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2 Corinthians 6:1-13
6 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says,
“In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: As Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church unfolds, we’ll learn that they had joyfully received Titus and repented of their rebellion against Paul, centered around one man who the church had since disciplined (2:5-11, 7:5-16). But trouble still lingers. Their continued alliance with a group of false teachers is still a very real threat to their faith. So Paul continues his impassioned plea that they be reconciled to God (and to him as a servant of God). He says, “we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (6:1). The stakes are really that high. To turn against the apostle of Christ is to turn against Christ and to abandon the faith. Paul again commends his own life and ministry, full of suffering, godly virtues, and the power of God to point the Corinthians to him who died and was raised. A cruciform life commends and embodies a crucified savior.
Review & Apply
How do you respond to the fact that we work together with God (6:1) in appealing to others to receive his grace? We are not Apostles, yet we have been sent. How does that hit you?
Paul urgently says, "We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain." How do you understand Paul here? What is the danger?
What does a cross-shaped life look like for us in our day? What might suffering for the sake of Christ look like for a Christian in America? In your own life?
On a human level, commending your life and work by what you suffer is strange. How does Paul understand his suffering? What's the purpose?
What fruit do you see the Spirit producing in your life as you minister to others?
As you read through the contrasting pairs of vv. 8-10, which hidden ways of God do you connect with the most?
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