Weak Together, Strong in Christ

Final Warnings

This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by theevidence of two or three witnesses. I warned those who sinned before and all the others,and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I comeagain I will not spare them— since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is notweak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness,but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we willlive with him by the power of God.

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you notrealize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meetthe test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God thatyou may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may dowhat is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against thetruth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Yourrestoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away fromyou, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lordhas given me for building up and not for tearing down.

Final Greetings

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with oneanother, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one anotherwith 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 HolySpirit be with you all.