2 Corinthians 13

In the closing chapter of 2 Corinthians Paul deals with two major issues.  Warren Wiersbe approaches these issues with a very practical approach.  Wiersbe implies that Paul is basically saying, "Prepare yourself and examine yourself."  The prepare yourself references that Paul intends to come for a third visit and he will deal with the sinful nature of the Corinthians.  Their sinful propensity was varied from disunity to accepting false theology.  Some of the matters which caused the disunity were trivial and should have been considered non-essential matters but became issues of grave concern because the church did not practice the Biblical mandate of Jesus referenced in Matthew 18.  In addition, Paul still has to deal with the matter of his apostleship.  He likens himself to the manner with which Jesus displayed his power.  While Jesus was most powerful, he was meek in His approach.  The best definition of meekness I have heard says, "Meekness is strength under control."  Yet, Paul is in essence telling the church, "If you need to see power, I can bring it."

The second issue Paul addresses is 'examine yourself.'  Paul recognizes that much of the manner with which the Corinthians were displaying in their activities and attitudes were not Christ like.  Therefore, he questions their spiritual foundation and maturity.  He asks the church members to examine themselves for whether they are of the faith and whether their walk is deep or shallow.  Often in the church this mantra could be the basis for many of the problems which arise.  If our walk is genuine and deep then we are not going to be as concerned with what "Our Desires and Insistents" are but with seeing the greater vision or bigger picture for the sake of the kingdom of God.  Too often the church family can become embroiled in a matter that really does not matter to greater vision in God's mission.  However, because the matter is personal to some it becomes emotional and therefore becomes a distraction to what really matters.  We must come to the point where we are more concerned with following Jesus, obeying His commands and commissions, and reaching the lost with the Gospel than we are with "what I want." 

Paul closes the letter with one of the greatest concluding remarks of all the epistles.  He says, "Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be restored, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you."  Oh that we could have these closing remarks as the great efforts of our lives.  Oh that we would be of the same mind and at peace with one another so that the God of love and peace would be exalted among us and pleased with our efforts.