2 Corinthians 12:20: For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults.
It is a tragic thing when children do not appreciate what their parents do for them. It is also a tragedy when God’s children fail to appreciate what their “spiritual parents” do for them. What is the cause of this lack of appreciation? Paul dealt with it in the next paragraph: lack of consecration (2 Cor. 12:19–21). There were terrible sins in the church, and Paul wanted them judged and put away before he came for his visit. Otherwise, his visit would just be another painful experience.
Some of the church members were probably saying, “If Paul visits us again, he will just create more problems!” Paul made it clear that his desire was to solve problems and strengthen the church. Sins in the church must be faced honestly and dealt with courageously. To “sweep them under the rug” is to make matters worse. Sin in the church is like cancer in the human body: it must be cut out. 1
Personal Application
- Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Why is it important to recognize and confess your sins?
Godly Encouragement
- But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. –Romans 13:14
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
Better to make a provision for the Spirit, if we want to defeat the flesh. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, help me to confess my sins quickly, and to walk in the Spirit consistently.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.