Scripture

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Observation

Paul will be coming to Corinth for the third time, and he warns them he will not be lenient with the people who continue to live in persistent sin.

Christ is not weak in dealing with sin. Although He was crucified in weakness, He now lives in the power of God.

We must test ourselves to see whether we are living in faith. We must examine ourselves to see if Christ is in us and that we are living in the truth.

Finally Paul encourages the Corinthians to love one another and live in peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with them.

Application

It is very easy to fall prey to deception, to think we are doing well when we are not. Sin creeps in so easily.

We need to regularly ask ourselves, “Am I really living in Christ, and He in me?”

Our hearts and minds must continue to be open to correction by the Holy Spirit so that sin, wrong motives and the tricks of the enemy can be rooted out. Only then can we walk in the full measure of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Holy Spirit come and examine my heart. Reveal to me anything that is not of you and give me grace to get rid of it. Amen.