OVM KJV

1This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

This will be the third time he attempts to come back to Corinth.

2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

This letter is as though he is there the second time. His letter is a warning to get things right, he's on his way.

3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

It's Christ that gave Paul strength and it's Christ that will give them strength. It's Christ that gives you strength. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Psalm 105:4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Psalm 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Christ is our strength when we are at our weakest. When you are in His Word everyday, He is growing you into a strong, powerful child of God. Everyday is a blessing, no matter what may come. His spirit is within you and your faith shows your power. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10  9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Stay true to Christ in your DAILY walk. Don't slide back to the ways of the world. Don't say you're a Christian and ignore Christ. A reprobate pretends to be something that they're not.

6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

Paul trusts they are not playing games in the church or with themselves. You have faith in Christ or you're of the worldly fooling yourself. You can't fool God. You believe in Christ Jesus and The Word or you don't. You're a Real Christian or you're not. There isn't a middle or gray area.

7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

You can put on a great show in the eyes of the church, but without faith in Christ your actions and belief is void to God. You can't fool God.

8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

Faith brings us through it all. When we live in The Truth, we live in power.

9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

What kind of person are you? …  Now, what kind of Christian are you? Our faith gives us strength and and perfects us.

10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

Paul had to be bold with them at times. It wasn't to hurt them but correct them. He started the church in Corinth and he wasn't about to see it destroyed by evil people or changed by satans tricks. It's all about Christ and the gift of salvation, love, Truth and power. We have been given such a blessing and Paul didn't want to see it wasted. The world is wasting it, we are not. When you see someone on fire, do you not try to put them out? The worlds on fire people. Get The Word out †

11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

The Truth directs us in The Way we should go. Seek perfection in The Word, in it is peace of mind.

12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

13 All the saints salute you.

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen