Final Warnings and Exhortations

1This is the third time I am coming to you.a Every fact must be established by the testimonyb of two or three witnesses.c, d 2I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warninge while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient, 3since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me.f He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you. 4In fact, He was crucifiedg in weakness, but He livesh by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him,i yet toward you we will livej with Him by God’s power.

5Testk yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless you fail the test.l 6And I hope you will recognize that we do not fail the test. 7Now we pray to God that you do nothing wrong — not that we may appear to pass the test, but that you may do what is right,m even though we may appear to fail. 8For we are not able to do anything against the truth,n but only for the truth. 9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong.o We also pray that you become fully mature.p 10This is why I am writing these things while absent, that when I am there I will not use severity, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building upq and not for tearing down.r

11Finally, •brothers, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind,s be at peace,t and the God of loveu and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss.v All the •saints greet you.

13The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the lovew of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.x, y