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A Church Marked by Sincere Love (1 Corinthians 16:20-24)

THE SETTING OF THE SIGNOFF

1. First Corinthians was written to a church with many problems
2. Yet, Paul closes with warmth, warning, longing, grace and love
3. The ending especially connects with some major themes of the book:

• Their need for unity
• Their need for love
• Their need to honor Christ above self
• Their need to live in view of the Lord’s coming
• Their need to receive grace and show grace

1. Paul closes 1 Corinthians by showing that a church corrected by the gospel must become a church marked by sincere love

THE SUBSTANCE OF THE SIGNOFF

1. The Church That Reflects Christ Shows Affectionate Love for One Another
2. The Church That Reflects Christ Submits to Apostolic Authority
3. The Church That Reflects Christ Loves the Lord Jesus Supremely and Affectionately
4. The Church That Reflects Christ Longs for the Lord’s Coming
5. The Church That Reflects Christ Lives in Grace and Love

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SIGNOFF

1. Do we show sincere affection for one another?
2. Do we submit to the authority of Christ’s apostles?
3. Do we love the Lord Jesus supremely and affectionately?
4. Do we long for His coming?
5. Do we love all brethren in Christ?

A Church Made Whole by God’s Grace (2 Corinthians 13:11-14)

THE SETTING OF THE SIGNOFF

1. Second Corinthians is one of Paul’s most personal letters
2. Paul had been wounded by some in Corinth, but his desire was their wholeness in Christ
3. The ending also connects with major themes of the book:

• God comforts His people so they may comfort others
• Weakness can display Christ’s strength
• Reconciliation matters
• Holiness matters
• Apostolic authority is for edification
• The church must be restored to spiritual health

1. Paul closes by calling a wounded and troubled church to become whole

THE SUBSTANCE OF THE SIGNOFF

1. The Church That Reflects Christ Rejoices in the Lord
2. The Church That Reflects Christ Pursues Spiritual Wholeness Before God
3. The Church That Reflects Christ Receives and Gives Comfort
4. The Church That Reflects Christ Pursues Unity and Peace
5. The Church That Reflects Christ Shows Genuine Fellowship
6. The Church That Reflects Christ Lives Under the Blessing of the Triune God

• “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ”
• “The love of God”
• “The communion of the Holy Spirit”
• “be with you all”

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SIGNOFF

1. Are we pursuing spiritual wholeness and maturity?
2. Are we giving comfort as people who have received comfort?
3. Are we of one mind in the truth?
4. Are we living in peace with one another?
5. Are we depending on the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit?