Sunday Morning Service

II Corinthians 13

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“A Warning And A Blessing” • 5.19.13 • Calvary Christian Fellowship, Sunday Morning Service

Intro.

- It's not hard to imagine each of us remembering Corinth for it's carnality and confusion. At the same time, we need to understand that not all of the church was corrupt.

- There was a vocal part of the church that had taken the side of some superstar Apostles over the Apostle Paul and this divisive fissure was threatening to expand to the whole!

- The stakes were high, as widespread acceptance of these False Apostles meant a wholesale defection from a simple relationship with God through Christ, to a legal responsibility to God.

- The Apostle has done his best to reason with the Corinthians and now finishes his words to them in the final chapter. We'll complete our examination of II Corinthians with two final sections.

I. Paul's Warning (v.1-10)

II. Paul's Blessing (v.11-14)

Text

I. Paul's Warning (v.1-10)

• II Corinthians 13:1-3 : "This will be the third time I am coming to you. 'By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.' I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare—since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you." : Paul's third visit to Corinth will be the final piece of evidence necessary for a judgment regarding their fitness as a church.

- Paul's first visit lasted a year and a half, during which time he was instrumental in establishing the church. The second time was a shorter than expected visit with them.

- This third visit will be the clincher. He had written to them and addressed their concerns, as well as the issues of sin that plagued them. There was nothing left to say.

- That's the meaning of the quotation found here in verse 1. They wanted law? Paul could meet with them on those grounds, though that would not really benefit them.

- He quotes Deuteronomy 19:15 a text pertaining to civil matters that would come before the elders.  Nobody was to be convicted by the mouth of just one or two witnesses.

- The law required three for legality, for a matter to be fixed firm in the sight of God.

- The reality of the situation was that the burden of proof was now squarely upon them. It was not Paul that was on trial. It was the Corinthians that were on the hot seat!

- Paul didn't need proof of his Apostolic authority! They needed proof of their Christianity!

- The Apostle will have seen the story from three distinct time periods and be able to firmly fix a godly judgment on the matter.

- Paul is calling them to take his repeated word seriously. He was not going to spare those who refused to repent!

- The word for "not sparing" refers to not withholding, venting the full recompense toward another. The NEB says he'll "show no leniency!" Paul is coming with both barrels.

- They wanted a proof that he was an Apostle, sent by Christ himself? He could furnish them with it and would if he had to! They would see it in his ability to follow through on his words.

- Really, Paul himself was weak. But it was Christ speaking toward them that would provide the punch! He was mighty in them and would correct His church when Paul came.

- Paul is saying that the Spirit that was indwelling them would testify to the Spirit that would speak through the Apostle Paul. They would be united in truth.

• II Corinthians 13:4 : "For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you." : The Apostle Paul had precedent to point to. He seemed quite weak to them, but not everything is as it seems.

- Jesus, the Lord, had been crucified in His weakest moment. His body had been wrecked by an all night pounding, then He was scourged, then He was crucified.

- If the Corinthians had judged Jesus based on those moments, as they had judged Paul, they might not have been Christians at all! But they, and neither do we, regard Jesus according to flesh!

- We don't relate to Him based on His human form. We relate to a resurrected Christ!

- He is the One who ever lives out from the power of God! In the same way, the Apostles were weak, but would live with Him by God's power toward the Corinthians.

- Paul is saying that they would be united together in bringing about judgment in the house of God. The Apostles were not acting alone and the power of their calling would be at their disposal.

• II Corinthians 13:5,6 : "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified." : Paul commands the Corinthians to put themselves on trial. Look at yourself objectively, in light of God's Word and gather whether or not you are in the faith.

- The Corinthians had done what is easiest to do: Criticize and analyze another. They had become "experts" in ministry, but had failed to even notice their own failings.

- Paul tells them: Enough with looking at the Apostles. Apply your critical eye in your direction! Turn the attention back toward yourself! Ask yourself this: Are you in "the faith?"

- "The faith" refers toward the body of beliefs that all Christians believe and hold to. It centers in Jesus Christ being the Lord of your life!

- Do you trust entirely in the Jesus Christ of the Bible, the One who has always been God, who took on humanity and died in your place?

- Has that trust led you to lovingly obey His Word in public and in private, never arriving at sinless perfection, but certainly not living in sinful predicaments?

- Is there evidence of a hunger for His Word, a desire to serve Him with your life and a diligence to keep any and all deterrants at bay?

- For those who seek a thorough self-examination, I'd point you to the first epistle of John, where the Apostle John offers several tests of Christian authenticity.

- I would strongly recommend that you take some time to read that epistle and look for key phrases like "If we say" and "by this we know" and "this is." It's a book of definition.

- The Corinthians were to test themselves in these things, referring to the type of scrutiny that is applied to gems revealing their authenticity as rare and precious or false.

- "Don't you recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?" What a probing question indeed!

- This was true, unless upon observation, they were, disqualified, unapproved, or as the KJV renders it, "reprobates." What a scary thing to consider!

- Imagine that upon evaluation, you discovered that what you thought was genuine was actually a counterfeit! What a blow to the psyche!

- Yet, there are many who play this game. They come to church, they imitate what they see, but there is no reality. The leave the church and go back out living and talking the same way.

- They involve themselves in things that they should be struggling against, only to return the next week with no change and or desire for it!

- I urge you who are here: Don't be a fool. You might be fooling me and everyone else. You will never fool Him! There is nothing to gain by your game with God! He is Lord of all or not Lord at all!

- What the Corinthians would find about the Apostles was that they were not unapproved. They were genuine, authentic workers.

• II Corinthians 13:7,8 : "Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth." The Corinthians should seek to be authentic believers in Christ, ever conforming to His image, not for the reputation of the Apostles, but for the sake of the truth.

- Their activities did not reflect upon the authority or the authenticity of the Apostles. The world may have believed the Apostles to be inauthentic, but that didn't make that the case.

- To the world, the Apostles seemed to be disqualified, inauthentic, because the world was, even then, being sold a false bill of goods!

- Even then, the world was being taught that Christianity was a source of gain and that God approved of those with reputation and appearance. Nothing could be further from the truth!

- Paul prayed repeatedly that they would do nothing according to a base nature. This was part of the test for authenticity. Are you doing evil? Can something evil be found with you?

- On the flip side of that, an authentic believer will seek to do what is honorable. The word refers to that which is beautiful and noble.

- Here is a standard to hold before you: Are you looking to live in the beauty of a walk with Christ that leads to beautiful things or is there evil to be found?

- Nobody can dispute the truth about us! These tests find us out and expose us for what we are! The truth will be served and the Apostles would stand on the side of the truth about them.

• II Corinthians 13:9,10 : "For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction." : The Corinthians believed that the Apostles were weak and that they were strong, but the opposite was true, though if it was true, then Paul would have rejoiced.

- It was just a few verses ago that Paul held out the philosophy that he would spend and be spent for their souls. If he were weak and they were strong, his goal would have been met!

- But this was not the case. Paul still held out hope and prayed that they would be made complete, to come to maturity.

- That's why he wrote the way that he did. He did not want to be harsh or severe with them when they were together. Who wants that? Isn't it better to be on the same page?

- The Apostle wrote in the hope that they would hear his words, sincerely look at themselves, repent of known sin and report a healthy change.

- That way, when Paul did come, his authority would not tear them down but would further build them up!

- Even here, at this final part of this long section of warning, Paul holds out the olive branch, letting them know that he would still rather see them built up in Christ! That was still possible!

- They are not resigned to continue with their foolishness. They could repent and walk back.

- In Numbers 16, a leading man named Korah gathered a group of people to rebel against the leadership of Moses. The chapter begins with Korah, Dathan, Abiram and On leading the charge.

- Moses lays out his case and warns the people of the impending doom that would befall the rebelling faction. When the morning comes, Moses tells them to clear away from Korah's tent.

- Conspicuous by his absence was On the son of Peleth. Somehow, he didn't make it to Korah's tent that morning, which was swallowed by a large sinkhole!

- While we don't read of anything more regarding On, the text seems to indicate that he was "OFF" somewhere else that morning, perhaps repenting of his rebellion!

- Paul is hoping for a similar response from the Corinthians here.

II. Paul's Blessing (v.11-14)

• II Corinthians 13:11 : "Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." : Paul's closing comments contain four commands given to the Corinthians as a whole. The first of which was to become complete. Be perfected. It's one word in the original.

- The word speaks of being thoroughly sound and fit for the intended use. Be what you are supposed to be in Christ!

- But wait Paul!? Didn't you just say that this was what you were praying for them? Now, just a few sentences later you are commanding them to be completed?

- On the one hand, Christian leaders, authority figures, those who disciple, can pray all day long for you and for me, that we would grab ahold of the life that God intends for us.

- There comes a time though when you and I must cooperate by actually engaging ourselves in the process. We must do what it takes for those prayers to be effective!

- Remember that these are commands, meaning that the Corinthians held a volitional response. They must yearn to be perfected, to be fit for God's use, by practicing our faith.

- Are you following that Word from the Lord or are there distractions and divided loyalties keeping you from that state? An honest answer will be a good start.

- Second, Paul commands them to be of good comfort. The sense seems to be that they were to be refreshed in what they knew. "Let God refresh you in who He is!"

- For those who had not fallen prey to the false teachers, this was a good word. Keep a fresh perspective on who God is and who you are in relation to Him!

- Keep reading your Bibles. Keep examining the text without prejudice, without imposing your 20th century viewpoints upon His ancient actions.

- As you focus on Him, you can't help but be refreshed! When your focus is on you or on others, you can't help but be confused and sometimes, depressed!

- For those who had embraced the false teachers, this is equally an invitation back to where their relationship with God could be mended, a fresh view into the nature of God.

- Third, Paul commands them to be of one mind. Have the same opinion. Be unified in your thinking together. Cherish the same views.

- A church divided in mind is a church that will not stand together in any way!

- If I do not decide to love, to look out for another's interest and seek to properly obey God's command, I can be assured that there'll be trouble in the church.

- Fourth, Paul commands them to live in peace. Cultivate an environment that makes for peaceful living together.

- This will not mean that there will not be disagreements. There will be disagreements that we will must love each other in spite of.

- This does not mean that there will not be difficulty due to personality. There will be, but we must overcome in Christ's love!

- What he means is that the main thing, our love for God and our desire to see Him honored and known in our generation, centers our peaceful lives together.

- Threats to that position within us personally, must be subject to that spiritual ideal.

- When these commands are heeded, the God of love and peace will be with you. God will dwell where these things are the goal of the whole!

• II Corinthians 13:12-14 : "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen." : Paul ends this letter with a call to Christian love and fellowship. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

- We saw this in Romans and in I Corinthians. It refers to a kiss on the cheek, an expression of warmth in the ancient world, akin to a hug today.

- Wherever Paul went, the saints, those that loved God and were a part of His Kingdom sought to greet them. This was a loving salute, a reminder to the Corinthians that they were not alone.

- The church in any region or city is just a local branch of the body of Christ.

- While logistically, it would be impossible to gather all believers together under one roof, that doesn't mean our hearts should not long for that!

- What are Paul's very last words to the Corinthians? Given the climate of self centeredness among some, a falling to false teachers among others, you'd imagine a final rebuke!

- Paul though leaves them with a reminder of the triune God. The One in whose grace they stood! The grace, the unmerited favor of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let that be with you.

- The love, the endless powerful love of God the Father, be yours. And the communion, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be all yours! Let it be so!

- What a healing salve that the Corinthians needed! They needed the grace of Jesus, that moved first toward them when they were yet sinners. They needed to extend that grace to each other.

- They needed the love of God, powerful enough to transcend time and space and to work out from them toward each other.

- Human love will not affect heavenly change! But heaven's love!? That's another story.

- They needed the warmth of the fellowship of God's Spirit, to remind them that their divisions were blocking that environment. Remember what it was like when things were right?

- The Holy Spirit wanted again to make them brothers and sisters, family in the sight of God!

Conclusion
- Paul has warned them. He will use his authority and speak clearly when he comes. In the meantime, they needed to examine themselves, to prove their genuine conversion to Christ.

- In our case, Paul is not coming. It's Jesus whose coming! Like the Corinthians, we'd be wise to consider ourselves, to see whether we are in the faith!

- Paul wanted it to be a joy when he came. Jesus wants the same thing for us!

- Paul concluded with a blessing for those who were wanting to walk correctly. Become mature. Keep your eyes on God. Be agreeable with each other. Live peacefully together.

  - Then God will be in your midst. You'll experience His grace, love and fellowship. Isn't that what you want? I pray it would ever be so in our church!

Sunday Morning Service

II Corinthians 11:22-II Corinthians 12

Audio Access Available Above

“The Real Deal” • 5.12.13 • Calvary Christian Fellowship, Sunday Morning Service

Intro.

- Paul's great concern for the Corinthians was that they had begun to walk away from the simplicity that is in Christ. He has given us a portrait of what the false teachers were selling them.

- They preached another Jesus, presented another spirit and proclaimed a different gospel leading to an environment that bled them dry in an endless cycle of spiritual abuse.

- Paul asks them with all incredulity, "You put up with this!?" This was why Paul has passionately tried to bring them back to where they began. Their history with God began with Paul.

- Today, Paul provides us with a portrait of what a real minister should look like and challenges us with the type of love that had for God and the Corinthians. 

Text

• II Corinthians 11:22 : "Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I." : The false teachers claimed cultural, national and religious authority. Paul was equal to them on each of these accounts.

• II Corinthians 11:23 : "Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often." : They are servants of Christ you say! I say, I am more of a servant! Paul said this regrettably, having been coerced into this conversation.

- He was more eminently qualified, but not because of his appearance or speaking ability. He was involved in hard labor for the gospel. His body bore the scars of the wounds that he received.

- There were stripes or woundings above measure, or without number. It's as if Paul is saying, "I stopped counting!" Because of Christ, he frequented prisons and was close to death often!

• II Corinthians 11:24,25 : "From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;" : 195. That's how many whippings that Paul received for preaching the gospel to the Jews!

- In addition, another three times Paul was beaten with rods, caned by the Gentiles.

- One time in Lystra he was stoned! We get to read through one shipwreck in the book of Acts, but there were two others that we have no info about. No wonder Paul was so vocal in Acts 27!

• II Corinthians 11:26-29 : "in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?" : The NIV translates verse 26, saying, "I have been constantly on the move!" It never not let up for the Apostle.

- Dangers surrounded him wherever he went! Danger in the water, literally in rivers or streams, which were remote and unsafe areas. While on land, danger from the unsafe roads and byways.

- In Israel, danger from his countrymen and out of Israel, from the Gentiles!

- When he was in a given city, as well as in the wilderness, there was danger. The sea was as treacherous to him as the false brethren he had to face.

- When he was beaten, he never took the time to recover and this made the work that he did even more painful and difficult.

- There were sleepless nights due both to hunger and thirst. Some times, he'd be fasting, knowing that that was required if spiritual victory was to be had.

- He suffered from the elements and was poorly clothed, not physically naked. The issue is that there were times when he was caught in weather that he was ill-prepared for.

- Besides all that, there were the mental gymnastics that he had to deal with daily, all of which focused on the churches that stemmed from his abiding concern, speaking of divided attention.

- Whenever he heard of someone in weakness, he entered into their weakness. Whenever any person was offended, scandalized, tripped up by another, he became very angry.

- Paul got angry when he saw believers treated in such a demeaning way. Even when he was far away from them physically, they were always on his heart.

• II Corinthians 11:30-33 : "If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands." : If you really wanted to hear Paul brag about something, he would choose the topic of his illness. God was His witness and saw his plight in Damascus.

- Paul had been blinded there and was recovering. He preached Jesus and found an immediately hostile response.

- The Christians at Damascus let him down off of the wall with a large basket and Paul escaped. What is the meaning of this story? Paul intends them to know the difference.

- This was what authentic Apostles had to deal with. He had to escape as though a criminal. Had any of the false prophets sought anything but everyone's honor?

• II Corinthians 12:1-4 : "It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." : "This will get me nowhere," Paul says, "but since we're already on this track let's talk visions and revelations!" A vision is a sight given by God to a person.

- A revelation is something that has been clearly unveiled, made known. These were sights and clarity that pertained to the Lord and life in Him, extending to life beyond this earth!

- Paul tells a story that is purposely ambiguous. He knows somebody who had an experience with the third heaven! The first two refer to the sky and space. Then, the third heaven is God's place!

- Paul could not say for certain what had happened. He is not sure if he was there physically or in his mind, but he was there!

- Paul had been caught up, the same word for "raptured" in latin, into "Paradise." When he was there, he heard inexpressible words, referring to their sacred nature.

- It would be a crime to tell you, meaning that any words he would use would fall short!

  - Notice by the way, that this is the first time that Paul mentions this. It's been 14 years and he's kept it a secret. What do you think the false teachers would have done with this experience?

• II Corinthians 12:5,6 : "Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me." : Of such a one I will boast. Who? The one who caught him up, who revealed these things to him, who allowed him to hear these things.

- What was Paul going to boast of? He could not have brought himself into God's realm that God controls! Paul realized something about himself.

- He might want to boast but would not because it would take away from his message!

• II Corinthians 12:6 (NLT) : "I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message."

- Here again is a fundamental difference between the true Apostle and the false Apostles. Paul did not want to draw attention to himself. The message was what was important!

- Some would say that what they need is signs, wonders, experiences. Not Paul!

• II Corinthians 12:7 : "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." : Paul might get a big head!

- He might be tempted to think more of himself than he should because of these experiences.

- Because he had been given these, he was also give a thorn, a sharp stake, in the flesh of in his body likely referring to a prolonged illness of some sort.

- Wait God! He's your servant and a servant who is excellent. DId Paul complain about it? No.

- This was how he interpreted it: It was given to him as one is given a gift! The false teachers and some of the Corinthians likely thought it was a curse, or maybe even a lack of faith!

- It was physical in nature, the word "flesh" speaking of our body, but it used by Satan in a spiritual way. It's presence was employed by Satan to buffet Paul.

- God allowed this suffering in Paul's life for a redemptive end, to prevent pride. Paul knew that with every ounce of suffering, a pound of godly character was gained!

- At the same time Satan took the opportunity to lie to the Apostle about it.

- "It's because you've done something bad and God is punishing you." Or, "Maybe it's true what every one seems to be saying and God doesn't really love you that much after all?"

- He just kept on buffeting, the word is also translated "harass" and "torment."

- Satan used this thorn to beat the Apostle up mentally and mercilessly. I mention this because Satan cannot touch you without God's hands allowing him to do so!

- This was a sovereign act of God, surgically chosing trials that are meant to bring good. Paul saw it as a measure that preotected him from pride, making him more dependant upon the Lord.

• II Corinthians 12:8-10 : "Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." : Did that mean that Paul just accepted this thorn without asking for divine assistance? No way!

- Concerning this thing, this situation, Paul, the Apostle, plead repeatedly with the Lord that it would depart from him. Paul was not a masochist! He did not enjoy suffering!

- Yet, Paul with his words, could not change his situation any more than any of us! There is a divine time table for suffering that only God knows!

- Paul prayed three times. Most view this as a euphemistic way of saying "continuously." I prayed that it'd be taken from me over and over again.

- Notice that "He said" to Paul. God hears your prayers and He will speak to you as He did Paul! The Lord's sheep hear His voice and Paul got an answer.

- God always answers prayers and in the same categories each time: Yes, no or wait! In this case, God's answer was no. He would not heal or remove that which buffeted Paul.

- Paul's prayers, good service, great love for the Lord, did not move God's heart to answer!

- But if that is the case, understand that He will allow more of His grace to make up for what you lack! He said, "My grace is sufficient for you." His favor is unfailing in it's potency for you!

- It's enough for you, for His strength is made perfect, complete, made full in weakness! The more pressure is applied, the sweeter the flow of grace strength comes to you!

- That's why Paul would boast in his illnesses! God's power rested, fixed a tent, upon Paul!

- This was why Paul took pleasure or was content in these things as he was determined to see it as useful in Christ! Paul was content in infirmities, illnesses.

- He was content when he was insulted, the word coming from the word "hubris." People insulted Paul because they saw themselves as greater than the Apostle..

- Paul was content when he had need due to circumstances. He was content during times of persecution and narrowness for the sake of the faith.

- Why? Because when Paul was weakest, God in Paul was the strongest! Doesn't that make sense? Where do you get the strength to carry on when you don't want to? That's God!

- Where do you get the love that you don't have for someone? From God!

- When you are at your lowest ebb, He begins to work mightily on your behalf!

• II Corinthians 12:11-13 : "I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!" : The Corinthians had not been cheated in any way. They should have been thanking Paul for what he gave to them and thankful that he was not a burden to them in any way.

- They had as much as any church. They were as gifted as a church could be. How had Paul cheated them? By not being a burden!? That was Paul's only "crime" against them.

• II Corinthians 12:14-18 : "Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?" : Paul's love for the church allowed him to come to them a third time.

- For every act of love, he is maligned, yet he continues to return! And why? Because he seeks them! He doesn't want anything from them. He just wants them.

- He illustrates this by speaking again as a parent to them, a parent who thinks about their children's futures and saves up for various things.

- It would be backward for the child to be thinking that they needed to lay up for their parent's future! Paul doesn't resent his position. In his mind, this is the way it should be!

- He says, "I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls!" For those who love someone, this is a very understandable phrase.

- I'm happy to expend, to invest and to be thoroughly exhausted in that enterprise! What a word for all who are parents! But, as with parents, the more Paul gave, the less he was loved!

- He continues to illustrate that neither he, nor any that he sent, Titus, the brother, took advantage of them. They all had the same testimony among the Corinthians.

• II Corinthians 12:19-21 : "Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced." : The Apostles did not need to repeatedly apologize for or justify their behavior before the Corinthians.

- They spoke before God's audience in Christ. That's who they lived for and that's who they spoke for, but because they had driven them to speak this way, this was for their building up!

- Despite all of this, a fear remained in Paul's heart that he would find this virgin daughter, not as he wanted to find her, but in quite another way!

- As a result they would see Paul not as the loving Father figure, proud and grateful, but broken because of their sin.

- What was he afraid to find? Contentions or wranglings. Jealousies. Outburst of wrath, a word that was used to describe a person who was over full with wine. Think nasty drunk!

- It would kill Paul to see selfish ambitions or "electioneering." Backbiting is such an ugly word, speaking of defamation, character assassination. That's the loud version of whisperings!

- He did not want to see them bloated with pride or in a general state of confusion! That would cause the Apostle to mourn in front of them because of the issues that they had not dealt with!

- What issues was he referring to? Their uncleanness, fornication and lewdness that they had practiced. Their impurity of thought. Their "porneia" or sexual expression out of marriage.

- He was afraid to find them in lewdness which speaks to unbridled lust. Paul was hoping that their repentance had caused them to completely turn from these things.

Conclusion
- It had cost Paul personally to come to Corinth with the gospel. He experienced incredible suffering and hardship, but his love for God and the gospel propelled him forward.

- His Pastoral heart is on complete display: He wants them to enjoy God and the simplicity that is found in obedience and a love relationship with Jesus Christ. He'll pay anything for that!

- Now, ask yourself this: What cost are you willing to pay to see someone free like this? What will it take? Who will you spend and be spent for?

- Yes it will be our family, our kids, our spouses. Will it not also be our neighbors and friends? May we leave here with a measure of the love that Paul had for the Corinthians.

- May we love when it's misunderstood, when it's not returned and when it's personally painful, for that will be the beginning of God's strength!