The child of God and his reckoning is discussed in this chapter.
Paul warns the sinning saints that when he comes, they will not be spared and calls for self examination on the part of all (verses 1-6). Paul again mentions his coming visit and declares that which shall be dealt with will be legally and conclusively proven (verse 1). As in chapter 12, here once more Paul mentions this will be his third visit to the Christians at Corinth. Paul is a careful administrator and will deal with those things which are proven to be so, and he will not be guilty of dealing with hearsay. When Biblical principles are followed, no man’s reputation is harmed by the testimony of one individual. A solemn warning to those living in sin is in verse 2. Here he addresses those who were known in the category of sin and also those who had not yet offended. He had waited long enough and now was going to use discipline to get the desired effect if possible. Here is a good point of reference, and that is that Paul did not enjoy discipline and sought to exhaust other means before using this harsh method which at times is very necessary. It might be noted that Paul’s right to administer discipline was not based on his miraculous gifts but on his ministerial office. The greatest proof of Paul’s ministry and proof of apostleship was to be found in the lives of those now who were questioning him (verse 4). If you are looking for proof of Christ speaking in me, then look within your own lives. For they had received not the weak power of God but His mighty power which had changed their whole sphere of existence. Since Paul had been the one through whom God had worked in their own lives, how could they be so foolish as to believe that he was false and they were true, that they were powerful and he weak? One cannot but be amazed at the action of some believers and wonder how they think. Associated with Christ in both weakness and power is found in verse 4. No doubt reference is made to the death of Christ upon the cross, which denoted weakness in the sense of having a weak human nature liable to death. This weakness, however, becomes our power, for we now live by the power of a living Christ. Though we as human beings are in the flesh weak, in Christ we live by the power of God. Paul declares that while with them he would show that he was alive and strong in Christ by the power of God. Paul thoroughly believed what he wrote to Timothy before he died (II Tim. 1:70). The call for self examination, which leads to confidence of calling, is found in verses 5 and 6. He says to examine, test and evaluate one’s self to see whether the faith of Christ lives within. How difficult it is to be honest with one’s self, and yet here is where real self understanding can begin. To really look at self usually leads one to look less harshly at others. What Paul is trying to get across here is that if they could prove the reality of their own faith, this would be proof of his apostleship because it was by his ministry that they had believed. Thus, if they were not reprobates, it would follow that neither was Paul. It is so easy to clear one’s self and still look down on another, but the truth of the matter is that this is dishonesty.
Paul’s prayer on behalf of the Corinthians is expressed in verses 7-9. He prays that they do no wrong and follow that which is honest (verse 7). Paul received no joy when the people of God sin. Some when they talk about the sins of other saints almost sound as if they are glad and act as if the sins of others in some way make them more godly. Paul’s desire for these believers in Christ was that they would do that which was honest. Surely the writer was interested in seeing the work of Christ adorned with good and honest behavior. This, of course, was not to vindicate his own ministry but to give a good report before those who did not know Christ. He wants them to stand for the truth which is the revelation God has made in His Word as the rule of our faith and practice (verse 8). Nothing prevails which is against the truth of God, and all of God’s people should seek to avoid that which is not in keeping with the Word of God. Also, if they conducted themselves in such a manner as not to oppose truth, then Paul would have no reason for discipline when he came. He also said that we pray for your improvement, that they will be strengthened and perfected in the sense of being put into complete order (verse 9). Their sin had resulted in their falling into a position of confusion, contention, and evil. Their restoration should result in this being all reversed with a proper walk once more being their portion. Therefore, Paul’s real desires were that they would be kept from sin and that they would grow in the grace and knowledge of our Wonderful Lord.
Paul states his reason for writing in verse 10. He desired their good, and he wrote this epistle hoping to avoid the necessity of using sharpness when he came. He took no joy in rebuking the people of God. It must be stated that he did not back down from it either. Paul’s desire was that he would be able to build them up and not tear them down. This should be the heart beat of the true servant of God, that of building up the work and people of God. Tearing down and rebuking should be done only when necessary and then with a spirit of humility and with a broken heart.
Paul’s conclusion to the epistle of Corinthians is found in verses 11-14. Paul throws out a three-fold challenge in his closing counsel (verse 11): First, be perfected in speaking with spiritual maturity; second, be comforted by being ready to encourage rather than criticize the work of our brethren; third, be united by thinking and acting like one in our service for the Lord. His final salute is in verse 12 and 13. Christians should express their mutual love in a manner sanctioned by the age and community in which they live. Emphasis is on the holy rather than on the kiss. The saints wish you salvation, which includes all good. His comprehensive benediction is the last verse, which is verse 14. He asks that they are granted the grace or favor of our Lord Jesus and the unmerited love and all that springs from it; the love of God, which is the source of redemption as viewed in the death of His son; and the communion of the Holy Sprit, which speaks of fellowship and here the consciousness of God’s presence, which keeps us from a sense of aloneness.