Devoted to Bearing Much Fruit

2 Corinthians 13

A Christian profession of faith must be evidenced by a Christian conduct or action. Dr. Harold Wilmington

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5–6 (ESV)

As Paul planned his trip to Corinth in 2 Corinthians 13, he envisioned the different kinds of people he would meet there, especially since much of what he had heard was quite discouraging. Sin was not only evident but running rampant.

According to Warren Wiersbe,, Paul assumed he would meet those who were disobedient, even disqualified; but he would also meet those who were very devoted to Jesus.

As he imagined, and what we know today, there are some church members that just aren’t saved—they have never been born again—and that is why they create problems. In this passage, Paul urges us to examine our hearts to be sure we are in the faith, explaining what James often proclaimed—our faith should be visible and fruit bearing. I have quoted Andy Stanley many times with the declaration that “faith without feet is just a belief.” The chair most sit in our current culture is directly on either side of the cross. Lost or Saved. Saved meaning they believe; not necessarily surrendered, transformed, or living out the faith by making fishers of men and bearing much fruit, a calling Jesus places on every follower.

We are all called to not just believe; but to trust and be transformed into Christ’s image—mind and heart; not just attend church or praise, but proclaim; and not just learn about Him, but be a disciple that makes disciples—based on the great commission and great commandment.

As Paul planned this trip, he envisioned the indifferent and the disobedient in the first few verses. Why would God’s people want to disobey Him and create problems for Paul and grief for the Lord, not to speak of problems for their church? Disobedient children must be dealt with, and Paul intended to be a faithful and loving father by stating his intentions in the very beginning. On three separate occasions he has called the Corinthians to repentance. Here, he reminds them to continue to walk toward Jesus, surrendered—to walk as a living testimony to the faith, so they would not be disqualified.

Paul’s desire for himself, the Corinthians, and for us is complete devotion.
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:11–14 (ESV)

Those who are completely devoted, bearing much fruit, are the true brothers and sisters in the Lord—the set-apart ones (saints)—the people who love one another and promote the peace and purity of the church. They are the mature ones in the fellowship who encourage spiritual growth, who don’t just believe, but are fishers of men and helping to multiply the Kingdom.

To which group do you belong? Are you just attending church? Are you just sitting on the chair of belief? Or are you developing in the faith by connecting with others, serving in the body and outside the body, growing spiritually by praying, investing in others, and desiring accountability? Are you going into the community to share the Gospel with those who have yet to hear? Are you making disciples that make disciples?

As Paul knew, every local church problem can be solved by being humble and honest and by drawing on the spiritual resources listed in 2 Corinthians 13:14.
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Do you avail yourself of these riches? Are you a part of the problem or a part of the solution?
Today, will you intentionally seek a deeper devotion to Jesus and exhibit a testimony where others will desire to move closer to Jesus?

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