17 Examine Yourself: Paul’s Warning to Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:13-13:14)

Wednesday in the Word

Wednesday in the Word
17 Examine Yourself: Paul’s Warning to Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:13-13:14)
Nov 05, 2025 Season 26 Episode 17
Krisan Marotta

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In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we confront a bold question: “How do you know you’re truly in the faith?” Drawing on Paul the Apostle’s letter to the church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 12–13), we explore how genuine faith is more than appearances, more than impressive speech or credentials. It’s about the living power of Christ at work in weakness and integrity in community.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

  • Why Paul refused financial support from the Corinthians and what that taught about his motives and their spiritual health.
  • How Paul responded to accusations of deceit and weakness—not by hiding, but by pointing to God’s power in human frailty.
  • The challenge and invitation of Paul’s command to “examine yourselves” to see whether you are in the faith.
  • The difference between outward appearances (strong, impressive, successful) and the reality of Christ’s power working through brokenness.
  • How Paul’s ultimate aim was not his own reputation but the restoration, maturity and unity of the church.

After listening you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how the gospel changes the way you view strength and weakness. You’ll feel encouraged that authentic faith isn’t about putting on a show—it’s about letting Christ live through you in honesty, dependence, and love for others. You’ll be equipped to ask yourself healthy questions about your own walk with God and your community in light of what Paul lays out here.

Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity launches January 9, but you can pre-order your copy now. Just visit StartStrongBook.org for more details.

Episode Artwork 17 Examine Yourself: Paul’s Warning to Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:13-13:14) 34:34 Episode Artwork 16 Thorn in the Flesh: How to Embrace Weakness (2 Corinthians 11) 35:04 Episode Artwork 15 False Apostles: Why Were They So Convincing? (2 Corinthians 11) 39:59 Episode Artwork 14 How To Confront With the Meekness of Christ (2 Corinthians 10) 44:15 Episode Artwork 13 Cheerful Giver: How to Sow for a Lasting Harvest (2 Corinthians 8-9) 45:57 Episode Artwork 12 Why Gentiles Gave to Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9 Background) 44:47 Episode Artwork 11 Godly Grief and Worldly Sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:2-16) 38:14 Episode Artwork 10 Unequally Yoked: Understanding Paul’s Warning (2 Corinthians 6:13-7:2) 45:30 Episode Artwork 09 Receiving Grace in Vain (2 Corinthians 6:1-12) 48:39 Episode Artwork 08 New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:12-21) 37:46 Episode Artwork 07 Why We Should Not Fear Death (2 Corinthians 5:1-11) 39:19 Episode Artwork 06 Why Paul Did Not Lose Heart and What We Can Learn From Him (2 Corinthians 4) 37:36 Episode Artwork 05 Why Paul’s Ministry Outshines Moses (2 Corinthians 3:7-18) 43:41 Episode Artwork 04 What’s New About the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:1-6) 54:06 Episode Artwork 03 Why Paul Refused to Change to Win More Converts (2 Corinthians 2:5-17) 38:06 Episode Artwork 02 Why Paul Didn’t Visit Corinth and What That Means for Us (2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4) 40:06 Episode Artwork 01 Suffering, Comfort & Prayer: What Paul Teaches about Ministry (2 Corinthians 1:1-11) 48:38 Episode Artwork Founding the Church in Corinth (Acts 18) 28:22 Episode Artwork Wednesday in the Word Season 26 3:07 Episode Artwork A Biblical Perspective on Money 1:11:17 Episode Artwork 24 Why Believe? Themes from the Gospel of John’s Final Chapters 41:35 Episode Artwork 23 The Upper Room Discourse: Jesus’ Final Teaching (John 13-17) 1:01:04 Episode Artwork 22 Mary Anoints Jesus and the Triumphal Entry Explained (John 12) 44:37 Episode Artwork 21 Why Jesus Delayed Raising Lazarus (John 11) 44:24 Episode Artwork 20 Why Jesus said “I and the Father are One” (John 10:22-42) 39:26