them to test themselves to see whether they are in the faith or not.  He says that he prays they discover the proof of his authority as an apostle through their testing of faith not through his coming to them exercising in rebuke that authority of Christ within him.

2 Corinthians 13:7-9 The apostle's heart felt prayer is for them to do that which is right and stay clear from evil.  Paul desires they come to the fullness of Christ being made complete in Him.  The main reason for Paul's writing of this letter is to steer them in the direction of repentance, which will lead them to completeness in Christ.  He truly wants to come to simply fellowship in love without having to chastise anyone.  I'll gladly be made weak so that you may be made strong is Paul's thoughts for the Corinthians.  Father, let this always be my heart's cry for the people as well.  That I be made weak so they can be strong and complete in You.  Give me a heart of compassion, love, and power to do, that which is right in Your eyes not man's eyes.  Thank You Lord for loving us through Your Word!

2 Corinthians 13:10   Paul also hopes that this letter will correct the problems in Corinth so he will not have to come with discipline.  His sole purpose in this writing is to love them to correction.  He desires the Holy Spirit to lift them and open their eyes to see the wrong and accept the truth of Christ.  It is solely for the edification of the Corinthian's that Paul desires to make this trip.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Verse 11 gives Paul's final exhortations and farewell.  Paul says to them:
      1. Become complete/perfect - of the truth of Christ
      2. Be of good comfort - the rest that comes from receiving the truth
      3. Be of one mind - united in love, thoughts, and discipline - obedient to  Christ
      4. Live in peace - remove strife, divisions, schisms, and bickering
Paul says in doing these things it will draw the - God of love and peace - to them.  God is a God of love and he desires and requires obedience, love, and truth in those that belong to Him.  Believers must join together united in Christ so that the path of truth can go before them opening doors and closing doors as needed.  In going forth with Christ before us His peace and love will rest on us.

2 Corinthians 13:12-13 "Salute one another with a holy kiss" means to be cautious to approach fellow believers in love not anger.  Paul desires for them to show affection and love for one another - forgiving and forgetting ill - feelings and such.  The heart cry of Paul is for the God of love and peace to be with them always.  Paul also sends greetings to them from the saints.

2 Corinthians 13:14 Paul closes this letter with a benediction including all three persons of the Godhead.
      1. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ - may the grace and favor of Christ fall upon his children
      2. The love of God - this is the love of Christ that is shown and expressed in the hearts of the believers
      3. The communion of the Holy Spirit - the guidance, direction, and power of the Holy Spirit made available to them through Christ and their obedience of faith in Him.

Paul concludes saying amen which means - so be it, let it be, so it is - and if we are obedient to Christ all things promised by the Word for us will be ours forever.  When we determine in our hearts to walk according to the ways of the Holy Spirit our life will be made manifest in Christ and all good things will ours through Him in Jesus name.

Father, help me to always walk in Your love and obedience in all things.  Guide me Holy Spirit and direct me filling me with Your power so I can go forth proclaiming the truth of Christ to the nations.  Thank You Lord for loving us through Christ and the Holy Spirit in Jesus name we pray, amen!

Where Jesus is Lord!
Living Vine Ministries
Pastor Thomas Miles

For instructions on being Born Again click on banner at top of page.
Thank you for reading.