Firmness and Gentleness

May 26, 2024

Preacher: Andrew Love

Series: 2 Corinthians

Passage: 2 Corinthians 13

Service Type: Sunday Evening

Introduction

Firmness and Gentleness
- Paul being severe at times - examples
- Paul being gentle at times - examples
Parents need both firmness and gentleness (love and tenderness)
- Examples of what it is not
Spiritual parenting is similar
- (Paul was Spiritual father to the Corinthians)
- 2 Cor 1:23-24 - to spare them
- 2 Cor 10:1-2 - pleading
- 2 Cor 13:2 - discipline
- 2 Cor 13:5 - test yourself
- 2 Cor 13:11-14 - gentleness
Some of the most challenging and comforting words in Scripture
- Behold the severity and goodness of God (Romans 11:22)
Overview:
- A Challenge (v5)
- A Comfort (v11-14)

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith
- It is easy to be deceived - examples
  - 1 Cor 6:9-10
    - We must not give such false peace or the right hand of fellowship
  - Gal 5:19-21
    - Such will not inherit the kingdom of God
  - 1 John 3:7-8
- The Corinthians are too look at their lives
  - Not that we struggle with sin - but are these things in my life?
Test yourselves
- Do I love the brethren?
- Do I love to practice righteousness?
- The Psalmist was not afraid to test Himself - nor to ask God to test him
- The Church in Laodicea was deceived (Rev 3)
- Do I judge my brother?
- Lam 3:40
We examine ourselves at the Lord's table - we should also do this intermittently
- Are we growing in God?
- Do I listen to God's word for myself?
- Do I stand when my faith is tested?
- Does my faith stand in trials?
Not to lead to an unhealthly introspection
- Quote from CH Spurgeon
- Quote from Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Signing off his letter with words of comfort
- He started this letter with words of comfort
  - 12:20-21 - fears for the Church
- v11-14 - his hope for the Church
Be complete
- This should be our desire for every Christian
- 1 Thess 5:23
Be of good comfort
Be of one mind
- Be united - though you can differ over non-essentials
Live in peace
- Then the God of love and peace will be with you
Paul's fear in 12:20 vs v11
- God's power is able to accomplish this
- John 14:27; 16:12,33 - Jesus disciples can overcome the world through Him
- 1 Kings 6:11-13
Greet one another with a holy kiss
- Unadvisable in a carnal society?
- There is such a thing as a holy kiss
- What is our way of embracing/showing affection - maybe a handshake
The Trinitarian blessing
- Grace from Jesus Christ
  - The desire and ability to do what God wants you to do
- Love from God
- Fellowship from the Holy Spirit