Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 316

November 12;      2 Corinthians 13:11;       162/260(III);        ‘Maturity’

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.   NIV

Paul closes his second letter to the church at Corinth with encouragement for this carnal church that Paul loved so much.  The word ‘perfection’ means maturity or complete.  What will stop carnality in the church?  The congregation growing in the knowledge of the Word and the doing of that knowledge the Word gives them.  Maturity will put them on ‘the same page’ mentally.  God’s love is in them, the Word will renew their mind and get them thinking biblically.  They still have to do what the Word says concerning His love, preferring others and they can.  If they will mature and renew their mind, they will be able to live in peace.  The world, who does not know the Lord Jesus, must have a place to go where Christian people are living biblically.  Love and kindness, peace in reality is an incredible witness to those who are not yet born again.  A church should be an oasis, a powerful ‘advertisement’ for Jesus Christ and becoming a Christian.  Paul gives them the best reason why they should get rid of their bickering and carnality.  The Lord of love and peace will manifest in their lives and in the church powerfully.  Once we are saved, we have the ability to completely change everything about the way we used to live.  Walking in love becomes easier as you refuse not to.  Being a blessing in the church, in whatever way you can, with everyone, will help promote unity and peace.  Know the Word, treat people as Jesus treats you, overlook an offense, change the world.