Grace, Love, and Fellowship | 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Sermon Recap & Discussion Questions
Throughout scripture, the Trinity demonstrates to us that each person of the Godhead participates in mutual, voluntary submission to one another in order to accomplish our redemption.
I. Grace of Christ
One of the problems in the church of Corinth was pride. Jesus’ grace takes away any source of pride we may have, because, although he is God, he made himself like us in order to save us.
A. Aim for Perfection:
Though this church caused Paul more problems than any other church he dealt with, he chose not to love them as they were but as they would be in Christ. In other words, aiming for perfection simply. Means aiming for that which Christ has already accomplished for us.
B. Accept Encouragement:
Realizing God’s grace to us despite our persistent failings will encourage us not to remain in our guilt and shame but to have joy.
II. Love of God
Perhaps Paul mentions the grace of Christ before the love of God because it is through Christ’s grace to us that God’s love is most effectively demonstrated. Jesus is the eternal symbol of God’s love for us.
A. One Mind
Being of one mind does not entail unity at all costs. It entails unity with regard to love and devotion to the Word over and above personal preference.
B. Peace
There is not a problem in life that would not be solved or put in proper perspective if we truly believed God loves us.
III. Fellowship of the Holy Spirit
It was by the agency, the encouragement, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit that Christ was enabled to fulfill his role as our Mediator (He. 9:14). Now the Spirit’s function is to take all that Christ accomplished for us and apply it to us.
A. Holy Kiss:
The principle behind this command is a proactive demonstration of a desire for Christian fellowship.
B. Greet all the Saints:
The Spirit’s task is to carry out Jesus’ prayer that we would all be one even as he and the Father are one (Jn. 17).
Discussion Questions
- How does the grace of Christ root out pride in us? How does the grace of Christ root out perfectionism in us? How does the grace of Christ root out our impatience with other people’s failings?
- How does the function of each person of the Trinity help you even more fully understand God’s love for you?
- How can you proactively demonstrate your love for a brother or sister in Christ this week?
Going Deeper
- How often do you consciously pray to all persons of the Trinity in your prayers?
- Are there any particular problems in your life right now that would be solved or put in their proper perspective by a realization God’s love? If so, how?