Examine

Today, Paul concludes this letter, to the Jesus followers in Corinth, with an important plea.


2 Corinthians 12
19 Perhaps you think we’re saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you.
20 For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.
21 Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure.
2 Corinthians 13
5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.
6 As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority.
7 We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come - even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority.
8 For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.
9 We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature.


Examine. The journey of a Jesus follower begins in humility and weakness and brokenness at the point of salvation; but it isn’t intended to end there. It is meant to truly be a journey that maintains humility while working through repentance toward truth and purity and ultimately maturity. Periodically, we need to examine our lives and see where we are in our journey. Am I moving toward the person Jesus wants me to become or returning to the person I used to be?


Our offices will be closed on Monday so I will see you on Tuesday.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July.