THE KING’S BUSINESS
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v. 3), they would better prove their "own , selves ” as to whether they were in the faith. Tl^e proof that one is “in the faith” is that Christ is in him (v. S; cf. Rom., 8:9,. 10). If Christ is not in one, then he is “ reprobate.” The word translated “repro bate” means disapproved. The Greek word is from the same root as “proof” in verses 3 and 5. “ Disapproved” does not neces sarily mean lost. There is many a believer whom God disapproves and sets aside who is not lost. He may be saved, but his works will go up in smoke, but he himself will be saved so as by fire (1 Cor. 3 :11-15). Paul cared more for the welfare of the Corinthians to whom he was writing than for his own reputation (vs. 6 , 7). To the end that their welfare might be secured he prayed to God that they might do no evil. He longed that they might do the “honor able” (R. V .) thing, whatever might be 2 Cor. 13 : 8 - 14 . • Paul found it impossible to do anything against the truth, but he was glad to do anything he could “ for (more literally, for the sake of, or in behalf o f) the truth.” Oh, that every professed servant o f -Jesus Christ was so devoted to Him that he could not be induced to do anything against the truth, but long to do everything in his power in behalf o f the truth. Paul rejoiced in his own weakness and their strength and prayed for their restoration and “perfecting.” The plain, stern things which Paul had written in his letter Ke wrote in order that it might not be neces sary to deal sharply with them when he arrived. The Lord had given him author ity to deal sharply, -but He had given him authority for building men up and not for casting them down (cf. ch. 1 0 : 8 ). Would that all in authority in the church might' remember that this is the purpose for which God bestows authority upon us, for building men up and not for casting them down. Now come Paul’s parting words: “ Finally, brethren, farewell (or, rejoice). Be perfect (or perfectly restored, thought o f him. Friday, April 5 .
for many o f them that have sinned hereto fore, and repented not,” and he mentions things o f whlc.h they would not have repented: “uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness.” These gross sins they had actually “committed.” If we found •these gross sins among our converts would we “mourn,” or would we be angry? Wednesday, April 3 . 2 Cor. X 3 ':ir 4 . Paul was about to visit Corinth the third time. This is the visit recorded in Acts 20:2. There must have been a visit which is not recorded in the Acts, between this and his first visit (Acts 18:1). Probably Paul sailed across from Ephesus, during his three years’ stay in that city, to Corinth for a very brief visit in the latter city. As a preparation for his visit Paul tells them plainly “before hand” (R. V .) that if they do not set 1 matters straight before his arrival he will not spare them when he comes. He had already told them this by word o f mouth when with them. Some o f them were seeking a proof that Christ spoke in him, and he tells them that as they are seeking such a proof he will give it to them in not sparing the offender when he comes. ' But he tells them further that Christ, had already proved Himself not weak toward them, but powerful in them through Paul’s ministry among them (cf. ch. 12:12). Christ had taken weakness upon Himself and been crucified because of this weakness which He had voluntarily taken (cf. Heb. 2:14; Phil. 2:7, 8 , R ..V .), but He was no longer weak but now lived through the power o f God (cf. Rom. 6:4; Eph. 1:19, 2(k). In a similar way Paul himself was weak in Christ (i. e., he had taken the.place of weakness in union and fellowship with Christ—cf. Gal. 2 :20; ch. 12:9), but he- too should live “through (more literally, out o f) the power, o f God toward” them—i. e., by manifesting his apostolic power and authority toward them. . Thursday, April, 4 . 2 Cor:, 13 : 5 - 7 . Paul here tells, them that instead of try ing to prove, or test, his apostleship (cf.
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