Pride is an insidious thing that stifles the influence of the gospel in the believer. The Lord knew that Paul’s spiritual experiences made him vulnerable to pride and so the Lord had a failsafe mechanism to keep it in check. He then concludes his letter to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 12: Paul's Visions and His Thorn
1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven---whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.
3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise---whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows---
4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.
5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses.
6 Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Concern for the Corinthian Church
11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing.
12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
13 For in what were you less favoured than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16 But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit.
17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?
18 I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved.
20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish---that perhaps there may be quarrelling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.
21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
2 Corinthians 13: Final Warnings
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them---
3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
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!
6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.
7 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong---not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.
8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.
10 For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Final Greetings
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Things to think about…
1. Do you want to know why Paul was so driven to preach the gospel? He had been to heaven, 2Cor 12:2-4. Paul had what we may call an ‘out of body experience’ or a ‘near death experience’, though he is not sure whether he was out of the body or not. The point is that he saw the abode of God. He says he heard things that cannot be told. Things too wonderful to describe no doubt. Some who have had these experiences are considered mentality unsound in our day. There are many who have had such experiences however and they all come back with a desire to tell people about the afterlife. Many want to speak about Jesus and His salvation. Regardless of our spiritual experiences, knowing Christ from the heart means we are driven to share his gospel.
2. Paul says pride was a potential problem for his walk as a result of his trip to heaven, so God afflicted him with a demon. This was a bitter reality for Paul. This says that our pride is far worse than demonic affliction. Note this affliction was oppression, not possession by a demon. Only the Holy Spirit indwells a believer. God however does use the evil of Satan as an instrument that can either keep us humble or bring us back to Christ. Paul knows this and hence he later says “among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme” 1Tim1:20. He also says Alexander the coppersmith did him much harm. We know some people claim to be Christians. Sometimes they come into the church and cause havoc. Let’s be aware and discerning. God knows the best way to shut them down is by giving them a season with Satan. Our calling is to display the grace of Christ.
3. Paul has got it straight. God’s grace is sufficient and power is perfected in weakness. This is so contrary to our day and this generation. We exalt worldly strength. Paul says no “When I am weak, then I am strong” 2Cor 12:10. This is true because all the glory goes to the Lord and not ourselves.
4. Paul gave to the Corinthians, even when they did not give to him. Though they could have and probably should have because they were a wealthy port city church. Paul says that they still needed some adjustment. He fears that when he returns to Corinth he may not find them as he wishes and vice versa, 2Cor 12:20. He fears that the church is still quite worldly 2Cor 12:20, 21. Even though the young man spoken of by Paul repented of his sexual immorality, many in the church clearly had not repented of their sexual immorality. We are called to conform to the image of Christ and not to rest in our current level or spirituality. Let’s encourage one another grow in maturity and continue to turn away from sin.
5. Paul says test those who speak out against someone else – with at least two or three witnesses, 2 Cor 13:1. He says the church must turn against immorality, vs 2. This is how accountability is maintained in the church. Gossip etc should never be tolerated, but if there is an issue, bring in others who are not emotionally biased and who can speak Christ’s wisdom into the situation. Satan is powerless when this occurs because his lies have no influence. This is what Jesus meant when he said the truth shall set you free, and you shall be free indeed. Amen.
6. Paul doesn’t want anyone to be deceived, hence he asks that people examine themselves, to see whether they are in the faith, 2Cor 13:5. The test is whether Jesus abides within. There should be fruit of your faith. Ask faithful people who love you, perhaps others in the church who you know and respect. Get wisdom and counsel on this. The chances are if you are concerned about it your heart is in the right place.
7. Paul says he and his fellow labourers in the gospel seem to have failed the test, 2Cor 13:7. He says this because there was a misunderstanding as to what the life in Christ looked like. Unfortunately, we see the same today within some sections of Christianity that want the cash without the cross, they want the riches without the repentance. Paul says “we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth”, vs 8. Amen. Gospel truth should never be supressed.
8. Look at Paul’s final comments regarding the aim of his letter, 2Cor 13:11. Is this a description of CBC? I am thankful I see much love and grace being given even through difficult times in the church. Perhaps we will know for sure when we feel comfortable with Paul’s exhortation in vs 12 to give each other a holy kiss. Bit hard for Aussie males, but there it is.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. Ric Benson will be looking at the life of Christ in the church.
Pastor Jay has started the young adult’s life group after Sunday mornings café time. Open discussion around difficult topics and defending our faith is the focus.
Prayer Points
1. Those who are considering baptism.
2. Church finances to cover all expenses.
3. Pray for of Kids@Church, Life groups and church community days.
4. The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. Praise for the peace of Jesus to reign.
5. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday afternoons. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
6. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. More visitors on Sunday, pray that they are encouraged.
2. Very encouraging members meeting yesterday. The Lord continues to bless these with joy as we seek Him and His administration over the church.
3. Continue to pray for Tad to gain strength at home. Continue to pray for Glenys as she now has a splint to gain full use in her left arm. This is very frustrating for Glenys as you can imagine. It has been many weeks and she is desiring relief. Any encouragement you can give will be greatly appreciated.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Life Groups Wednesday night at Church – 6:30pm. New Christians and Young Adults – Sunday after church.
2. Young Adults apologetics Life group after the service – 25th Feb 2024.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for March...
Q. 18. What did God give Adam and Eve besides bodies? A. He gave them souls that could never die.
