Paul is writing to people he cares deeply about. He helped to establish the church in Corinth and led many people there to faith in Christ. Now he seems concerned that some among them have not fully embraced faith in Christ. They have heard the clear message of the gospel from him. This may be due to a continued association with idol worship. It may also be because of false teachers among them. These false teachers are distorting the gospel of Jesus and accusing Paul of being a false apostle.
6 Working together with him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive the grace of God in vain.” 2 For he says:
At an acceptable time I listened to you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Working together with him
In verse 2, we encounter the beautiful truth that Jesus bore our sins. He took them upon Himself for our sake! Through His magnificent sacrifice, Christ reconciled us with God. He also entrusted us with the incredible ministry of reconciliation! What an extraordinary privilege it is to “work together with Him!” This vital reminder fills our hearts with awe. No matter how eloquently we speak or how persuasive we may be, true salvation cannot emerge from our own efforts. Only God can transform hearts and ignite the flames of spiritual rebirth. That sacred work belongs solely to Him!
And yet, He demands our active engagement! We cannot afford to be Christian couch potatoes, complacently waiting for miracles to happen. The profound truth that Christ transforms hearts should ignite a fire within us. It compels us to pour our hearts and souls into passionately sharing the gospel with every fiber of our being.
We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain
Receiving the grace of God in vain can resonate deeply within the hearts of individuals in the broader church community. These souls, though surrounded by the light of faith, may find themselves misled or, tragically, never truly saved. They experience the magnificent grace of God merely by being part of this vibrant community of believers. They witness God answering prayers with breathtaking results. They are inspired by powerful testimonies and are encouraged by the fellowship of Christian friends. They receive the transformative true Word and savor the abundant blessings that flow from the faithful around them. Yet, amidst this vibrant tapestry of faith, a startling reality exists. The majority of this group encounter the riches of grace. Despite this, they may never arrive at the life-changing experience of true salvation.
It is similar to the case in Hebrews 6.
4 For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, 6 and who have fallen away. This is because,[a] to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding him up to contempt.
Hebrews 6:4-6
An unbeliever can truly taste the unmatched heavenly gift and feel the extraordinary goodness of the word of God. He can even receive abundant grace from the Almighty. Yet, all these blessings are meaningless. The individual must genuinely repent and fully embrace the transformative power of the gospel. Take a moment to evaluate your own spiritual condition! Are you merely attending church out of habit, sticking to tradition because it’s what you’ve always done? Have you earnestly turned away from your sins and placed your unwavering trust in Jesus? Being a “good” person is not enough to save you. Simply showing up at church or reading the Bible won’t suffice. It’s time to delve deeper into your faith!
Now is the day of salvation
Now is the moment of destiny! The call for all those hesitating is loud and urgent. Don’t wait another second! Satan uses cunning strategies to block souls from entering the glorious kingdom of God. One method is to sow the seeds of delay. He lures people into postponement with these insidious thoughts:
- You have plenty of time. What’s the rush?
- Enjoy yourself first. Taste what the world has to offer. Satisfy your curiosity. There is always time to come to God to repent later. After all, doesn’t God forgive?
- It is a tough decision. Is God really there? Is He real? Maybe you should wait to see a sign before fully committing.
- You are not really good enough to be a follower of Jesus now. Your life is a mess. Get your life in order first and then you can be worthy enough to come to God.
- It’s good to follow God. Just do it tomorrow.
God’s message in response to these temptations resonates with urgency: today is the day of salvation! This very moment is the ultimate opportunity! There is no more perfect time to repent and embrace a life devoted to God than right now. Tomorrow is a fleeting promise, shrouded in uncertainty. You cannot predict whether you will have the chance to seek God in the days ahead. In an instant, a heart attack, a brain aneurysm, or a stroke could strike without warning. Every new dawn is not a guarantee; seize your chance while you can!
And the longer a person delays, the more their heart hardens, making it increasingly difficult to turn to God. Bad habits sink deeper roots, and pride swells relentlessly. Never assume you’ll possess a tender heart or the willingness to repent when the time suits you. Even if you could promise that ten years from now, you’d be ready to embrace the divine, let me tell you. Wasting ten precious years is a tragic squandering of your life!
One day, you step into the store, searching for a candle that ignites your spirit. One candle has been mostly consumed. Its stub is barely clinging to life. The other is vibrant and untouched. It promises hours of brilliant flame. Which one captures your heart? Naturally, you would reach for the brand new candle, drawn to its potential to burn brighter and longer. In life, just as with candles, arriving to God early is paramount. The sooner we embrace Him, the more radiant our flames can shine for His glory. To live without God is to wander in darkness, drowning in feelings of loss, waste, guilt, and shame. Let’s ignite our lives with His presence and light the path ahead!
Today is the day of salvation! Don’t hesitate—trust in Jesus with all your heart! Don’t hold back from serving Him. Perhaps you feel a burning call to a specific mission or ministry that’s been laid on your heart. Have you been yearning to start a Bible study? Do you want to share the life-changing gospel with a friend? Or perhaps you wish to write that Christian book that could inspire countless others? Why wait any longer? The time is now—a magnificent opportunity awaits! Seize it while you still can! Ask yourself, what is one precious thing you’ve been putting off that you ought to do for God?
Cross References:
- Isaiah 49:8
- Romans 13:11
- John 9:4
- Proverbs 1:32
Reflective Questions:
- Who is the “him” in verse 1?
- How do we work together with Christ in the ministry of reconciliation?
- What would it look like if someone received the grace of God in vain?
- Why is it important to know that now is the day of salvation? What does that mean?
- How might people act differently if they knew that there wasn’t another chance in the future?
- How should this urgency affect us as we are responsible for sharing the gospel?
3 We are not giving anyone an occasion for offense, so that the ministry will not be blamed. 4 Instead, as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties, 5 by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger, 6 by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God; through weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,
2 Corinthians 6:3-7
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way
There are already many obstacles in the way for people to come to Christ. These include pride, Satan, the world’s system, and love of sin. Ministers of reconciliation should not add unnecessary ones! False teachers do sometimes put obstacles in the way for people to come to faith.
One of the most misleading teachings is works-based salvation. It is a burdensome doctrine that insists people must earn their salvation through their deeds. This profound misunderstanding tarnishes the purity of the gospel. It also weighs down sincere hearts with an unbearable load. The early church was plagued by false teachers who perpetuated this error, demanding circumcision and adherence to Old Testament laws. Such an approach adds unnecessary requirements to the gospel. It chains believers to mere human traditions. They truly need liberating grace!
Other times, ministers inadvertently place stumbling blocks in people’s paths. All too often, it’s their own sin or lackluster testimony that does the damage. Individuals cry out “hypocrites” or allege that Christians lack love, and in their disillusionment, they turn away from the gospel. While Christ inevitably offends (1 Peter 2:8), let us not add to that burden with our own attitudes! Be vigilant not to dilute or distort the gospel message. Instead, strive earnestly to uphold a righteous testimony. This effort will draw people to the Lord. It will ignite hearts with hope and faith.
We commend ourselves in every way
Paul felt an intense passion to commend himself and his team to the Corinthians. We have witnessed this throughout 2 Corinthians. He fervently countered the false teacher’s accusations against them. He was driven by a deep conviction. He believed their credibility was intrinsically linked to the gospel’s power in the hearts of the people. In essence, if the Corinthians placed their trust in the messenger, they would wholeheartedly embrace the message. If they honored the messenger, they would naturally honor the profound truth of the message.
The difficulties of the work
Paul fervently enumerates the myriad challenges they encountered while bringing the transformative gospel to the Corinthians and beyond. He aims to ignite within the Corinthians a renewed sense of purpose. He wants to awaken a profound appreciation for the gospel message. He seeks to kindle an unwavering desire to live by its truth. Moreover, by witnessing the trials Paul endured, they are empowered. They can brace themselves for similar obstacles when they embark on their own journeys of sharing the faith.
The list Paul shares serves as a powerful reminder. Serving as a minister of the gospel is a profoundly challenging journey. It demands unwavering commitment and tireless effort. Those who answer this divine call will undoubtedly encounter formidable obstacles along the way. Yet, it’s crucial to understand that with great purpose comes great sacrifice. Many of these challenges could easily be sidestepped by not engaging in God’s sacred work. However, the true calling ignites a fire within. It urges us to persevere despite the cost.
If you crave a life filled with ease, then turn your gaze elsewhere. If you seek the fleeting affirmation and applause of men, look beyond these words. If your heart longs for pleasure and the safety of worldly possessions, then venture further. But if your soul yearns for a life that is abundant and extraordinary, you have found it. This life touches and transforms others for eternity. There is no life more overflowing with richness than one lived in total devotion to God. There is no existence more profound than one dedicated to reconciling hearts to Him.
Are you willing to pay the cost? And if so, when will you start?
The attitude toward the work
In verses 6-7, we see the correct attitude of those who are ministers of the gospel. Each one of these is so important.
- Purity – Countless ministries have faced turmoil. This is because leaders allowed temptation to creep in. They lowered their standards and abused their authority. Ministers of the gospel must fiercely uphold absolute purity in thought. They must also act with absolute purity towards those they serve. True transformation occurs through unwavering integrity!
- Knowledge – Speak only on what you truly understand! You must grasp the profound meaning of the word. Understand the genuine gospel to fervently and accurately divide the word of truth!
- Patience – The fruit of our labor grows at its own pace, often slower than we desire. The dedicated farmer knows that nurturing crops takes time. Just like the seasons change, we must also wait with fervor and hope for the harvest. In the ministry, we are called to embrace the richness of patience when supporting others. Our fellow souls may carry burdens that weigh heavily. They might present challenges that test our resolve. Their personalities may seem to clash with ours. Yet, it is through this tapestry of human experience that we find our greatest strength. We must endure with patience. We should also thrive in our patience. Doing so is the greatest testament to our love and commitment to serve.
- Kindness – Love is a radiant force, gentle and tender. Let your heart overflow with kindness. Embody thoughtfulness. Extend caring hands to those you serve. Jesus exemplified profound compassion.
- The Holy Spirit – Without His divine presence, your ministry is like a ship without a compass. He is the transformative power that breathes life into weary souls. In the midst of sleepless nights and relentless trials, He is the unwavering strength that upholds you. It is through His anointing that your words become vessels of life, igniting hearts and setting the spirit ablaze!
- Genuine love – As articulated in 1 Corinthians 13, without the fervor of love, all the ministry in the world becomes mere noise. It sounds like a clanging cymbal or a resounding gong. Love is a powerful force. It envelops a multitude of sins. It ignites our spirits to persevere even in the most challenging times. It fuels our dedication, pushing us to keep working tirelessly, no matter the obstacles we face.
- Truthful speech – We must commit to delivering the unvarnished truth! Candy coating the gospel serves no one; it dilutes the powerful message we are called to share. Wise counsel is rooted in truth, and we are compelled to speak the truth in love, boldly and passionately.
The power of God – We are not in this battle alone! We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Almighty, working hand in hand with Him. A ministry lacking God’s power is destined to fail; it won’t have the transformative impact we desire. Remember, the gospel is nothing less than the power of God Himself (Romans 1:16)! - With weapons of righteousness – God empowers us with formidable weapons to stand firm in His name! We are adorned with spiritual armor and wield the mighty sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6). He launches us into battle, fully equipped and ready to triumph over every challenge that comes our way!
(See The Full Armor of God)
Embrace this list with fervor and reflect on whether any aspects are absent from your life. If you find something missing, pour your heart into prayer, asking God to invigorate you in that area. Stay acutely aware of this as you move forward, ardently praying for God to fortify you during your moments of weakness.
Cross-References
- 1 Peter 2:8
- 1 Corinthians 9:19
- John 16:33
- James 1:12
- 1 Peter 5:10
- Romans 12:12 – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Reflective Questions:
- What is an obstacle that some ministers may intentionally put in someone’s way to receive the gospel?
- What are some unintentional gospels?
- Why does Paul again commend himself (4)?
- What does this list of difficulties teach you about doing the ministry of reconciliation?
- How can you be better prepared for facing these or other difficulties?
- What quality did they need to go through all of these challenges?
- How might God work to build up your endurance? How can you work to build up your endurance?
- In verses 6-7, what qualities did they need as they ministered for the gospel?
- Pick one and explain why it is essential for servants of God sharing the good news.
- Share a difficulty you have experienced as a result of serving God.
8 through glory and dishonor, through slander and good report; regarded as deceivers, yet true; 9 as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see—we live; as being disciplined, yet not killed; 10 as grieving, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
2 Corinthians 6:8-10
The irony of serving God
Many of the items in the following list reveal the profound irony of God’s design. He ingeniously crafted the universe in ways that truly perplex the wise. For instance, the ultimate joy comes not from chasing after our own desires but from selfless acts. It’s far more blessed to give than to receive. Honor and recognition delightfully come to those who least seek them. Then there’s that striking moment in Esther when Haman faces his own demise on the gallows he constructed for Mordecai. Serving God may mean embracing a life of obscurity and hardship, but take heart! God sees every struggle and is perpetually in the business of turning our narratives upside down.
Potential pitfalls
Some of the things Paul mentions could discourage or hinder ministers from doing the work:
- Honor/praise – A leader engulfed in honor may find themselves soaring high on the wings of pride. In the intoxicating glow of accolades, the temptation to seek even greater recognition can become overwhelming. This can lead to the perilous abuse of their esteemed position.
- Dishonor/Slander – A devoted servant of God deserves recognition and gratitude for their unwavering commitment! Yet, when faced with dishonor and slander, it can shatter their spirit and tempt them to abandon their noble path. Such injustice not only discourages the faithful but also undermines the very essence of their selfless mission!
Be encouraged by the truth
It is undeniably true that the world may seek to dishonor you. They may slander your name, they may persecute your spirit. You might endure affliction, and traverse life in poverty, branded by those around you as a failure. But remember, they gaze through a distorted lens; their perception is a grotesque illusion, a wicked charade nourished by deceit.
God’s perspective is the ultimate truth! When you serve Him, He stands firmly by your side. You might appear poor in this world. In God’s kingdom, you are profoundly rich. You are a treasured recipient of His boundless blessings (Ephesians 1). Even if you face persecution, God’s loving hands securely hold your life. It will not end a single moment before He allows it. You might seem insignificant to your neighbors or family, but to God, you are cherished and known intimately. He knows your name (Isaiah 43:1) and counts the very hairs on your head (Luke 12:7). Yes, afflictions may come your way. In Him, you can still find a reason to rejoice with all your heart!
God is infinitely good, and His plan for you is extraordinary! When you wholeheartedly dedicate yourself to serving Him, He makes a promise. He will bless you with a life that is not only fulfilling but also brimming with purpose. He will empower your ministry, making it abundantly fruitful, radiating His love and grace through all you do!
Cross-References:
- Proverbs 11:28
- Ephesians 1:7-8
- Romans 5:3-4
Reflective Questions:
- What is the danger of facing honor as a minister of the gospel?
- What is the danger of facing dishonor?
- How might slander discourage someone from doing the work?
- How might praise adversely affect them?
- What does Paul mean “as unknown and yet well known?”
- What kind of sorrows may Paul have faced? How can you rejoice in the midst of sorrows?
- How do believers possess everything?
- How can remembering these truths give you endurance in the face of similar hardships?
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