Paul finishes his letter with a test for how we know we are in Christ and some practical application for the church. Take a look.
2 Corinthians 13: Final Warnings
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them---
3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
5 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!
6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.
7 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.
8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.
10 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.
Final Greetings
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Things to think about…
1. Paul says test those who speak out against someone else – with at least two or three witnesses. He says the church must turn against immorality, 2Cor 13:1,2. This is how accountability is maintained in the church. Gossip etc should never be tolerated, but if there is an issue, bring in others who are not emotionally biased and who can speak Christ’s wisdom into the situation. Satan is powerless when this occurs because his lies have no influence. This is what Jesus meant when he said the truth shall set you free, and you shall be free indeed. Amen.
2. Paul doesn’t want anyone to be deceived, hence he asks that people examine themselves, to see whether they are in the faith, 2Cor 13:5. The test is whether Jesus abides within. There should be fruit of your faith. Ask faithful people who love you, perhaps others in the church who you know and respect. Get wisdom and counsel on this. The chances are if you are concerned about it you have nothing to be concerned about.
3. Paul says he and his fellow labourers in the gospel seem to have failed the test, 2Cor 13:7. He says this because there was a misunderstanding as to what the life in Christ looked like. Unfortunately, we see the same today within some sections of Christianity that want the cash without the cross, they want the riches without the repentance. Paul says “we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth”, vs 8. Amen. Gospel truth should never be supressed.
4. Look at Paul’s final comments regarding the aim of his letter, 2Cor 13:11. Is this a description of CBC? Covid makes physical contact a challenge at the moment, but I see much love and grace being given through this difficult time. Perhaps we will know for sure when we feel comfortable with Paul’s exhortation in vs 12. Bit hard for Aussie males, but there it is.
Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
1. Jay asked about your freedom or other wise around Christians/non Christians. What has been your experience with Christian Pharisaism. Have you experienced situations where someone has exalted law over grace in the past?
2. Paul spoke about the fading glory of Moses’ face. Why did Moses’ face fade over time and what has this to do with the New Covenant in Christ?
3. Paul says we go from ‘glory to glory’. What does he mean. Stephen’s face shone as he was being killed in Acts 7. How is the glory of God reflected in our lives.
4. Explain your understanding of “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life”.
Prayer Points
1. Continue to pray for Brett, Zac, Elyssa and others with this virus as they recover.
2. Ministries as they start back this week.
3. That we see Christ even as Covid goes through the community.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. And families who have recovered from Covid.
2. People encouraged by Sunday’s message.
3. Joy in our service, great times in the cafe.
4. Worship and technical team. Thanks everyone.
Announcements
1. Cell groups back up this week – see Helen for more details. A new cell group will start at the church for residents around Karalee. This will start next week.
2. Kidz@Church back on Sunday
3. Members Meeting after the service 27th Feb
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for February...
Q. 16. Who should partake of the Lord's Supper? A. Only those who repent of their sins, believe in Christ for salvation and live according to his word.
