2 Corinthians 13: Do a Self Examination

Read 2 Corinthians Chapter 13

Introduction: 2 Corinthians 13 is the end of Paul’s last letter to the church in Corinth. In this chapter, he speaks of the concerns of proving his apostleship, calls the Corinthians to self examination and to seek truth, and it also provides final exhortations and prayers. Paul’s words are full of inspiration and guidance, urging believers to live in harmony and to be strengthened by God’s grace. The message of this chapter is as relevant today as it was in Paul’s time, reminding us of the importance of integrity, the power of Christ in our weakness, and the blessings of unity and peace within the church.

I. Paul’s Final Warning – 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
In these verses, Paul references Deuteronomy 19:15, which states that every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses (Deut 19:15). He warns the Corinthians that he will not spare those who have sinned upon his third visit, just as Christ, who was crucified in weakness, lives by God’s power. We read in 1 Timothy 5:19, it’s advised not to entertain an accusation against an elder unless it’s brought by two or three witnesses. This shows the consistency of the Bible in addressing sin within the church. In Matthew 18:16, Jesus also mentions the importance of establishing truth with two or three witnesses. Paul’s words line up with Christ’s teaching, reinforcing the need for accountability in God’s church.

II. Call to Self Examination – 2 Corinthians 13:5-6
Paul urges the Corinthians to test themselves to see if they are in the faith, which brings to mind the instruction in Lamentations 3:40 to examine and test our ways and return to the Lord. He also mentions his hope that they will realize that Jesus Christ is in them unless they fail the test. It is a good idea and good wisdom for each of us to examine ourselves from time to time. In Psalm 26:2, David asks the Lord to test him and try his heart, pointing out the importance of self examination in spiritual life. Also in Galatians 6:4, there’s a call for each person to test their own actions, so they can take pride in themselves without comparing to someone else, shedding more light on personal accountability.

III. Final Exhortations and Prayer – 2 Corinthians 13:7-10
In these verses, Paul prays that the Corinthians will not do anything wrong, not to show that he has passed the test, but that they may do what is right. Ephesians 4:29 advises believers to speak only what builds others up, which is Paul’s desire for the Corinthians, to see them act in righteousness. He also points out that he cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. This brings to mind John 8:32, where Jesus says, you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Finally, Paul speaks of his willingness to use his authority to build up rather than tear down, somewhat like the message in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to encourage one another and build each other up.

IV. Final Greetings and Benediction – 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
In the last verses of 2 Corinthians, Paul appeals to the church for harmony and peace among the believers at Corinth, urging them to greet one another with a holy kiss, a sign of fellowship seen in Romans 16:16. He offers them the comfort of God’s love and fellowship of the Holy Spirit, similar to the verses in Philippians 2:1-2, which speaks of being like minded and having the same love. Paul’s final words point to the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, brings to mind the trinity, which is found in Matthew 28:19, Jesus describes the trinity when giving the great commission, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Conclusion: 2 Corinthians 13 is the final letter to the Corinthian church, it provides a blend of warnings, calls to integrity, and heartfelt prayers for the church’s wellbeing. Paul’s final words encourage believers (all believers) to pursue truth, self examination, and unity within the church. His teachings and blessings are found throughout the New Testament, reinforcing the message of grace, love, and fellowship that defines Christian faith. We as believers should be inspired to hold ourselves accountable, to seek the truth, and to foster peace and love in our communities, drawing strength from the eternal presence of God’s grace in our lives.