2 Corinthians Chapter 13 - Examine Yourselves
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Paul starts of by stating … this is the third time I am coming to you.
We learned in Chapter 12 that Paul saw an incredible vision and revelation so awesome that he did not speak about it for 14 years. God allowed him to have a thorn in the flesh so he would not become boastful, famous and go off the righteous rails. Paul asked the Lord to remove the thorn (3) times. Just like Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane asked the Father to remove the cup from Him three times. See Mat 25:36-43. Jesus was manifested (3) times to his disciples John 21:14 and then Jesus asks Peter (3) times if He Loves Him more than these John 21:15-17
It seems God has created a pattern of (3) when he wants to make absolutely sure you don’t, I don’t, we don’t miss it…
When you pray earnestly about something. Don’t quit after the first or second try. Keep praying!
Be willing to accept God’s answer with a humble heart but look for confirmation by the testimony of two or three witnesses (believers willing to testify).
2 I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone, 3 since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, if I come again I will not spare anyone (Paul plans to let them have it spiritually speaking if they have not repented by the time he comes again). So too, when Christ comes a 2nd time, he will judge all those who have not repented… Let us make sure we are ready to meet the Lord.
You might have sinned just like the those in Achaia but you can be completely forgiven, made white as snow as if you never sinned. How you ask? Just believe on the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you shall be saved. Repent of your sins; just ask God to forgive you in Jesus name and mean it in your heart – and it’s done.
.. since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. Many people are still seeking proof of the Christ whom they have not seen. This is the mighty power of faith.
4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.
For indeed He was crucified because weakness (not Jesus’s weakness, because of the weakness of our flesh to sin; therefore, Christ offered his flesh as full payment for our sins. However, the story did not end there. Jesus rose again the 3rd day in victory over sin & death. This happened by the power of God. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead will raise us up too!
5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?
Test yourselves to see if you are the faith (Do you believe in believe in Jesus Christ?; do you believe He died on the cross to pay for your sin?; do you believe He rose again the 3rd day proving He was and IS God’s son come in the flesh, sacrificed for you and raised in power and victory?
If you believe this in your heart, you are born again and you are going to Heaven and all hell cannot stop you
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