In 2 Corinthians chapters 10-12, the apostle Paul addresses the accusations and sarcasms that some were speaking against him. There were those who were saying that Paul 's letters were quite bold, but that in person he would be unimpressive. It really was a challenge of his God-given authority in the regions he was called to. Paul assures them that "what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present." (10:11). In other words, he will be just as bold in person as he is in his letters.
The boldness of Paul's letters were for the instruction of the church. Paul wasn't on an ego trip where he vainly wanted everyone to think highly of him. He had a mandate from the Lord to preach the gospel and instruct the churches. He was determined to fulfill his call and purpose in Christ. It was for the benefit of the church, not for Paul's own benefit, that he wrote bold letters of instruction and correction when necessary. Paul tells them, "I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children." (12:14). Paul was as a father to them, sacrificing for their benefit, so they could grow up in Christ.
In Paul's explanation for why he is so bold in his letters, we see a parallel to the Lord's coming. Paul explains the "reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down." (13:10). Paul wanted to give the necessary correction ahead of time in his written letter to them, which was sent before his coming, so that when he came in person he wouldn't have to give severe correction to them. He was giving them time to get things in order, so to speak. In the same way, the Lord Jesus has given us His written word ahead of time, for us to learn from and live by and make the necessary corrections in our lives, so that when He comes again He will not need to be severe with us!
Paul also says, "For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish:" (12:20). In other words, Paul is concerned that when he comes in person he will be disappointed in them--they will not be what he was expecting, and that he would not be what they were expecting. Paralleling this to the Lord's coming, we do not want to disappoint the Lord when He comes because we've failed to follow His Word, and we are not what He would have hoped us to be at His coming. In addition, by not getting to know Him through the Word He's sent us ahead of time, He would not be what we expect when He comes again.
The Lord has given us His Word to prepare us for His coming. By following His Word, we will be found to be all that He hopes for us to be, and He will be to us, all that we hope Him to be! Just as Paul sent his letter ahead of time before his coming, so that his coming would be a time of rejoicing rather than correction, so has the Lord Jesus given us His Word before His coming, for the same purpose--so His coming will be a time of rejoicing!
Of course it's not a dead, lifeless, religious works type of letter. His Word is alive--in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul was the person and personality behind the letter he wrote, Jesus is the One made flesh--the Word of God Himself. We come to know Him, His person and personality, prior to His physical coming, so we can abide in Him and He in us.
Of course it's not a dead, lifeless, religious works type of letter. His Word is alive--in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul was the person and personality behind the letter he wrote, Jesus is the One made flesh--the Word of God Himself. We come to know Him, His person and personality, prior to His physical coming, so we can abide in Him and He in us.
"Now, little children, abide in Him,
so that when He appears,we may have confidence
and not shrink away from Him in shame
at His coming."
1 John 2:28
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