Confronting Rebellion: A Powerful Lesson from 2 Corinthians 13

Line by Line - with Pastor Josh Hawkins

In this powerful passage from 2 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul delivers a stern warning to the church in Corinth. He is coming to them for the third time, and he makes it clear that he will not spare those who have continued in their sin and rebellion against his apostolic authority123.Paul reminds the Corinthians that every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses1. He had already warned them the second time he visited, and now he repeats that warning while absent - if he returns, he will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others2.The Corinthians were demanding proof that Christ was speaking through Paul, but Paul assures them that Christ is not weak in dealing with them, but is powerful among them3. Though Christ was crucified in weakness, he now lives by God's power, and likewise, Paul and his companions are weak in Christ, yet they will live with him in dealing with the Corinthians through God's power.Paul exhorts the Corinthians to examine themselves, to test whether they are truly in the faith, for Christ Jesus is in them - unless they fail the test. Paul trusts that they will discover that he and his companions have not failed the test. His prayer is that the Corinthians will do what is right, even if it appears that Paul and his team have failed.Paul expresses his gladness whenever the Corinthians are strong, and his prayer is that they may be fully restored. He writes these things while absent, so that when he comes, he may not have to be harsh in his use of authority, which the Lord gave him for building up, not tearing down.Finally, Paul encourages the Corinthians to rejoice, strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, and live in peace, for the God of love and peace will be with them. He concludes with greetings and a benediction, praying that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit would be with them all.This passage is a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting rebellion and sin within the church, while also emphasizing the need for restoration, unity, and the power of God's love and grace.