BaptistWay Bible Series for Nov. 28: Weakness in Christ can be a mighty thing_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

BaptistWay Bible Series for Nov. 28

Weakness in Christ can be a mighty thing

2 Corinthians 12:14-13:13

By Todd Still

Truett Seminary, Waco

Prior to taking a trip, most people make preparations. They make sure responsibilities are covered, possessions secured, bags packed and reservations made.

For the last 12 weeks, we have been traveling over the textual terrain of 2 Corinthians. Along the way, we have encountered majestic, moving texts as well as multiple interpretive conundrums. As we come to the end of our exegetical journey through this epistle, we discover the Apostle Paul is planning to visit Corinth a third time (12:14; 13:1). Before doing so, however, he wants to prepare the way for his arrival by reiterating a number of his ongoing concerns with the church.

Following a spirited defense of his apostolic ministry, replete with a scathing denunciation of his opponents and a “fool's speech” (10:1-12:13), Paul informs the Corinthian assembly he now is ready to come to them again.

As he anticipates his third visit to the city, Paul wants the congregation to know that unlike the "superlative apostles," he has no intention of being a fiscal burden upon them (12:14). Paul had not received remuneration from the Corinthians in the past, and he

was "holding out his hand" in hopes of procuring future material support.

Accusations from adversaries notwithstanding, neither Paul nor Titus sought to pull the wool over the church's eyes by refusing support when present with them only to garner gain unethically by deceitfully skimming off the top of the collection when they were not looking (vv. 16-18). As their father in the faith, Paul, like a loving parent, was willing to spend on and be spent on by his children in the Lord (v. 15). He did not want their material goods; he wanted a reciprocal relational commitment from them.

Not only did Paul want the Corinthians to know that he did not minister to them with ulterior monetary motives, he also wanted the church to realize his apostolic aim both when present and by letter was to build them up (v. 19).

The apostle admits in verse 20 he is fearful that when he comes again to Corinth, neither they nor he will find the other as they would wish. Paul fears he will encounter a fellowship sullied by sin and that he will have to mourn over people who unrepentantly persist in sinful practices (vv. 20-21). The transgressions Paul enumerates in verses 20-21 are illustrative of a people who fail to take purity and community seriously.

In 13:1-5, Paul underscores his ongoing commitment to deal seriously with sin among the Corinthians. Although some of them might think he is lenient and will turn a blind eye toward spiritual disobedience, Paul warns he will bear witness against sin even as he did during his second, “painful” visit (vv. 1-2). While Paul may well be “weak” in Christ, Christ is strong in him as he deals with the Corinthians. Even as Christ, who was crucified in weakness, was raised by God's power, Paul, who is weak in Christ, is empowered by God (vv. 3-5).

Prior to his arrival in Corinth, the apostle urges the congregation to engage in self-examination. He calls the church members to test themselves so they might discover if they actually are believers (v. 5). In this process of spiritual scrutiny, Paul hopes they will realize he has not failed them. Moreover, he trusts they will commit themselves anew to doing what is right and follow his example (vv. 6-8).

To the extent his weakness in Christ results in their being spiritually strengthened, Paul rejoices. Moreover, it is his prayer the congregation will continue to make spiritual progress (v. 9). Indeed, the apostle's purpose in writing 2 Corinthians is to call the church to their spiritual senses so he might not have to play the “apostolic heavy” upon his arrival. Paul believes the Lord has granted him apostolic authority over the assembly; however, his desire is to exercise this spiritual oversight gently, not with severity (v. 10).

Having called the Corinthians to self-examination and having assured the assembly of his commitment to their spiritual well-being, the apostle concludes this letter with various admonitions and greetings (vv. 11-12). First, Paul exhorts the church to mend its ways and put things in order. If Paul's letters are any indication, there was plenty of mending and ordering needing to be done!

The apostle also enjoins the assembly to heed his appeal. Within 2 Corinthians, Paul makes multiple appeals, so it is unlikely he has any particular appeal in mind. Rather, it is likely he would have regarded the entire letter as an apostolic appeal to the church.

Additionally, Paul calls the congregation to unity and harmony. From all appearances, division plagued the fellowship. To combat this discord, the apostle admonishes them to “live in peace.” Should they alter their attitudes and behaviors, they would be the beneficiaries of the love and peace of God.

In the last lines of the letter, the apostle utters a memorable trinitarian prayer upon the Corinthians (v. 13). Specifically, Paul pronounces upon the fractured fellowship “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit.”

I regard the letter as a treasure, for I am convinced that careful reflection upon and thoughtful application of its contents enriches believers in the Lord, who, though rich, became poor so we might be rich (8:9).

Discussion question

How do you go about becoming weak so Christ can evidence his strength in your life?