Strive for Full Restoration

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Strive for Full Restoration

Date: Apr. 30, 2016

Passage

2 Corinthians 13:1-14 (ESV)

1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them—3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. 7 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 10 For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you.

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 13:11

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

First, he was crucified in weakness, yet lives by God's power (1-10). Paul warned the Corinthian church because of his great love for them. He would not compromise with sin in his dealing with them. Paul reminded them of Christ, who was crucified in weakness, bearing sin on himself. His power was not overcoming those at enmity with him, but in overcoming death itself. He lives by the power of God. Paul's prayer and hope for the Christians in Corinth was that they would be fully restored in Christ's image. He did not want to exert human authority over them. He wanted to serve God to build them up.

Second, rejoice! (11-14) When we are encumbered with worldly thoughts and worries in this life, when we strive only to get ahead or keep our heads above water, we are robbed of joy. Paul left the church in Corinth with this message, to strive for full restoration. He wrote them to encourage each other and live in peace. Most importantly, he reminded them of the God of love and peace who was with them. He is our single source of joy and full restoration.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be restored in you today.

One Word: Strive for God

Jacob and Rebekah Deceive Isaac

Genesis 27:1-29

Key Verse: 27:19

Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”

Today's Question

How is the word to be read and heard in order to become effective for salvation?

See answer and references