From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Fri, Jan 20, 2023 at 6:14 AM
Subject: 1-20-23 THOUGHTS
1-20-23 THOUGHTS
Much of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians had a corrective tone to it. We see some of that here. The font has been enlarged on our two “take-aways” this morning. It seems that the first is necessary to produce the second. Quality self-examination produces a completeness in the Lord. Paul entertains the possibility of some “failing the test”, but quickly dismisses it as “not an option”! We must each be certain that “Christ is in us”! Verse 11 seems to be a promise that if we live in a certain way, God will be with us! Good is good, and God is God!
2Cor 13:1-14 This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. 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. 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. 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? 6 But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test. 7 Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete. 10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down. 11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, 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.
My Prayer:
Aid us, O God, as we seek to live for the truth. Help to continually stand the test and be complete as Christ lives in us. May we be comforted and like-minded, living in peace. May love and peace adorn our lives. May the fellowship of the Holy Spirit ever be ours. Build us up we beg. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.