Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 12-13
OK Men,
We’ve reached the end! Paul has shown us how he has suffered for the gospel. He has demonstrated boldness in the Spirit and proven the authority given to him directly from Jesus. Paul has shown weakness and strength throughout the book, and he does the same in these final two chapters.
Chapter 12:
What’s New: Paul says, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know - God knows,” (v2). He continues, “(This man) was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell,” (v4). These incredible verses leave me with many questions. What’s the difference between the third heaven and the first and second heaven? Is there a greater level than the third heaven? Why was this man (who was left unnamed) called up to heaven? God can make someone experience heaven either in or out of the body?! What did he see and hear? Why couldn’t he tell anyone? Why give us this small glimpse? I bet that was an incredible conversation between Paul and this man! Clearly Paul still remembers it after 14 years. While I’m left with many questions, one truth remains: God does many amazing things that we are completely oblivious to!
Who is God: In the midst of the “thorn in his flesh,” God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” (v9). God’s grace is sufficient for all of us. Wrestling with feelings of guilt, unworthiness, and shame is normal. It’s part of the Holy Spirit’s conviction, but God’s grace is bigger than our sins. His grace is enough.
God also reveals to us how his perfect power works: weakness. God doesn’t often move when we demand things from him in prayer, or when our own pride and efforts try to make things happen on our own terms and timing. His power works perfectly in humility, surrender, and weakness. Do you need God to move in an area of your life? Then give it up! Relinquish control to him and invite his perfect power to work in your situation.
Chapter 13:
What’s New: Test yourself! “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves - Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test?” (v5). This is a scary challenge! This is for the weak and the strong; the humble and the bold. I know there is wickedness in my heart and weakness in my flesh. But that’s exactly the point of the test, to reveal where you need to grow. Remember, this is the Holy Spirit inspired Word of God. Paul isn’t just saying this to the Corinthian church, the Holy Spirit is saying this to all of us right now! Test yourself. Where you fail, there is grace, and the revelation of where steps are needed to grow. That is where sin lives in you. Where there is success, there is spiritual maturity, and the mighty, perfect power, of Jesus Christ, the living God! Are you willing to test yourself to be purified and refined by the Holy Spirit?
Who is God: God is weakness and strength. Paul writes, “you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you,” (v3-4). How can God be weakness and strength? Jesus demonstrated weakness through humility and complete submission to God’s will. It was in this that Christ was strengthened to willingly die on the cross. He was raised by the power of God, saving all who believe in him. This was the ultimate display of Paul’s words in chapter 12, “my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Weakness and strength. This was the biggest theme that the Holy Spirit was revealing to me in this book of 2 Corinthians. We all need more of both; weakness to submit to God and his ways, and strength to persevere. Weakness and strength are needed to successfully walk this earth as a disciple of Christ.
The world is changing. The Middle East is in turmoil. Now more than ever the world needs to see the example of weakness and strength in Christ because each new day is one day closer to His return. The world is running out of time. We need to be ready so we can help others get ready. That is why our next Bible study will be focused on “The End”. Beginning Monday July 14th, we will be studying the books of Daniel and then Revelation over a 5-week period. This has the potential to be one of our best, most insightful and impactful studies yet. I’m excited to share in it with you!
For now, use the rest of this week, and weekend, to finish up 2 Corinthians. What has The Lord been revealing to you in this book? What has been new or enlightening? How have you seen the characteristics of God on display? Leave a comment!
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