Self-Examination and Unity in Christ's Body
Summary
### Summary
Praise the Lord, everyone. Tonight, we delved into the final chapter of 2 Corinthians, chapter 13. This chapter is significant as Paul lays out his final instructions and warnings to the Corinthians. Paul, who has been compassionate and loving throughout his letters, now speaks with a sense of urgency and authority. He emphasizes the importance of truth and the necessity of discipline within the church. Paul reminds the Corinthians that every word will be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses, underscoring the importance of accountability and truth.
Paul's message is clear: there is a need for self-examination and repentance. He urges the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith and to prove their own selves. This is a call to introspection and honesty before God. Paul warns that there will be consequences for those who continue in sin, but he also offers words of comfort and encouragement. He prays that the Corinthians do no evil and live honestly, not just appearing to be righteous but truly living in accordance with God's will.
Paul also addresses the issue of spiritual pride and the tendency to think of oneself more highly than one ought. He encourages the Corinthians to be humble and to seek God's approval rather than the approval of others. He emphasizes the importance of unity and being of one mind in the body of Christ. Paul concludes with a benediction, urging the Corinthians to be perfect, be of good comfort, and be of one mind, living in peace and the love of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Truth and Accountability: Paul emphasizes that every word will be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses, highlighting the importance of truth and accountability within the church. This serves as a reminder that our actions and words are always under scrutiny, and we must live in a way that aligns with God's truth. [02:33]
2. Self-Examination and Repentance: Paul urges the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith. This call to introspection is crucial for every believer. We must regularly assess our spiritual condition and be honest about our shortcomings, allowing God to guide us towards repentance and growth. [11:49]
3. The Consequences of Sin: Paul warns that there will be consequences for those who continue in sin. This serves as a sobering reminder that God's discipline is righteous and necessary. It is a call to live a life of holiness and obedience, knowing that God sees all and will hold us accountable. [06:24]
4. Humility and Seeking God's Approval: Paul addresses the issue of spiritual pride and encourages the Corinthians to seek God's approval rather than the approval of others. True spirituality is not about outward appearances but about a genuine relationship with God and living according to His will. [21:45]
5. Unity and Peace in the Body of Christ: Paul concludes with a call for unity and peace within the church. Being of one mind and living in harmony is essential for the health and growth of the body of Christ. This unity is achieved through humility, love, and a shared commitment to God's purposes. [32:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:19] - Opening Prayer
[02:33] - Importance of Final Instructions
[03:36] - Paul's Missionary Journeys
[04:30] - Word of Warning
[06:24] - Consequences of Sin
[07:27] - Authority in the Church
[08:21] - God's Chastisement
[09:24] - Examining Ourselves
[11:49] - Self-Examination and Faith
[13:34] - Sanctification Process
[15:51] - Christian Conduct
[18:14] - Proving Ourselves
[20:42] - Words of Prayer
[24:18] - Words of Comfort
[28:13] - Honesty Restores the Soul
[32:38] - Benediction and Unity
[34:31] - Announcements and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 13:1-11
2. Matthew 18:15-16
3. Galatians 6:1-5
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established"? How does this principle apply to the church today? ([02:33])
2. According to Paul, what are the consequences for those who continue in sin? How does he convey the seriousness of this warning? ([06:24])
3. What does Paul urge the Corinthians to do in 2 Corinthians 13:5? How does this relate to the concept of self-examination and repentance? ([11:49])
4. How does Paul address the issue of spiritual pride in his final instructions to the Corinthians? ([21:45])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of truth and accountability within the church? How does this principle help maintain the integrity of the church community? ([02:33])
2. What does self-examination and repentance look like in a practical sense for a believer? How can one regularly assess their spiritual condition? ([11:49])
3. How does Paul’s warning about the consequences of sin serve as a call to holiness and obedience? What does this reveal about God's nature? ([06:24])
4. In what ways can spiritual pride hinder a believer's relationship with God and others? How can humility foster unity within the church? ([21:45])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to hold yourself accountable for your actions. How did you ensure that you were living in alignment with God's truth? ([02:33])
2. What steps can you take this week to engage in self-examination and repentance? Is there a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to change? ([11:49])
3. How do you respond to God's discipline in your life? Can you think of a recent situation where you experienced God's correction? How did it impact your spiritual growth? ([06:24])
4. Identify a moment when you struggled with spiritual pride. How did it affect your relationships with others and your walk with God? What can you do to cultivate humility in your daily life? ([21:45])
5. How can you contribute to the unity and peace within your church community? Are there specific actions you can take to promote harmony and understanding among fellow believers? ([32:38])
6. Think of a person in your life who may need encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them this week to show God's love and comfort? ([24:18])
7. Reflect on the benediction Paul gives in 2 Corinthians 13:11. How can you strive to be of good comfort, be of one mind, and live in peace in your interactions with others this week? ([32:38])
Devotional
Day 1: The Necessity of Truth and Accountability
Paul emphasizes the importance of truth and accountability within the church, reminding the Corinthians that every word will be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. This principle underscores the need for integrity and honesty in our actions and words. Living in alignment with God's truth means that we are always under scrutiny, not just by others but by God Himself. Accountability is not just about being answerable to others but also about being true to oneself and to God. This call to truth and accountability is a reminder that our lives should reflect the values and principles of our faith. [02:33]
Deuteronomy 19:15 (ESV): "A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established."
Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you were tempted to bend the truth. How can you commit to being more truthful and accountable in your daily interactions?
Day 2: The Call to Self-Examination and Repentance
Paul urges the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith. This call to introspection is crucial for every believer. Regular self-examination allows us to assess our spiritual condition honestly and recognize areas where we fall short. It is an opportunity to repent and seek God's guidance for growth. Self-examination is not about self-condemnation but about being honest with ourselves and with God. It is a practice that helps us stay aligned with God's will and grow in our faith. [11:49]
Lamentations 3:40 (ESV): "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!"
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your spiritual journey. What areas of your life need repentance and realignment with God's will?
Day 3: Understanding the Consequences of Sin
Paul warns that there will be consequences for those who continue in sin. This serves as a sobering reminder that God's discipline is righteous and necessary. Sin has consequences, not just in the afterlife but in our daily lives. It affects our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. Understanding the consequences of sin helps us to live a life of holiness and obedience. It is a call to take sin seriously and to strive for a life that reflects God's holiness. [06:24]
Hebrews 12:6 (ESV): "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did it affect your relationship with God and others, and what steps can you take to avoid repeating the same mistakes?
Day 4: Embracing Humility and Seeking God's Approval
Paul addresses the issue of spiritual pride and encourages the Corinthians to seek God's approval rather than the approval of others. True spirituality is not about outward appearances but about a genuine relationship with God. Humility is essential in our walk with God. It means recognizing our dependence on Him and seeking His approval above all else. Spiritual pride can lead us away from God, while humility draws us closer to Him. Embracing humility helps us to live authentically and in accordance with God's will. [21:45]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle with pride. How can you practice humility and seek God's approval in that area today?
Day 5: Fostering Unity and Peace in the Body of Christ
Paul concludes with a call for unity and peace within the church. Being of one mind and living in harmony is essential for the health and growth of the body of Christ. Unity is achieved through humility, love, and a shared commitment to God's purposes. It means putting aside our differences and working together for the common good. Unity and peace are not just ideals but practical necessities for a thriving church community. They reflect the love and grace of God and are a testament to the world of His transformative power. [32:38]
Ephesians 4:3 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Think about a relationship within your church community that needs healing. What steps can you take to foster unity and peace in that relationship?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sometimes I find that many times Christians feel that because we're not in the olden or the beginning time of the church, that there's really no authority in the church. We can live any way that we want to live. And I want to share with you that that is not true. Paul was sharing with them the authority that he had in God and that that authority was going to come to all those who had committed sin." [06:24] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We want to share people there. There's a word of warning. And that is somebody is watching your life. There is an all seeing eye. Now, we are very loving. We're compassionate. And many sometimes, you know, I don't preach anything until I feel led by the Holy Ghost to say something. I try to get people to think for themselves, to read God's word." [07:27] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If somebody is not changing, they're not praying. They're not spending time with God. I don't call people out when they go through something, when they first get saved, because I realize people are just new and we enjoy people coming out to church. But over a period of time, if things aren't changing and you're not looking at yourself, then we begin to ask yourself, hey, have you prayed about this?" [14:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe with the life of Christianity, it's a life of sacrifice, a life of labor for God. It's an exciting life, and I love serving God, but it takes work. You've got to work at your salvation. You've got to work at being active for God. And there's been so many times in the work of God, I've had to really give myself to God. I get tired. They might get tired sometimes in the work of God. You get tired." [18:14] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's not how loud you shout in church. I even know some people constantly dance. No problem with Christians dancing. I like to dance with God myself. But it's not your shout. It's not your dance. It's, is God approving of your life? And so this is what Paul here is saying. He's giving them words of prayer by saying this. He said, I pray to God that you do no evil, that not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates." [23:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Examine yourselves. Whether you be in the faith. Prove your own selves. Know you're not your own selves. How that Jesus Christ is in you. Except ye be reprobate. So now we see Paul begins to move into a word of exhortation. We start out with a word of warning. And then Paul begins to go into a word of exhortation. This is a biblical challenge for many people." [11:49] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christianity is constantly growing. We believe in sanctification. Sanctification is that instant, it's that instantaneous when you get saved. Now salvation is instantaneous. As soon as you say, God come into my life, take away my sin, God can save your soul. But that process of sanctification begins and it happens as we continue to pray, we look to God, we allow God to speak to us, and we keep going. And we begin to change." [13:34] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes people get phony in church. Sometimes people want to act up, and they're not real. I find when you just say, God, help me to do right. Paul here says, do no evil. Nothing inconsistent with the character or the teaching of Jesus Christ. We want to do right by God. They should have a possession of those that want to do right." [24:18] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we look at verse nine, we can see here that sometimes people think of themselves more highly than they should. But really, then when you become honest, it restores your soul. Because honestly, when we begin to be honest with ourselves and find ourselves in God's will, there's so much power. There's so much ability. It comes from us when we just find ourselves in God's will." [28:13] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you sit back, or even when we get to glory, I believe there's going to be people there because why? We stayed at it each and every day. And that's one of the blessings. That's why Paul says, prove yourself. Are you in Christ Jesus? Now, there also, Paul wanted to give them some words of prayer. Let's look at those words of prayer." [19:26] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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