Paul’s 4-fold admonition: (13:11-13):
- Aim for perfection: (13:11a): Paul was challenging the Corinthians to air for perfection. We should not develop the habit of saying that “that’s is my weak point.” If it was our weak point we must the Lord to give strength to overcome it. The Corinthians were behaving like babes, but Paul prays for them to grow up adults and aim for perfection. This must be true with every believer. We cannot afford to have a stunted spiritual growth but a continuous growth “fixing our eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of our faith”(Heb.12:2)
- Listen to my appeal and change your ways: (13:11b): Paul’s ardent appeal was to change their ways, remove the sinful weeds from their congregation, come to God with a repentant heart and be acceptable to God. He wanted them to deal with the sin and have the forgiveness. This must be taught by every pastor or the elder of the church. A church living in superficial truth is doomed to destruction.
- Be of one mind and live in peace: (13:11c): Paul tells the Corinthians to be one mind which makes their life easier. They must have the same opinion treat all with love. This would give them the peace. They should not have any grudges, envy, refrain from anger and backbiting.
- Greet one another and live in God’s presence: (13:12): Paul encourages the congregation to live in harmony. God’s promise of His presence will always with them. They must greet each other with love. Greeting with a kiss was in their culture, but now it means that we can shake hands with each other respecting our cultural background. God will be with those who live in love and peace. He will dwell with them and they shall dwell with him forever.
Paul’s Trinitarian benediction: (13:13-14):
Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are the three distinct persons, yet but one God and they are the source and fountain of all the blessings to mankind.
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- May the love of the Father be with you: (13:12,13b): Our God is the creator and maker of humans. He has revealed Himself through Jesus Christ to all human beings. He has shown His greatest love by sending His own Son as a sacrifice to all human beings. Anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (Jn.3:16). May the God of love be with us.
- May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you: (13:13a): All the favours and benefits come from the Redeemer of the world i.e. the Lord Jesus Christ. He enlightens us, comforts, purifies us.
- May the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you: (13:13c): The Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and Son gives light and life. He purifies, refines, sublimes, speaks, comforts us. He testifies us that we are the children of God. The Holy Spirit transforms our lives and make us to live a life pleasing to God.
So we need the benediction from all the three persons of the Trinity. Paul’s Trinitarian benediction should be followed by every Pastor and elder.
John Calvin made a beautiful prayer, spelling out all 3-persons of Godhead.
Heavenly Father, in your Son Jesus Christ is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Enlighten our minds by your Holy Spirit and grant us that reverence and humility without which no one can understand your truth, through the same Jesus our Lord. – Amen
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- NIV Life application Bible.
- ESV Study Bible
- Ryrie study Bible.
- NIV Study Bible.
- Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament.
- The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary.
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- Wycliffe Bible commentary.
- Mathew Henry conscise.
- Blue letter Bible by David Guzik.
- Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson.
- The outline Bible by Harold L Willmington.
Note: Please use this notes only as an outline, but spend more time studying the Word of God. For your questions, suggestions, and criticism, please contact me. Kati Ravikumar, Mob: +918986873994, Email: katiravikumar@gmail.com