Daily Reading: 6-23-16
2 Corinthians 13:5-10
What do we gain from recognizing our weaknesses? Some people may prefer to deny their weaknesses and simply focus on their strengths. But, Scripture teaches that it is beneficial to examine our weaknesses, because it can grow our faith. When we are weak—when we have come to the end to our human strength in an area of life—we can use our faith and reach for the eternal inheritance of God’s resources set aside for each one of us in Christ. God’s divine strength in the midst of our human weakness is noticed by others and we become His witnesses. Christ is the Anointed One who loves us and brings the resources of heaven in response to our faith; but, we must get into agreement with God’s plan for our lives. What is that plan? We are living true to faith when we allow the Holy Spirit to bring restoration to us; continue our growth and maturity in the Lord’s holy character. Recognizing our weaknesses will cause us to mature in Christ.
In his writings to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul challenges them to spiritually grow up as they live out their faith. He exhorts them to recognize the areas in their lives that need more of God’s strength and to use their faith to appropriate a righteous change. Paul was willing to correct those under his leadership for stepping away from the weak areas in their lives that needed to mature by urging them to reach for the strength of God.
2 Corinthians 13:5-10New Living Translation (NLT)
5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you[a]; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 6 As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority.
7 We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. 8 For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 9 We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature.
10 I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.
Prayer: Lord, help me to examine my faith, today. Help me, Holy Spirit, to invite Your correction in the areas of my life where I need more of the resources of heaven. I desire to be a living example and witness to the truth of Your power made available in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.