Lives that stand the test
Key Verses: 2, 5, 10, 11, 12
Paul tells them with no uncertainty that when he comes to them, corrective action will take place. Paul wants the best for them, and their rebellion detracts from their relationship with God, each other, and with Paul. Anytime there is rebellion, personal or corporate, evil results. Paul cares enough about their eternity to interfere with their present. This is not an easy task, to challenge someone who is walking in rebellion, especially when they are a friend or relative. We risk the loss of that connection.
Paul asks them to see if Christ is in them. Taking an honest look at our spiritual health is important. For the Jesus-follower, the most fundamental test is whether Jesus is still present in our lives by the Holy Spirit. An honest reality check can make all the difference. But then we must deal with the consequences if we are out of fellowship with Christ because of some rebellion and sin. At that moment we have to make a choice: to return or to continue in rebellion. Paul desperately wants them to return.
Helping people who are in rebellion to return can be exhausting spiritual work. Eternity is at stake for the rebellious. We work to build up, even at the moment of discipline it may feel otherwise. I think of disciplining our children. At the moment of exhaustion, it may seem that all the effort is not worth it. But when discipline moves from externally to internally motivated, the effort shines forth as worth it. When you child sees the advantage to obedience and then obeys, what a moment to remember. The screams of rebellion turn to words of affirmation and encouragement.
Paul wants full restoration of the believers who strayed from the faith. He doesn’t want to get even for the evil things they said about him. He doesn’t want public vindication of his character. He wants their eternity restored. He wants everyone to be encouraged. He wants them united in their walk of Jesus. Is this what your walk with Christ looks like? Restoration, encouragement, unified and at peace?
The Arnold Journey 