Remaining in the Faith

AS THE FOUNDER of the church at Corinth, Paul had a deep interest in the spiritual growth of the brethren. (Acts 18:1,11) One of the issues upon which they needed instruction dealt with addressing sexual immorality. There was a degree of permissiveness existing in the congregation resulting in failure to take corrective action to rid themselves of this scourge. Paul indicated to them that Christians were to manifest the highest standards of purity, and the errant sinner should have been excluded from fellowship until personal acknowledgement of this sinful conduct was made and repentance occurred.—I Cor. 5:1-11

Paul also found it necessary to affirm his apostleship as well as warn the brethren against the beguilement of false teachers. (II Cor. 11:2-15) Since the Corinthian brethren had not properly addressed all the problems they faced, Paul forewarned them in this epistle that in his next visit, he would deal with such transgressions in a forceful manner.

He writes: “This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.”—II Cor. 13:1-4

Our Key Verse underscores the necessity for introspection to ensure that we are manifesting the spirit of Christ in thought, word and deed. If we discover that we have been deficient in any of these areas, we should promptly repent, and with renewed diligence pursue the principles of righteousness with every fiber of our being. “Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.”—vss. 7,8, New International Version

Paul’s letters were addressed to specific congregations or individuals as exhortations to be internalized for developing and maintaining a character that would be pleasing to the Heavenly Father and ultimately a position in the glorified body of Christ. Accordingly, since he was an inspired servant of God, as consecrated believers we are admonished to heed the instructions contained in his epistles.

The word “finally” in verse 11 implies an advanced stage of Christian development to which we must progress. We should attain unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and humility, and should be striving to exhibit these at all times in our walk. It is important also that we evaluate our motives in life, because, although we are unable to perform perfectly, the Lord judges us largely by our heart’s intent. How thankful we should be to have such a merciful Heavenly Father.