November 23, 2021 – 2 Corinthians 13:1-10

“This is the third time I am coming to you. “Any charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” I warned those who sinned previously 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 be lenient— since you desire proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful in you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God. Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed. But we pray to God that you may not do anything 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. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. This is what we pray for, that you may become perfect. So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.” 2 Cor. 13:1-10

Listen to the anger in Paul’s voice:

“I will not be lenient— since you desire proof that Christ is speaking in me. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test!”

Paul says that the church in Corinth was seeking “proof” — proof that Paul was truly speaking for Christ as an apostle. He replied that his audience should apply the same test to themselves — before they judge him, they should judge themselves. Before they criticize him for not following Christ properly or not speaking for Christ accurately, they should examine themselves to see if they know and live the truth properly. Ouch!

Paul issued this challenge having already defended himself against numerous accusations. Paul had patiently explained his teaching and motives against false accusations, so now he turns the tables on the church and asks them to examine their own behaviors and motives. Are they living in such a manner that they are keeping with Christ’s will?

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if people on social media would do such self-reflection before they simply lash out at others? Perhaps I should say the same about people in the church – people who call themselves good Christians. I am not so sure it is within the power of some people to do such self-reflection. Why? Because it is too painful to levy judgment upon ourselves — because that requires such self-examination that would force the person to stop, listen, and discern. And that is scary.

Paul’s test refers to the question of whether a Christian is operating in the faith, in Christ’s will and according to His word. All of us need to do such discernment.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, it is hard to stop talking sometimes and listen to what we are saying – or to hear what others are saying. Give us the patience and the understanding to do both – to listen more and talk less — especially when we need to hear your will. Amen.

Pastor Dave