2 Corinthians 13 reminds me of a phrase my mom used whenever I had a wrestling match. She simply said, “Do good”. She never elaborated or explained. I took that to mean, so much more than try your best, or I hope you win. I understood that I was to represent myself, my school and my family honorably, by winning the right way. She hated watching me compete. I think she struggled right along with me the few times she did come. Today’s lesson is about winning well. In the final chapter of his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul is preparing for a third visit. He prefaces his remarks by quoting from the Jewish Law, “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses”. Guilt requires more than an accusation. Each of us have our own biases, so the law seeks confirmation. This fact-checking is fundamental to justice. Paul hints that in his first two visits he saw their shameful behavior for himself. He adds, “On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier”. Paul had already twice rebuked their sins. He is suggesting that, if their rebellion continued, it was a willful decision. Perhaps referring to yet another criticism of his ministry, Paul adds that his condemnation will be swift, “since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me”. To those that portrayed Christ’s death as defeat, Paul explains, “He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power”. The crucifixion was the heroic sacrifice of the Savior. He died to pay for my sins because only Someone sinless can pay for another’s sin. All we need to do is believe, and “by God’s power we will live with Him”. The resurrection demonstrates the power of God.
Next Paul identifies the singular pivot point for all humanity. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith”. Paul adds, “test yourselves”. For many church-goers this can be a frightening experience. We can belong to an organization without understanding the founding purpose. The goal of the church is not to do good deeds; it is to bring every individual to knowledge of atonement through Christ. Ultimately, we believe peace with God is possible only by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul continues, “Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test”. What is the test? It is a pass/ fail exam. Being in the faith simply requires that we believe in our heart, and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord; and that His blood was shed to bring us into unity with The Father. Are you in the faith?
The chapter closes with Paul describing all he is experiencing while unable to watch them in person. He would love to offer daily doses of encouragement, but that was not possible. “Now we pray… that you will not do anything wrong”. Paul does not expect perfection. He knows they represent Christ, “so that people will see”. Paul fervently prays for them from afar, “our prayer is that you may be fully restored”. He desires that they would be renewed daily, “This is why I write these things when I am absent”. All of his last-minute instruction is so “I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority”. The Lord gave Paul authority “for building you up, not for tearing you down”, because he had a mother’s love for the church. He struggled with them in their failure, and celebrated with them in victory. He closes the letter with words that he wants to see echo in their actions; “rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you”. Perhaps fearing he will not see them again, Paul offers a final instruction for every member of the church, “Greet one another with a holy kiss”. I have had this experience with brothers and sisters from all over the world because we all share these three things, “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit”. My friend, I will close with a heartfelt prayer for you. In all your striving today, “Do good!”