Paul's final prayer in his second letter to the Church at Corinth

Paul's prayer in 2 Corinthians 13:14 is this: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

This is the only time Paul concludes a letter with this Trinitarian doxology.

In his commentary on 2 Corinthians published in 2003, MacArthur states: "The love of God the Father caused Him to plan redemption and choose those who would be saved (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8-10). It was through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in dying as a sacrifice for sins that salvation was effected for the redeemed (Rom. 5:6; 1 Cor. 15:3; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:2). As a result of salvation, believers are ushered into the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, as He indwells them (Rom. 8:9,11; 1 Cor. 6:19; Gal. 6:9) and places them into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13)" (pages 488-489).

For a more comprehensive unpacking of this verse, read chapter 9 of A. W. Pink's The Ability of God (formerly published as Gleanings from Paul).

Revisiting 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 one more time

"So to keep me from being conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger from Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that is should leave me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

This can be so familiar that we skip over it going, "Yes, right." Pay attention. Don't miss the powerful personal here. Paul says twice, "To keep me from being conceited"; then in verses 9 and 10, "the power of Christ" connection to "for the sake of Christ." Paul is also content not only with weaknesses, but also insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. Why? He understood what God means by His grace being sufficient and His power being made perfect in weakness. May we grasp the same truth, for the sake of Christ.

Strength and Weakness [repost]

Have you ever wondered why a positive experience is often followed by great difficulty? Hear what Paul has said: "So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me, But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities, for when I am weak, then I am strong."
So don't just put up with difficulties, as long as you know they aren't from undealt with sin; don't just sigh, celebrate. Boast in God's strength and be content with your own weaknesses.

Grappling with Glory (based on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

If I must glory in what is mine,
Then I must glory in
What I cannot do
Apart from You,
In what I cannot be
Except You enable me.
If I am to boast,
Let it be of You,
And what You are,
And what You do.
If my strength is made perfect in
My weaknesses, then
May they be enough to humble
My pride in self and yet strengthen
My pride in You.