2 Corinthians 13:11-14 Finally, brothers, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace… Note — I. THE APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION. 1. The state to be attained: "Be perfect," which conveys the idea of repairing, or putting in order. It is used e.g., of the disciples mending their nets, and also in Galatians 6:1, the idea there being that of a dislocated limb; and just as a surgeon will reduce that limb and restore it to its proper place in the body, so Christians were to restore a fallen brother to the position which he had lost. So it is for you to inquire whether there may have been in time past anything wrong. It was a complaint of Him who searches the heart, "I have not found thy works perfect before God; remember, and repent." At the same time the exhortation is rather for our future guidance. Every believer has his proper place in the Church, and has his proper duties to perform, and it is for us to ask of God to teach us what it is, and then give us grace to do it. 2. The happiness to be enjoyed: "Be of good comfort." Comfort is needed, for we are in a world of sorrow. Comfort is needed even by the believer, for he is called sometimes to suffer under the chastisement of a Father's hand, and "no chastisement is for the present joyous, but rather grievous." But amidst all the dispensations of providence with which God deals with him, he may still be of good comfort. For remember the foundation on which the gospel bases this comfort. "Be of good comfort, thy sins are forgiven thee." Comfort is supplied by — (1) The assurances of the gospel: "God is faithful who hath called you to the knowledge of His dear Son"; "The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal: the Lord knoweth them that are His"; "I know My sheep, and am known of Mine"; "I know their sorrows and will deliver them"; "I will never leave them nor forsake them."(2) The promises of the gospel. Whatever there be that we want, there is some promise or other of which we may plead the fulfilment at the throne of grace; and our Lord has said, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, believing, ye shall receive."(3) The hopes of the gospel. (a) They extend to the very verge of life. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." (b) They cast a light even upon the dark "valley of the shadow of death." (c) They give us the assurance of heaven. 3. The unity to be sought: "Be of one mind." Now this has reference to the state in which the apostle found the Corinthian Church. They formed parties and factions. One of them liked one minister better than another. But the apostle asks, "Who is Paul and who is Cephas, but ministers by whom ye believed?" They are mere instruments after all. He teaches the Corinthians to honour Christ alone. Look, then, off from the preacher. Determine to honour Christ only, then there will be no fear, but you will "be of one mind." And then, in order to do that, let His Word only be your authority. Then unite in His work. 4. The spirit to be manifested: "Live in peace." (1) With God. (2) With one another. Seek to promote peace in your families, in the social circle, in the church. II. THE APOSTOLIC ASSURANCE. "The God of love and peace shall be with you." Notice the ground on which this assurance is given. It is not as a condition, but rather as an encouragement. "The God of love and peace shall be with you" to encourage you in the discharge of duty. 1. We have to do with the God of love — (1) In every comfort and blessing which His bounteous providence bestows upon us. (2) In every trial which we are called to bear. 2. And He is also the God of peace. He devised peace, arranged the plan by which it might be restored; He proclaims peace in and through the gospel; He delights in peace; He will ever pour upon His people the blessing of peace. 3. Then notice the comprehensive blessing to be realised: "The God of love and peace shall be with you"; in duty to strengthen you, in difficulty to guide you, in trial to support you, in loneliness to befriend you and cheer you, in death to be the strength of your heart, in judgment to be your Father and Saviour. (W. Cadman, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. |
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