The Test: How and When?

Text: 2 Corinthians 13:5-10

In 2 Timothy 3, the apostle Paul describes the nature of people in the last days. He warns of people who are characterized as “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (verse 5). Paul then issues this command: “Have nothing to do with such people.”

Some of the Corinthians are acting like a bunch of unbelievers—they are denying the power of godliness. They are rejecting Paul and the faith that Paul brought to them. Yes, they still say they believe in the resurrected Jesus. Still, they deny the resurrection power that enables them to "renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives" (Titus 2:12).

The Corinthians want proof that Christ speaks through Paul. They have been evaluating him. He says they should instead evaluate themselves. Are they still in "the faith?"  If Christ is in them, then they are in the faith. If they fail the test, it will prove that Christ is not in them. If they conclude that Christ is in them, they will accept the truth their new birth is due to Paul's ministry, not the ministry of "false apostles, deceitful workmen, [who are] masquerading as apostles of Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:13).

The rebellious Corinthians want proof that Christ is speaking through Paul. The irony is that they will not like the proof they will receive: the proof of Christ’s power in judgment.

Paul has already told them in 13:1 that he meets Jesus' requirement for two or three witnesses, as Matthew 18:15–17 describes, where Jesus teaches His disciples about excommunication. The next step is to bring them before the full church body and make the case against them. If they don't repent, that is what they have to look forward to with his next visit. If there is still no repentance, the church is to excommunicate the sinner. Jesus says, “Let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:17, ESV).

When one begins to play fast and loose with the truth, it's time to take a self-test. We cannot reject the Bible and God's teaching, even when we don't like it or it goes against our cultural norms. When Christ is in us, we will love His Word and seek to follow Him wholeheartedly. Yes, the flesh is weak. But God is stronger, and Jesus rescues us from the power of sin (see Romans 7)!

Read THIS ARTICLE for an example of how people play fast and loose with Scripture while saying they have a high view of it.