Read 2 Cor. 13:1-4 – Paul Would Be Severe If Needed
1. Verse 1b quotes Deuteronomy 19:15. What is Paul telling the Corinthians?
2. Paul was not hasty in using severity. He had visited and written, he had reasoned and pleaded, he had shown humility and great care. But if they didn’t repent, his next visit would be different. He would not spare them, but would confront them if necessary. According to these verses, what did the Corinthians think about Paul’s gentle and Christlike ways?
3. According to verse 3, what did the Corinthians seek?
4. (vs 4) How did Jesus display weakness? How was the power of God displayed?
5. The words weak and weakness in verses 3 and 4 have a different meaning than the way it is typically used. Consider these verses: Eph. 6:10, 2 Tim. 2:1, 1 Cor 16:13. How can we be both weak and strong?
Read 2 Cor. 13:5-10 – Self Examination
1. There are those who are truly saved yet lack assurance of salvation, and there are those who assume or presume they are saved, but who are not. That is not something that we can or should judge in others, but we can and should examine in ourselves. In 1 John, the apostle John emphasizes that we can absolutely know, or be assured, that we are saved. What does he say in 1 Jn 5:13, 1 Jn 2:3, 1 Jn 3:24, 1 Jn 4:13. Through what means can we be assured?
2. What are we looking for when we examine ourselves? We are looking for evidence that Christ is in us, that we are living life according to the gospel that we profess. What might this evidence look like in a new believer? A more mature believer?
3. According to verse 7, what is the honorable thing to do?
4. (vs 7) How might Paul “seem to be disqualified” to the Corinthians?
5. Truth is up for debate these days, and yet God’s truths are eternal. Explain verse 8.
6. (vs 9) The Greek word for “complete” was used to describe the setting of bones and the reconciling of alienated friends. (NKJV Study Bible) In praying for the Corinthians to be made complete, what was Paul asking?
7. (10) Again Paul explains his intentions in writing this letter. What were his intentions?
Read 2 Cor. 13:11-14 – Concluding Exhortation
1. “Farewell” means “rejoice” and speaks of the joy we experience as we walk in a right relationship with the Lord. This summarizes Paul’s desire for the church. Paul continues with an exhortation on how to live this way. Describe these exhortations:
a. Become complete –
b. Be of good comfort –
c. Be of one mind –
d. Live in peace –
2. How does God reward this kind of living? (vs 11b) We know that God is everywhere, and that as Christians He is dwelling within us. So what does this reward actually mean?
3. Greeting one another with a holy kiss in ancient culture is the equivalent as our modern day handshake or a hug and warm greeting. An interesting side note, according to Guzik: It was commonly practiced as a warm greeting in the early church but was rarely done on Good Friday, in remembrance of Judas’ kiss that betrayed Jesus.
4. In the final verse of this letter, we have a wonderfully clear picture of our triune God. It was Paul’s desire that the church would be completely blessed by everything that is encompassed in God.
a. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ – How are we blessed by the grace of Jesus?
b. The love of God – Describe the blessing of the love of God.
c. The communion of the Holy Spirit – How are we in communion with the Holy Spirit?
Reflection Of Our Study In 2 Corinthians
1. What are a few truths or teachings from our study that you hope to apply daily to your life? What has impacted you the most?
2. Were there ways that you saw yourself in the actions or attitudes of the Corinthians? What steps will you take to become more like Jesus?
3. God has shared His truth with you through His word! Write a thank you note to the Lord.