Tag: building you up
Aim for perfection!
Scripture reading for August 14th: 2nd Corinthians 13
Because of the false teachers, there were many in Corinth that had not repented of their sins. Often, false teachers fail to call people to repentance and preach a false gospel of grace without the need to repent. Paul was concerned that on his third visit there, he might have to deal severely in discipline with those still living in sin. “I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and not repented of the impurity, sexual sin, and debauchery in which they have indulged.” (2nd Corinthians 12:21)
Failure to repent of known sin is dangerous to the soul involved as well as to the whole church. People living in know sin and claiming to know Christ give a false witness of the power of God to deliver from sin’s power! The Apostle Paul knew that if that was the case, he would have to deal with this when he arrived in order to restore the church.
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test.” (2nd Corinthians 13:5) When we are conscious of Christ Jesus living in us and through us, we can no longer use our bodies and minds for sinful purposes. When we are truly born again from above and have the Holy Spirit, He leads us to be like Christ! Healthy self-examination is good for the soul!
“Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2nd Corinthians 13:11) We must aim for perfection through Christ living in us!
Self examination of your soul!
Scripture reading for September 13th: 2nd Corinthians 13:1-14
Paul was coming for his third visit and promised to address their problems with the sins he listed. Some people there were questioning Paul’s authority and the power of Christ. He told them that every matter would be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. He had warned them on the second visit and now was prepared to deal with those who had not repented. “. . .since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.” (2nd Corinthians 13:3-4) It was Christ’s power in Paul’s weak body that made him a servant of Christ to help them. Christ would not put up with sin in His body!
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.” (2nd Corinthians 13:5-6) Paul told them to test themselves for Christ in their life. The real test of true Christianity is Christ living in us. Paul knew that Christ lived in his body and was confident that these Corinthians would see that in him. (Galatians 2:20) They also would be able to know whether or not Christ was in them!
Paul was writing this letter to help these Corinthian Christian make the needed corrections in their lives before he came and would need to use his authority in person. His desire and Christ’s was for their perfection! His final words showed his heart to these brothers: “Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2nd Corinthians 13:11)
If we will take godly correction from those God places in our lives, we will make progress towards perfection! If we don’t aim for perfection, we surely won’t hit it by accident! We must help one another in order to make progress and to work at living in peace. God will work in us and love us to perfection!
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