Finally Brethren - 2Cor 13
 “Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). “Finally, brethren…  in conclusion…” This often has no meaning when used by preachers! How often has this simply introduced a second sermon? Often it is understood as ‘it is time to grab our song books’. But here in 2 Corinthians, Paul does end his letter with this phrase. Here he sums up the responsibilities of God’s people.

Be made complete – The original word here is defined by Louw Nida: “to make someone completely adequate or sufficient for something—‘to make adequate, to furnish completely, to cause to be fully qualified, adequacy.” It is from the same root word as used in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:  ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
Be comforted – This has been a constant theme through the letter of 2 Corinthians. God is the God of all comfort, but God uses His people to provide such comfort to each other.
Be Like-minded – While we are at different levels in our knowledge, we can all have the same attitude towards God, towards Christ, towards truth, and towards each other.
Live in peace – God is the God of peace (Rom. 16:20). Peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). We are to pursue peace (Heb. 12:14). We are to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9). To a troubled church like Corinth, this would go a long way in solving most of their problems! It is still needed in churches today!

The promise: The God of love and peace will be with you! God is against those who are against Him, those who refuse to walk in His ways, think His ways, imitate His character. God is WITH those who are with Him: those who are mature in the spiritual being, who are comforted in God’s relationship with them, who have the mind of Christ, who pursue peace. Is God with YOU?

Hugh DeLong