2 Corinthians 13:3-10
verse 7: Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.
Doing the right thing is not about being recognized by others. Christians can always do better at living their lives as an example to others, but we do not live these lives to be seen or recognized by man. We live these lives for God. By man’s yardstick, we may not measure up. But God sees our hearts. I still compare myself to others from time to time. Nothing of value comes from this. God sometimes points out things to me, through others. This is valuable, and it is through prayer and listening to God that I will see the difference.
Holy Lord, help me to be the best I can be. Although I can and do learn from other followers, you alone show me the way. Your way is never wrong. Amen
Becky, transforming
In today’s reading, Paul is giving a warning to the citizens : repent from their sinful ways before he comes to visit. He tells them for those who remain unrepentant, the price will be steep. Paul is urging them to pray and look into their souls, examine their hearts to see if Christ truly dwells there. Paul fully understands that he has God-given power to represent Christ, but he hopes that he will not have to do so in a severe , strongly-worded way when he arrives to visit them.
Let us pray please : Holy and Eternal God , what Paul says to the Corinthians are words that all of us today need not only to listen to, but…
2 Corinthians 13:3-10
(5) Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! These verses were Paul’ final warning to the Corinthians to closely examine and test themselves to see if they were truly believers . This reminds me when we go to get physical checkups to make sure our bodies are healthy. The same is true about our faith, we can do the same checkup to test our Christian walk. I should be looking for Christ presence and power in my own live. Am I really a Christian, or just talking the talk and not walking the walk. In…
2 Corinthians 13: 3-10
5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course, you fail the test?
Is Jesus in me? This is something I ponder every day. I sometimes fail the test. Do I have the best relationship with God that I can have? I guess that would be evident in my attitude towards others and my actions. I know I have faith and trust in God. I know I love God, but I sometimes fail in loving others. I will need to listen to God’s word, the Bible, and follow that teaching. I am a work in progress and this verse makes…
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test?
When I examine myself I am never sure if I am “in the faith.” I’m not sure how I should be testing myself. Should I be looking at my actions or my thoughts or what I say, or is it all three? If I look at all three, then I fail. I do not feel like a failure though because I believe God will forgive and help me to keep trying.
Dear Lord, thank you. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:4a - “For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God.”
There are many paradoxes in the Bible and this may be the most profound. After enduring a humiliating public execution, Jesus conquered death and sin in the Resurrection. More than a miracle, this was a reset of human history, the opening of the portal to eternal life, the way for us to live by the power of God. Despite my own many weaknesses and failures, that power courses through my veins as well. Victory has been assured.
Prayer - O Lord my God, I think Your Son not sparing, sent here to die, I scarce can take it in. While I cannot fathom…