ELNORA’S BIBLE STUDY WITH FRIENDS, 2 Corinthians 13, Saturday, March 22, 2025
Context for Chapter 13
2 Corinthians, chapter 13 follows Paul's listing of two sets of sins he is concerned he will find among the Corinthians when he arrives. These are personal divisions and sexual immorality. He warns them once more that nobody will be spared from Christ's discipline if they remain in sin. Paul urges them to examine and test themselves to see if Christ is in them. He prays for their restoration and hopes they will repent of sin so that he does not have to be severe with them in his authority as Christ's representative when he arrives. (https://www.bibleref.com/2-Corinthians/13/2-Corinthians-chapter-13.html)
Paul's Advice, Verses 1-10, KESHIA
1 This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”[a]). 2 I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them. 3 I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. 4 Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power. 5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you[b]; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 6 As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority. 7 We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. 8 For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 9 We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature. 10 I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.
SECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses?"
2. Share your thoughts about 2Corinthinas 13:4. Someonee read it, and let's talk about what Paul is saying here.
3. Application: Do not confuse humility with weakness. And do not mistake bravado for strength. We can be humble and bold at the same time when we are filled by the power of Holy Spirit.
4. When did Paul "flip the table" on the Corinthians, so to speak, and encourage them to consider their own salvation?
5. Reflection: Have you given yourself a self-exam? The test question is "Am I practicing sin?"
6. Reflection: What lessons can we take away from Paul's attitude toward discipline and correction?
Paul's Final Greeting, Verses 11-14, DESTINY
11 Dear brothers and sisters,[c] I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. 13 All of God’s people here send you their greetings. 14 [d]May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
SECTION QUESTIONS:
7. Which of Paul's final reminders resonates with you the most?
8. What is most significant about the way Paul closes this letter?
9. What are the key lessons you learned from this book?
Confessions for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 13
"I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. 4 Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power". (2 Corinthians 13:3)
Father, we thank you that as we commune with Holy Spirit, he confirms for us the witness of our spiritual leaders. There is no doubt. We trust and believe in the God-inspired Word being shared with us. You have chosen us as your temple, housing the very power of God within us. In our weakness, just as Christ experienced a measure of weakness on the cross, your great power strengthens us ever so strongly, as you did in Christ with resurrection and power. We are already victorious in all things because of our faith and trust in you. To God be the glory! AMEN.
written by Jeannie😊
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“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you, if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
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