Day By Day - 2 Corinthians 13
By Jacob Muthsam
Personal Thoughts:
As we went day by day through 2 Corinthians, I don’t think it takes a theologian to realise how chaotic the faith walk of Christianity and church life can be. It’s chaotic because it is jam-packed with emotions and experiences.
That’s what the church was like then. (It’s funny when some people just want church today to be like the early New-Testament church..really? have you studied the condition and problems of the NT church? )
But truth be told, chaotic can sum up the condition of the church today… It’s filled with experiences and emotions today also.
That’s simply the reality of a fractured, broken and sin-filled world in which we live today - it’s chaotic or complex, or grubby, messy, mucky and tangled—because people are complex, relationships are intricate, circumstances are chaotic and community within the church is complex.
Maybe this is the biggest take-out from this whole book:
In the middle of our chaotic, complex and grubby existence, The Almighty Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit desires that we lean into Him and depend on Him, rather than our chaotic self.
1. Paul saw people past the chaos
I can see in the text that Paul is getting annoyed by the chaos and he is dealing with it with them. Yet, he still had the Love to call them friends and see them as people.
He’s opening with words that reflect the seriousness of the situation:
“any accusation must be upheld…”, then in reference to those who have sinned, “The next time I come nobody will escape punishment…”
Paul addresses the chaos, yet then in verse 11 says, “And now my friends Goodbye…”
I see too often people write off relationships and friendships with others because instead of seeing past the chaos (and helping them through it), they choose to identify people in it.
That’s not how God sees us, and it’s not how we should see each other.
2. Examine yourselves:
Paul doesn’t shy away from the chaos. He just knows there is something greater past it. He tells the people to examine themselves, because if they, through relationship with God, can correct themselves and move forward, then Paul won’t need to tear them down, rather he can spend his time building them up.
I think it's interesting, that the people seemed happy to accuse others, rather than examine and deal with their own chaos. It seems the same happens today. Most of us are quicker to examine others, rather than examine ourselves.
3. Watch God Work
It's been a crazy chaotic journey, but verse 11 which is the start of the conclusion, is really upbeat… “11 And now my friends, goodbye! Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals, agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of Love and peace will be with you…” (GNT)
Paul’s basically saying: friends, work through your chaos as best you can, follow the teaching , GET ALONG, pursue peace and as you do that, watch what God will do.
Final Thoughts:
Can I Challenge you today?
Personal Thoughts:
As we went day by day through 2 Corinthians, I don’t think it takes a theologian to realise how chaotic the faith walk of Christianity and church life can be. It’s chaotic because it is jam-packed with emotions and experiences.
That’s what the church was like then. (It’s funny when some people just want church today to be like the early New-Testament church..really? have you studied the condition and problems of the NT church? )
But truth be told, chaotic can sum up the condition of the church today… It’s filled with experiences and emotions today also.
That’s simply the reality of a fractured, broken and sin-filled world in which we live today - it’s chaotic or complex, or grubby, messy, mucky and tangled—because people are complex, relationships are intricate, circumstances are chaotic and community within the church is complex.
Maybe this is the biggest take-out from this whole book:
In the middle of our chaotic, complex and grubby existence, The Almighty Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit desires that we lean into Him and depend on Him, rather than our chaotic self.
1. Paul saw people past the chaos
I can see in the text that Paul is getting annoyed by the chaos and he is dealing with it with them. Yet, he still had the Love to call them friends and see them as people.
He’s opening with words that reflect the seriousness of the situation:
“any accusation must be upheld…”, then in reference to those who have sinned, “The next time I come nobody will escape punishment…”
Paul addresses the chaos, yet then in verse 11 says, “And now my friends Goodbye…”
I see too often people write off relationships and friendships with others because instead of seeing past the chaos (and helping them through it), they choose to identify people in it.
That’s not how God sees us, and it’s not how we should see each other.
2. Examine yourselves:
Paul doesn’t shy away from the chaos. He just knows there is something greater past it. He tells the people to examine themselves, because if they, through relationship with God, can correct themselves and move forward, then Paul won’t need to tear them down, rather he can spend his time building them up.
I think it's interesting, that the people seemed happy to accuse others, rather than examine and deal with their own chaos. It seems the same happens today. Most of us are quicker to examine others, rather than examine ourselves.
3. Watch God Work
It's been a crazy chaotic journey, but verse 11 which is the start of the conclusion, is really upbeat… “11 And now my friends, goodbye! Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals, agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of Love and peace will be with you…” (GNT)
Paul’s basically saying: friends, work through your chaos as best you can, follow the teaching , GET ALONG, pursue peace and as you do that, watch what God will do.
Final Thoughts:
Can I Challenge you today?
- Is someone else’s chaos robbing your peace?
- Maybe you should focus on your chaos, not theirs…
- Pursue peace and watch what God will do!
Posted in 2 Corinthians