"Hyper- or Hypo-Critical"2 Corinthians 13:6
And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong-not so that people will see that we have stood the test, but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.

Thoughts for Today:Rather than examining Paul, the Corinthians should have been testing themselves. Did their conduct reflect a heavenly call? How would they have done if they had submitted themselves to the same scrutiny they had placed Paul under? Jesus asked in Matthew 7:3-5: "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" In the same way, Paul is telling the Corinthians, "Don't be hypocritical. If I don't pass the test, then none of you will either."

It was Paul's hope the Corinthians would stop being so hyper-critical of him and instead return their focus to the Lord and His work in them. If they did, they might realize Paul had not failed, but instead passed the most critical test of all - his Christ-like care and concern for them. However, regardless of the Corinthians' reaction to him personally, Paul still demonstrated the heart of a father. How so? Because he was more concerned about their personal well being and spiritual growth than he was with what they thought about him ("...so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.")

We see many of the Corinthians' type of problems in our churches today. Too many people think it is their job to be the pastor's critic. It's almost as if a pastor must pass a personality, speech or theology test each week in order to validate their employment. No one can survive, nor be an effective and healthy leader, under that kind of scrutiny. Not even Paul.

Questions to Ponder:Does your pastor need a little support? Has the criticism been flowing a little too swiftly? What can you do to abate some of the pressure placed upon your pastor? Are the critics hypocrites?

​

"Not a Question of Theology"2 Corinthians 13:5b
Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?

Thoughts for Today:Previously, Paul asked the Corinthians if they had "passed the test." And then he asked a question all Christians should consider very carefully: "Am I really in the faith?" Or, in my words, "Am I truly a believer? Is my faith real?"

So how does a person know if they are really a believer? In our passage today, Paul provides the answer in the form of a rhetorical question: "Do you not realize Christ is in you?" Being a Christian means having an intimate relationship with Jesus in our lives as both Lord and Savior. Christianity is not a religion with attendance records, tithing requirements, or service conditions. When Paul asks, "Is Christ in you?" he's not asking a question of theology, but one of intimacy. If we don't pay attention to our relationship with Jesus -- we might live out our entire life ethically, morally, attend Bible studies regularly, possess a solid understanding of our church's doctrine - and still not be saved. (Ephesians 1:13-14: "When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory.)

Questions to Ponder:Do you only know Jesus intellectually? Do you know the chapters and verses, or do you know Him personally? How is it reflected in your relationships with other people? How is it reflected in your prayer and study life? How is he reflected in your life?

​

"Failing or Passing the Test?"2 Corinthians 13:5a
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.

Thoughts for Today:Most people don't like tests. Why? Because it reveals if what they've been reading and studying has been learned and can therefore applied.

This last school semester, my daughter Amanda asked me to help her prepare for a particularly challenging math test. We went through the entire chapter and made sure she not only understood the formulas, but also how to do the various types of problems. I asked her the morning of the test, "Are you ready?" She said, "For sure! I know I'm going to do really well." Her "A" on the test reflected both her confidence and dedicated preparation.

In our passage today, Paul says to his critics, "You are regularly finding fault in me, but here's what you should really be doing - examine yourself. Are you in the faith?" The implication of those questions can be rather sobering for anyone who considers him or herself a Christian. A person can attend church, week in and week out for years on end, and still not be saved. So how do we know if we are in the faith? How do we know for certain, if like Amanda, we are properly prepared to pass the most important test we will ever face? Read on as Paul provides us with the answer.

Questions to Ponder:Have you been spending time testing or criticizing the faith of others? What about your own? Are you passing or failing? How do you know? Are you sure?

​

"Transforming Weakness into Strength"2 Corinthians 13:4b
Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him in our dealing with you.

Thoughts for Today:This morning when I woke up, I have to admit I was a little cranky. All sorts of things were on my mind, and none of them were good. Yet, I still turned to the Lord in prayer and study of His Word. Transformation occurred within me. Nothing had changed on the outside; and none of the things that were irritating me were miraculously resolved; but my spirit was lifted and my joy returned. How? Why? Because of the miracle of the indwelling Spirit of Christ.

In our passage today, Paul reveals he had some of the same type of human limitations as we all do. I'm sure there were even times when he felt emotionally insecure and lacked confidence. And as far as his physical body was concerned, he certainly had his share of aches and pains. However, Paul wasn't living by his own power and the inadequacies of his mortal body. He allowed the indwelling Spirit of Christ to control his life. (Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.")

Paul was fully aware of his own human weaknesses, and as he turned more completely to Jesus, he became strong. It was the same thing I discovered this morning as my spirit was refreshed. Renewal is always the result when we seek, yield and allow ourselves to be strengthened by the indwelling Spirit of Christ.

Questions to Ponder:Are you feeling a little weak today? Perhaps even a bit too strong or confident? Will you go to Him now? Will you allow Him to minister to you? Will you seek Him in His Word? (Colossians 1:27: "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.")

​

"Transforming Weakness into Strength"2 Corinthians 13:4a
For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power.

Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul begins his comparison of the physical weakness people saw in him to the perception that Christ was also weak when He was crucified. The truth is that Jesus wasn't weak -- He possessed both the strength to carry the sin of the world with Him to His death, and power of God in His resurrection.

This was never more evident than in the Garden of Gethsemane (at the time of His arrest), when Jesus said to Peter and the other disciples who were prepared to defend His life (Matthew 26:52-54): "Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" In a similar way, those who believed Paul to be weak would also be proven wrong.

Questions to Ponder:So many Christians point to the suffering of Jesus for the sin of the world, and then add as an afterthought His resurrection. Do you personally know the power of the resurrection? The divinity of Christ was revealed in His victory over sin and death. Have you claimed this in your own life?

​

​"A Stern Warning"2 Corinthians 13:2
I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others.

Thoughts for Today:Our grandsons Conner and Christian spent their last summer vacation with us at our lake house. In general, they are very cooperative children; however, on occasion a dispute will arise associated with whatever they happen to be doing. My response is usually the same, "You had better stop arguing right now and do the right thing, because whoever is in the wrong is not going to like my solution to the problem."

In our passage today, Paul reiterates to the Corinthians that he would not tolerate anyone who was spreading division within the body of the church. He places them on notice that there will be no second chances. Paul is basically saying, "You know what I expect of you, and you know the correct way to behave - now do it - or whoever is causing the problem won't like the consequences!" It's not too much different than the warning I issued to my grandsons.

The opponents of Paul must have shuddered a little when they heard these words. The people who are the most involved in sowing seeds of discord, like to do so behind the scenes, among the people, not in direct opposition to authority. They like subtlety not confrontation. However, if they were not dealt with before he arrived, then Paul would take care of the situation personally. What that would involve - we aren't quite certain. But I certainly wouldn't want to test him.

Questions to Ponder:Acts 20:2-3 tells us that Paul spent three months in Greece (where Corinth is located). As a result, the disputes were resolved and the church flourished. Is there discord in your church? Who seems to be at the center? Is it time to encourage those in disagreement to resolve their conflicts? God will not tolerate disruptive behavior indefinitely. Is anyone willing to risk His wrath?

Order Gospels | Give
  

"Too Quick to Pass Judgment?"2 Corinthians 13:1
This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."

Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul quotes a portion of Deuteronomy 19:15. Why? Because there was someone who said that Paul was coming back to Corinth in a particular time period. Yet, when he did not, the person's false testimonies regarding Paul's unfulfilled promise made him seem unreliable.

Deuteronomy 19:18a continues on to say: "The judges must make a thorough investigation..." And (related to a similar matter), Scripture tells us (Deuteronomy 13:15a): "...you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly." These verses say a great deal about how we are to conduct ourselves when we hear a complaint or accusation against someone. We are to carefully and thoroughly check out the facts and circumstances before we make a judgment.

It seems that all too often we are quick to pass judgment on a person, sometimes even ruining their reputation, before we have all the facts. A rush to judgment has destroyed many innocent people who were guilty of doing nothing wrong. How? Because they were tried in the court of rumor, innuendo and public opinion before they were given the opportunity to defend themselves.

Questions to Ponder:Is there someone or a situation in your life that you've come to judge too quickly? Have you investigated the matter thoroughly and not simply relied on the words reported by another? What can you do to promote justice and fairness when rumors are reported to you in the future?

​

"Introduction to 2 Corinthians 13"2 Corinthians 13
Introduction

Thoughts for Today:As we conclude our study of Second Corinthians with the thirteenth and final chapter, I thought we might take some time to review the various subjects Paul has been discussing:

I'm sure we could all agree that Paul's second epistle to the church at Corinth is just as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago -- especially for those who are called to Christian ministry. The first section dealt with the duties, responsibilities and even privileges of leadership. Yet, it is also a wonderful source of hope and encouragement for anyone suffering through trials of their own. Paul understood that suffering is a part of Christian service and wasn't just an academic principle in his life. He had personally endured many obstacles, opposition, persecution and pain in sharing the Gospel. So regardless of what we might be going through, we can always find encouragement and comfort through Paul's example of following in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. By keeping our eyes focused on the glory of heaven and eternity, we are given the hope, power and strength to endure our present sufferings. Why? Because we know in the end we overcome this world.

Paul also addressed the issue of immorality in the church. Sin must always be confronted, whenever and wherever it may arise, with appropriateness and wisdom. Nor can false teachings go unchecked. However, the goal of church discipline is not to punish, it is to correct and restore. Overall, love must be the guiding principle.

Love is to be the basis for giving as well. Paul encouraged generosity among the Corinthians. He wanted them to demonstrate their faith and obedience by continuing to give to those in need and also as a means to spread the Gospel.

It wasn't Paul's goal to win a popularity contest in Corinth. He knew that correct doctrine was one of the most critical elements to the health of any church. Therefore, it wasn't an earthly form of jealousy that led him to defend his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ. It was his love and concern for their present and eternal well being that drove him to assert his fatherly leadership and discipline over them.

Paul isn't quite finished with the Corinthians. Nor is the Lord finished with us. Let's pay very careful attention to what the Lord says to us through the apostle Paul as we conclude this final chapter.

Questions to Ponder:What have been your favorite lessons from Second Corinthians? How can you apply them to your life today?

​

"Loving Us and Hating Our Sin"2 Corinthians 12:20-21
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. 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 have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.

Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul expresses his high level of concern regarding the spiritual condition of the Corinthians. He was truly worried his return to them would not be a joyful experience. Why? Because they had not changed their behavior. So what could possibly happen to the Corinthians that would cause Paul to write: "my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented"? Lots of things come to mind. Remember (from the Old Testament) the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah? They were destroyed because of their pervasive, unrepentant and blatant sin.

Throughout history, God has provided plenty of examples of His willingness to discipline His people whenever necessary. Both for their own good, as well as a lesson to others. And He continued this practice with the New Testament Church. Think of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) who were struck dead for lying. What happened to the seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13-16)? They were beaten severely for trying to make money by casting out demons in the Name of the Lord. And the sorcerer Elymas was struck blind (Acts 13:8-12). Why? Because he "perverted the right ways of the Lord."

Paul knew the Lord would eventually provide a major disciplinary action to the Corinthians if they didn't repent. Why? Because it is the Lord's nature to love us and hate sin. And sometimes it's necessary for Him to deal harshly with us -- either to get our attention or completely eradicate the negative issues.

Questions to Ponder:Is there sin in your life that the Lord has called you to remove? Will you? What are you waiting for? Do you think the Lord will ignore your disobedience forever?

​

​"For Your Strengthening"2 Corinthians 12:16b-19
Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you? I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit? Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.

Thoughts for Today:On one of my recent medical/evangelical mission trips to China, I spoke with a village leader who was a non-believer. He was highly critical and suspicious of our purpose. He said to me, "You people are not really generous. You're just trying to convert us to your way of thinking." I said, "We're going to heal your sick and then go home. I'm certainly willing to share the reason we came here with anyone who would like to know, but what possible benefit could I personally gain by converting your people to my way of thinking?" He grunted something unintelligible, and then folded his arms and watched me carefully as I shared the Gospel with anyone willing to listen.

Two hours later, the leader approached me again and asked, "Tell me your story. Why are you really here?" I shared with him how God's love had saved me and changed my life, and then I said, "But, the real story is about Jesus -- how much God loves us and wants us to know Him. Let me tell you about Him, and then you can decide for yourself."

In our passage today, Paul is dealing with some of the same type of criticism and suspicion that oftentimes come in opposition when we do the work God has called us to perform. Paul said, "We're not tricky, and we have no ulterior motive. We simply want to be a blessing to you." The world will always think that Christians have a political or financial agenda. They ask, "What are you trying to accomplish -- take over our government or get rich?" The answer is neither. We simply want people next door, or anywhere in the world, to have the opportunity to know Jesus. And then be encouraged in their faith so they can do well in the Lord.

Questions to Ponder:The leader of the village in China accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior that day. God is always at work to bring His message of peace, love, forgiveness and offer of reconciliation to a lost world. Will you join Him now? Who can you share Jesus with today?