We will concentrate upon the final verse of this epistle in our concluding study.

In the section beginning at verse 6, Paul reveals his chief concerns afresh. The disposition of his heart toward the Corinthians is once again manifested. When we come to the concluding words in a letter we are addressing to a loved one, we express our love and our concerns again for they are uppermost upon our hearts.

Let us seek to understand what Paul is saying in these final verses.

Verse 6. In verse 3, Paul referred to their seeking of proof that he was a genuine apostle. He hope that they did not think him a fake.

Verse 7. Paul prayed that they would do right even though it meant that he would not provide proof of his apostleship by the employing of supernatural power in disciplining them. Peter gives us an example of the power exercised by apostles, Acts 5:3-10.

Verse 8. He could not employ his power contrary to the truth of God.

Verse 9-10. Paul would gladly appear weak for he preferred them going on to perfection (being put in complete order) to him showing his power by punishing them. It was for this reason he wrote to them.

Verse 11. He calls them brethren. He calls for Rejoicing (Farewell); Reform yourselves (be perfect); Exhort one another (Be of good comfort); Be united , peaceful (be of one mind, live in peace), this was their great need, 1 Cor 1:10-12; if we would enjoy the God of love and peace in our midst we must endeavour to live in love and peace.

Christians ought to be able to greet each other in love and sincerity, verse 12.

Verse 15 shows that despite the sins in the church at Corinth, they were still considered and loved as fellow-believers.

The wonderful benediction that Paul pronounces upon them reminds us that the weakest, ailing saint has still access to God’s blessing. It also serves to reminds us that the purpose of all of God’s Word is to bless the people of God. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it, Luke 11:28; 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein, Revelation 1:3.

I. THE CHILD OF GOD HAS FELLOWSHIP WITH THE TRIUNE JEHOVAH

Be with you all. How we need to seek an awareness of the One before Whom we are gathered today. Here is one of the greatest of mysteries.

1. There are three Persons in the Godhead. (S/Cat. Q. 6).

2. The three Persons are equal in power and glory. We must render to each and all equal worship and fear and obedience.

3. We ought to familiarise ourselves with the distinctions in the three Persons.

It must surely be elementary for us to be acquainted with the teaching of the Bible upon the divine Persons.

II. EACH PERSON OF THE GODHEAD HAS A DISTINCT ROLE IN OUR REDEMPTION

1. Grace comes to us through Christ. We are brought into favour with God through the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. See here reference to His divinity (Lord); His humanity (Jesus); and His Messiahship (Christ). And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven, Colossians 1:20.

2. Love for the saints has its origin in the Father’s heart. We have been loved by Christ and by the Holy Spirit but it is the Father’s love that brought us salvation. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, 1 John 4:9-10; John 3:16; Rom 5:8.

3. It is by the work of the Holy Ghost that we partake of blessings of salvation. He communicates God’s mercy and grace to us.

He drew us to Christ after revealing Him to us.

He enabled us to rest by faith in Him.

He keeps and seals us.

How vital is that link. How we must guard our relationship with the Holy Ghost. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:30. Rom 15:13, Eph 2:18, 1 Pet 1:2.

“‭The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen,” 2 Corinthians 13:14.‬

The benediction sums up all that Paul was seeking to accomplish for the people at Corinth.

It is the sum of every preacher’s labours.