After Further Review…Change Me Lord
Most of the major sports in America have implemented video review processes. It gives teams an opportunity to have a play reviewed by officials for the purpose of getting the outcome correct. After a careful video review where there is a determination that a correction is necessary, an announcement is made. The announcement often begins with words like “after further review…”. In 2 Corinthians 13:5-11, Paul knew there were problems in the church in Corinth. His message to Corinthian Christians was that they needed to test themselves in their faith to see if they were truly following Christ in their attitudes and actions. He urged them, after examination, to fully restore their fellowship with God in unity and encouragement of one another. I pray this week, that God will reveal to you where you need correction and restoration into fellowship with Him, and that you will take the action He prescribes. Amen
Click here to enjoy worshiping to “Change Me” by Tamela Mann
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you —unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. (2 Cor. 13:5-7) Paul was preparing to visit the church at Corinth, but he had heard some disturbing things about their conduct, which prompted his writing to them in advance of his arrival. He hoped to get them back on the right track without him having to take further action in person. He began by telling them to examine themselves to answer the question of whether they were truly Christians (Is Christ Jesus in you? If not, you have failed the test and been disqualified for salvation!). In examining themselves, Paul’s desire was for them to see where they have not been Christ-like and correct themselves.
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. (2 Cor. 13:8-10) Paul had experienced being powerless against the truth of God in Christ Jesus. He had been blinded and rendered powerless on the road to Damascus. So he understood the power of God and his own inability to oppose the truth. His prayer was for the Corinthian Christian’s to heed his warning and be restored (implement corrections) so that he would not be forced to use his authority to discipline them when he arrived.
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Cor. 13:11) Paul urged the church to strive for (make great efforts to achieve) full restoration. He exhorted them to edify and encourage one another in unity to achieve that end. Though his message to the church at Corinth had been stern, Paul ended it on an uplifting note, telling the church to rejoice! Because, by examining themselves and being restored fully in Christ, they would have joy and peace of God again. And that is what we should all experience whenever we are walking in right relationship with God.
Paul’s message to the church in Corinth should resonate with us all. Each of us should examine ourselves to see whether we are following Christ or the world. When we determine, after examining ourselves, that we are straying away from following Jesus, we need to strive to restore our relationship with Him quickly and fully. How? We get into the word of God through hearing, reading and study. We get into the fellowship of God along with other believers who can encourage and edify us. And most importantly we call on the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, to transform us and make us more like Christ. Examine yourself in your faith, and where you are found lacking… ask God to change you!
Blessings, Rev. Glenn
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” ~ Psalm 139:23-24
