Daily Bible Plan

13 October 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Kingdom of God / 2 Corinthians 13:1–11

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

Theme: The Kingdom of God – A Call to Examine Ourselves

💬 Introduction

Hey Church! 🙌

I’m super excited today because we’ve come to the final chapter of our Kingdom of God series through the book of 2 Corinthians! We’ve now completed about 80% of Paul’s letters together — what a journey of spiritual discovery! 🎉 Congratulations to all the faithful and consistent readers who have stayed with us. You have truly shown hunger for God’s Kingdom truth.

As we conclude this letter today, Paul gives his final words to the Corinthian church — and they’re powerful! He speaks about accountability, humility, and spiritual maturity — key traits of every Kingdom citizen.

📖 Verses 1–4 – The Call to Accountability

“This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, ‘The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses’). I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them.”

— 2 Corinthians 13:1–2 (NLT)

🕊 Kingdom Insight:

Paul writes as a spiritual father — one who loves deeply but corrects boldly. He reminds the believers that in the Kingdom of God, everything must be done in truth and order.

Paul’s words — “I will not spare them” — may sound harsh, but in reality, they are an act of love through correction.

“For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”

— Proverbs 3:12 (NLT)

But in our generation, many people want to be praised, not corrected. Correction makes fools angry —

“Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.”

— Proverbs 15:5 (NLT)

Paul refused to tolerate intentional sin because he knew sin destroys the power and purity of the church. Today, when churches or leaders confront wrong behavior, people quickly say, “You’re being judgmental!” But Paul reminds us that true love warns, guides, and protects.

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.”

— 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)

Beloved, if we are not producing the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23) — then it’s time to examine our faith.

Paul once asked, “Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?” (1 Corinthians 4:21 NLT).

Can a pastor say that today and people receive it in humility?

Sadly, many believers have lost the fear of God. They want grace without repentance — to flirt with sin and still expect daily forgiveness without true change. But the Bible reminds us:

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.”

— Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)

Correction in God’s Kingdom is never rejection — it is protection. It guards your soul and prepares you for your purpose.

📖 Verses 5–8 – Examine Yourselves

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.”

— 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT)

🕊 Kingdom Insight:

Paul turns their attention inward. Instead of pointing fingers, he says — “Examine yourselves.”

In the Kingdom of God, self-examination is a spiritual practice. We are called to test whether Christ truly rules in our hearts.

Ask yourself:

• Am I walking by the Spirit or by my emotions?

• Do I still hunger for holiness and truth?

• Does my life reflect the character of Jesus?

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

— Galatians 5:25 (NLT)

Paul wasn’t looking for perfection but authenticity. A genuine believer doesn’t just talk about faith — they live it.

📖 Verses 9–11 – Aim for Restoration and Peace

“We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature. Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”

— 2 Corinthians 13:9,11 (NLT)

🕊 Kingdom Insight:

Paul’s heart was not to destroy but to restore. Every correction and warning he gave had one goal — to build up the church, not tear it down.

He ends with a loving call: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage one another. Live in peace.

That’s how the God of love and peace stays among His people.

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

— Matthew 5:9 (NLT)

A mature church is one that welcomes truth, embraces correction, and walks in unity.

📖 Chair Time

Now open your physical Bibles, find a quiet space, and read 2 Corinthians 13:1–11 (NLT) slowly and prayerfully.

Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about where you need to grow in humility, endurance, and grace.

Ask yourself:

• Am I truly living in the faith?

• Do I welcome correction or resist it?

• Is Jesus Christ truly ruling in my thoughts, words, and lifestyle?

🙏 Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me through this powerful journey in 2 Corinthians.

Thank You for Your Word that corrects, shapes, and renews me.

Lord, help me to walk in humility and truth.

Teach me to welcome correction and grow in maturity.

Let my life bear the fruits of the Spirit, and let my heart always stay aligned with Your Kingdom.

May the God of love and peace always be with me.

In Jesus’ mighty name — Amen! 🙏

Blessings,

Reverend Joseph Antwi