Test Yourself

Summary: Paul urges the Corinthians to examine and test themselves to see whether they truly are in the faith, reminding them that Jesus Christ is in them- unless they fail the test. He expresses confidence that they will recognize that he and his coworkers are not disqualified, even if others are demanding proof. He then says he is praying to God that they will do no wrong, clarifying that his concern is not to make himself appear validated, but that they would do what is right even if it leaves him looking “unapproved.” He explains that he has no power against the truth, only for the truth. Paul adds that he is glad to be seen as weak if it means they are strong, and he prays for their restoration/maturity. Finally, he explains why he is writing with this seriousness while absent: so that when he comes, he will not need to use severity, since the authority the Lord gave him is meant to build them up, not to tear them down.   Teaching: When Paul says to “test your faith,” he means to examine whether you are actually living by faith - whether you are truly living in Christ. Paul’s posture toward the Corinthian church holds both Christ’s weakness and Christ’s strength within “in Christ.” Paul speaks with a father’s heart. Everyone who proclaims the Word in the church—pastors and all teachers - must have a father’s heart as well. Whether correcting or praising, it must be done with a father’s heart. A person who has experienced true strength through the truth Christ gives can, for Christ’s sake, willingly become weak and sacrifice. If we receive Jesus, then in every way we must receive this Word - listen well, live it out -and through it God will be glorified and our lives will be made new. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Feb 9, 2026 2 Corinthians 13:5-10