Title: Last Words
Finally, I say (2 Corinthians 13:11-13)
The expository sermon on 2 Corinthians began in February 2005 and ended today. While preparing the sermon, I quietly looked back at the words God gave me and you over the past year.
Chapter 1 tells us that the Corinthians are our pride because of God who comforts them. And they complain that they had no choice but to say yes because of God's request as the reason for the delayed visit.
Chapter 2 addresses those who persecute, “Forgive those who trouble you!” I'm begging you. I urge you because it is the fragrance of Christ.
In chapter 3, Paul calls himself a glorious minister of the new covenant. He insists that the glorious worker has the Spirit of the Lord, so he is not bound by anything because of his freedom.
Chapter 4 asks us to shine a light in a dark world. This is because the treasure is contained within us, which are like earthen vessels. So, although our outward appearance is corrupted, our inner man is renewed every day.
Chapter 5 tells us to long for the eternal house in heaven. In the midst of longing, we are told to go crazy with the love of the Lord and serve.
Chapter 6 is to open the hearts of the saints because of the precious grace given through the only begotten Son. But we must not be yoke upon those who do not believe.
Chapters 8 and 9 talk about giving. We introduce a voluntary donation that exceeds the strength of the Macedonian church in a difficult situation. By doing so, we are told to fulfill God's will of averaging. And in chapter 9, we are told not to be stingy or forceful by preparing in advance. God loves those who enjoy it. He spoke of the promise of blessing those who donate so that they may receive God's love and have no place to accumulate.
In chapter 10 Paul exhorts us to boast in the Lord in the name of the Lord.
Chapter 11 cries out that I have the marks of Christ on your body.
Chapter 12 says that my grace is sufficient for you, even though I prayed three times because of his thorn.
Chapter 13 exhorts you to prove yourselves whether you are in the faith.
And for the last time today, to the Corinthians,
(1) Lastly, how can we rejoice, be perfect, comfort each other, be of the same mind, and be at peace?
The reason we should rejoice is that we have become children of God. When the disciples of Jesus went out to evangelize in pairs and performed many miracles, he said, rejoice that your names are in the book of life in the kingdom of heaven. There are two kinds of people in this world. There are children of God who have been chosen by God and people of the world who have been abandoned. Because we became brothers and sisters by receiving one blood through Jesus Christ, we should live joyfully together.
(2) It says that the God of love and peace will be with you.
God is with us when we rejoice together, we are made whole, we are comforted, we are of the same mind, and we are at peace. This kind of blessing is not given to the hellish church, where they fight, envy, jealousy, hurt their hearts, and resent each other.
(3) Greet each other with a holy kiss
In the past, in the early church, holy kisses were actually held between the saints until the 2-3rd century. A kiss was an expression of worship and respect for God, and it was a sign of respect among the saints.
Verse 12 says that all the saints greet you. Who greets whom?