2 Corinthians 13 - Introduction

Are You In The Faith?

Second Corinthians Thirteen

It was Paul's plan that he would soon make a third visit to Corinth. His intention was that when he came to Corinth he would confront his critics face to face. Paul intended to prove that Christ was speaking through him. What the Corinthians thought about Paul meant nothing. Their view of the Christ meant everything. If the people properly understood the Lord they would not talk and behave as they did. These people reasoned that if Jesus was God it would reveal weakness that He was killed by humans. But they forgot that it is the resurrection that proves Jesus' power.

God power is not seen in our physical strength but in the spiritual life that we receive through Christ. We are raised from baptism to a new and very powerful life in Christ. Christ living in you is what makes you a godly person. It was Paul's desire to constantly lift up the Christ in his life. He wanted to do what was right in his own life and to encourage these brethren to not do wrong. Our life must be focused on "truth." What a wonderful thing if all in the church would simply conform to "the truth." Let us think, talk and live like Jesus would have us do.

We must put ourselves to the test to make sure that Christ is in us. Paul said, "Be perfect." Our goal must be to be complete in Christ. As God's people we must focus on the things we have in common and live in peace. If we do these things "the God of love and peace shall be with us." There must be love, respect and a brotherhood among fellow Christians. Paul closed the book with three great foundation principles: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, The love of God, and The communion of the Holy Ghost.