Sunday 25th June
Read 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
“This will be my third visit to you. ‘Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’2 I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: on my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, 3 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.” (NIVUK)
Whilst we are critical of Paul for confronting the Corinthians with their sin as he concludes his letter it is important to note how he goes about it. It is not simply an authoritarian dictat. Paul has provided time for them to repent. This is his third visit, he has already warned them twice. He will not be ‘weak’ amongst them on this visit. It is serious now.
The basis of his argument is what we should note though. It is all well and good to say that we are Christian and we are humble and meek and that this is how Jesus was when he walked amongst us. So we will not confront sin but be gentle and tolerant and pray for the best. But Paul approaches all conversations and confrontations through the cross. His pastoral style is cruciform in every way. Humility never covers over sin.
Jesus was crucified in weakness, but crucified in weakness to deal with our sin. Having dealt with our sin God raised Him from the dead in power and strength. Through weakness He became strong. Strong enough to confront the sin in those who call upon His name. Paul, and those with him, follow in Jesus’ steps. They too walk in weakness and suffer. But the living power of God, through which Jesus speaks and rules and reigns, works its way out in Paul’s words. Paul’s weakness does not prevent Christ’s power from being present in judgement. The faux humility we often hide behind to avoid confronting the sin in our brothers and sisters denies the power of the cross to confront and deal with sin.
Augustine captures this seeming contradiction well and provides sage advice. “Better it is to love even with the accompaniment of severity, than to mislead by excess of lenience”. Pray for the wisdom and grace to wisely help other work through our many sins.
