2 Corinthians 7-13: Aim For Perfection

Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth might be summed up by his admission towards the end: For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be.- 2 Cor. 12:20 NIV

This is not the first time he has written to the Corinthians. He has written at least two and possibly three other letters, although only one other is included in the New Testament.  Paul loved the church at Corinth.  That is where he met Priscilla and Aquila and he stayed and worked with them for a while in Corinth.  It was because of his close relationship with the church in Corinth that he was grieved when he heard about all of the quarrelling, division and sexual immorality that had taken place within the church there.  In First Corinthians, Paul addressed all of his concerns.  Now Paul is sending Titus to the church and planning another visit, which will be his third, to Corinth. 

Make room for us in your hearts, Paul tells the Corinthians.  He is not apologizing for his severe warnings in his earlier letters,  Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. - 2 Cor. 7:8-10 NIV 

Now Paul, having received word that they had changed their ways as the result of his letters, reminds them of a promise they made concerning gifts to the ministry and encourages them to sow generously.  Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (2 Cor.9:6 NIV) and defends his ministry to any who are only looking at the superficial.  We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise...But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.  (2 Cor. 10:12-18 NIV)

Paul is holding the Corinthian church to a high standard and wants them to know that he is trying to live up to that standard himself.  When he comes to them, will he see that in them and will they see the same in him?  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. - 2 Cor. 13:11 NIV

'Hear me out,' he says.  Paul loved the Corinthians, he knew their temptations and their promise.  He knew there was a higher calling, one he was trying to achieve himself.  Aim for perfection.  That's what he was looking for in the Corinthian church.  That they aim for perfection.