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"THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"
Chapter Thirteen
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate that a time must come when discipline can no longer be
spared
2) To see the need for periodic self-examination in order to prove that
Christ does indeed dwell in us
3) To notice what will ensure that the God of love and peace will be
with us
SUMMARY
In this final chapter, Paul makes final comments in preparation for his
coming. This being the third time he is coming, there has been ample
opportunity for those in need of repentance to do so. Especially since
they seek proof of Christ speaking in him, he will not spare them on
this visit (1-4).
His desire, however, is for their faithfulness. He therefore
encourages them to engage in self-examination to prove whether or not
they are in the faith, and whether Christ is in them (5-6). His
earnest prayer is that they do no evil, but that which is honorable,
and to be made complete. It is in keeping with this that he has
written this epistle, and to avoid having to use sharpness when in
their presence (7-10).
Paul closes his epistle with exhortations designed to ensure that the
God of love and peace will be with them, some words of greetings, and a
benediction that includes all three Persons of the Godhead (11-14).
OUTLINE
I. FINAL COMMENTS IN PREPARATION OF HIS COMING (1-10)
A. WARNING OF IMPENDING DISCIPLINE (1-4)
1. This will be his third visit, which will serve to verify their
true condition (1)
2. With this visit, he will not spare to exercise his authority
in Christ (2)
3. Since they seek proof of Christ speaking in him (3-4)
B. EXHORTATION TO SELF-EXAMINATION (5-6)
1. To prove whether or not they are in the faith (5)
2. His trust is that they will know that he is not disqualified
(6)
C. HIS DESIRE FOR THEIR FAITHFULNESS (7-9)
1. His prayer is that they do no evil, but that which is
honorable (7)
2. Not for his sake, for even if he should seem disqualified, he
can do nothing against the truth (7-8)
3. He will gladly be weak if it means they are strong, for his
prayer is that they may be complete (9)
D. HIS PURPOSE IN WRITING THIS EPISTLE (10)
1. So that when present he does not need to use sharpness
2. Which is in keeping with the authority he has from the Lord
for their edification
II. CONCLUDING REMARKS (11-14)
A. FINAL EXHORTATIONS (11)
1. Become complete
2. Be of good comfort
3. Be of one mind
4. Live in peace
-- For then the God of love and peace will be with them
B. GREETINGS (12-13)
1. An admonition to greet one another with a holy kiss (12)
2. Greetings sent to them from the saints (13)
C. BENEDICTION (14)
1. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
2. The love of God
3. The communion of the Holy Spirit
-- Be with them all. Amen
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Final comments in preparation of his coming (1-10)
- Concluding Remarks (11-14)
2) What will be the significance of Paul's third visit to them? (1)
- Sufficient evidence will have been gathered to make a final
judgment ("By the word of two or three witnesses every word shall
be established.")
3) What is Paul's warning should he come again? (2)
- "I will not spare"
4) What does Paul exhort them to do? (5)
- Examine themselves as to whether they are in faith
- Prove themselves
5) What was Paul's prayer for them? (7,9)
- That they do no wrong, but that which is honorable
- That they may be made complete
6) Why was Paul writing this epistle? (10)
- Lest being present he might have to use sharpness
7) In expressing farewell, what four exhortations does he leave with
them? (11)
- Become complete
- Be of good comfort
- Be of one mind
- Live in peace
8) Provided they heed these four exhortations, what blessing will they
enjoy? (11)
- The God of love and peace will be with them
9) What final exhortation does he give to them? (12)
- To greet one another with a holy kiss
10) What three blessings does Paul pray for them as he closes this
epistle? (14)
- The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
- The love of God
- The communion of the Holy Spirit
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Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2009
