CHAPTER 13

1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every
word be established.

Paul's first visit to Corinth is recorded in Acts 18:1-18.
The intention of his second visit is referred to in 1Cor. 4:19.
Paul was unable to make that second visit.
This visit he calls his third here, but his second in vs 2.
It was to establish the fact that he was truthful in all he had taught, and bring disciplinary
procedures against those who had done wrong.

2 "I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being
absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come
again, I will not spare:
3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is
mighty in you."

Some, in the church at Corinth, had questioned Paul's apostolic authority.
He was intending to impose church discipline upon them.

Paul would show that his teaching was not “weak.”

4 "For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth 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."

Jesus was not weak, but He refused to exercise His power.
He determined to endure the cross in order to OFFER eternal salvation to all men.
And Jesus rose from the grave showing that He has the power of life in Himself!

In the same vein, Paul would appear “weak” to those in the church.
But he would show the power of Christ working in him.

The manner in which Paul would show the strength of Christ in him, was by preaching and
teaching the TRUTH of the WORD of God.

When a person truly believes Jesus is the only means of salvation, he also believes
that Jesus begins to work IN him to do that which is right in the sight of God.
(see Philippians 2:13)

Following that, the saved person will begin to study, learn and grow in the Bible.
Then, they will be able to teach the Bible truthfully, and treat others with genuine care.
THIS is what Paul DID, and THAT'S what he intends to CONTINUE!

Back in Chapter 10, verse 4, Paul had stated:
“(For the weapons of our warfare are not CARNAL, but MIGHTY THROUGH God to the pulling down of strong holds....”)

The Word of God has POWER!
Just look at the universe! It was CREATED by God's WORD!

Some of the people in the church at Corinth had disputed what Paul taught.
He is saying that when he comes, he will SHOW the power of God working THROUGH him.

Christian, there is nothing greater than LEARNING the Word of God and USING it rightly!

We might add a THEREFORE here...... 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your
own selves, how that Jesus Christ is IN you, except ye be reprobates.

Is the faith of Christ Jesus EXHIBITED in you?
Are you living WITH Him and IN Him? EXAMINE your actions and words to SEE!

6-7 "But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that
which is honest, though we be as reprobates."

Though we appear to some as reprobates, we should TRUST that we are not!
The examination of our actions and words should show that we are living IN and FOR Christ.

Note that Paul PRAYS that they "do no evil."
He is praying for them.
As Christians, we need to pray for each other.

8 "For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth."

As Christians, we are under the influence of God's Holy Spirit constantly.
We have been commisioned to stand on the truth of God's Word.
NO ONE can stand "against" God's TRUTH!

So let us then DEFEND and STAND for God's truth.

9 "For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even
your perfection."

Would we not be willing to appear weak if it will help other Christians be strong?
And shall we not pray for our fellow Christians that they are constantly being transformed
into the image of Christ?

10 "Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness,
according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction."

Paul's desire is that they should receive his words as edification.
And, that when he does come, he will not have to use "sharpness."

There is power in using words correctly.
When people stray from the Lord, it is best that we use words in kindness to restore them.

11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace;
and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

In this closing statement, Paul mentions that will help the Christian "farewell."
"Be perfect" -- strive for it, be working toward it.
"Be of good comfort" -- take consolation in God's Word, use it to console and edify others.
"Be of one mind" -- don't be divided by contention and strife, but be united in the Spirit of God.
"Live in peace" -- Instead of allowing contention and strife, promote oneness.

THEN -- "the God of love and peace shall be WITH you!"

Lay aside animosity, and let brotherly love CONTINUE!

12 "Greet one another with an holy kiss."
I'm always glad when a Christian shakes my hand, and pulls me in for a hug.
It's an encouragement.
It's an assurance of genuine Christian love and respect.

13 "All the saints salute you."

Those who are with Paul also send greetings.

14 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen."

This is like a closing prayer.

May the GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ be poured upon you.
May the LOVE of God be in your heart. May you have a genuine personal relationship with the Lord, by His Holy Spirit IN you.