2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13

The Temple at Corinth

Themes in 2 Corinthians: * Church discipline

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Satan’s “devices” Rejoice even in suffering Be “separate” Be an Ambassador Giving Defense of his ministry

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name…

…and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

1. Paul promises to come with discipline if necessary.

This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time,

and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare; since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.

For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.

Four statements: b. third time I am coming to you c...two or three witnesses d. I will not spare… d. Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me

2. A plea for self examination.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?; unless indeed you are disqualified….Therefore, I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness.

Three statements: c. Examine yourselves … b. …disqualified c. …I should use sharpness

3. Conclusion to the letter.

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Five statements: a. Farewell b. Become complete c. Be of good comfort d. Be of one mind e. Live in peace