2 Corinthians 13:5-10

                                                             2 Corinthians 13:5-10

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!  I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.  But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.  For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.  For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.  For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

 

Sin is capable of subtly entering into our lives and taking hold to the point that we become blind to its influence.  This will inevitably impact our relationships and become a detriment to the entire church.  Paul refuses to allow this reality to persist, so he confronts the church and calls the members to a life of submission to the teachings of Scripture.  This is motivated by love and exemplifies some basic principles that should be remembered in the process of discipline.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXAMINATION: Assurance of salvation is vital to every believer.  Paul urges the members of the church at Corinth to examine themselves to be sure that they are in the faith and saved.  The repeated need for discipline and the tolerance for sin is of great concern to Paul.  There is certainly cause to question the authenticity of the faith of some of these members.  It is impossible for us to judge what is in the heart of another person.  We can observe actions, attitudes, and words, but we cannot see what is in their heart.  However, we can do as Paul did and express our concern and urge them to examine their salvation.

 

THE PRIORITY OF RESTORATION: Paul has very little concern about his reputation in the church.  The fact that they see him as being weak does not matter to him.  Paul is assured that he is right before the Lord even though many in the church do not agree.  Paul’s focus is on the truth and his priority is that the church be restored.  Any time we have to deal with discipline it is easy for us to get our feelings hurt and even seek some sort of revenge.  Paul does not have any such feelings.  His priority is that the offending member of the church be fully restored.  This mush always be the priority of every church discipline.

 

THE GOAL OF PREPARATION: The reason Paul is writing this letter is to prepare them for his upcoming visit.  He hopes the letter will resolve the issued but wants to warn them that in these issues have not been resolved by the time he arrives that there will be a stiff price to pay.  He promises that he will not shrink away from the task at hand.  He would love to celebrate the restoration in person but if there is not repentance, he promises to bring discipline.

 

APPLICATION: Make sure to examine our faith to make sure we have truly believed and become a part of His mission on earth.  In any broke relationship or sinful circumstance restoration must always be or first priority.  Do not shy away from the responsibility of disciplining or confronting brothers and sisters in Chrsit.

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