2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
“Working together with Him, we strongly urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” -2 Corinthians 6:1 [Amp]
In our text, we are introduced to a Messenger and the Message of Christ he proclaims and the challenges he had to face when presenting this message to a dying world. Paul was able to face all these challenges because he clearly knew as stated in v.1 that he was a “co-worker” with Jesus Christ. Knowing he was never alone and deeply touched by the love of the One who called Him, Paul’s one and only desire was that all men everywhere should meet this Saviour he had met. Hence he was willing to plead and suffer much, so that they could hear this message.
In today’s reading we will hear the message Paul proclaimed and also catch a glimpse into his life as a messenger of Christ.
WHAT IS THIS GREAT MESSAGE PROCLAIMED?
BE SAVED BY HIS GRACE – (V.2) Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
This is the call to the world even now, to the multitudes who are yet to receive the help God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ. This is GRACE- undeserved favour! As Acts 4:12 [MSG] says “Salvation comes in no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one”—Jesus, who will save us from our sins (Matt.1:21). Even as people across the world try to find salvation by their own effort and other means, we constantly hear the voices of unnamed men and women of God cry out: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.” (Acts 3:19-20). Have you heeded this message and received the help the Saviour offers? If not, now is the time –BE SAVED! His return is very much at hand!
WHAT PRICE DID THE MESSENGER PAY TO PROCLAIM THIS WONDERFUL MESSAGE?
Great Hardships –(Vs 4&5) The pages of Christian history is marked by multitudes of men and women who have willingly suffered for the sake of Christ as they proclaimed His love to a dying world. Their love for Christ surpassed their love for self! Be it facing oppression from local authorities or physical challenges, they were willing to lay down their lives so that the TRUTH they believed would deliver their hearers living in darkness. Paul was no stranger to this.
WHAT PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS DID THE MESSENGER POSSESS?
Blameless Minister (Vs 6&7)– In these verses Paul commends himself and his fellow labourers as ministers of God not only because of all that they had suffered but also because of the moral character they possessed. Their lives proved that they lived in the power of God, with the fruit of the Holy Spirit clearly visible in them. God’s standards have not changed over the years when it comes to the character of His co-workers. Can this be said of us who labour with the Lord in His Kingdom?
WHAT WERE THE RESPONSES TO THESE MESSENGERS?
Different views (Vs 8&9)
The world’s view on God’s messengers – dishonour, evil report, deceivers, unknown, dying, chastened, sorrowful, poor, having nothing. The world’s view hasn’t changed to this day!
God’s views on His workers – honour , good report, true, well known, living, not killed, always rejoicing , making many rich, possessing all things .
Though the world’s view is apparent, making their conclusions by what they see, there is a realm that is unseen—God’s views which also is correct. But what matters here for workers in the Kingdom of God is -which of these views is more important?
Even as we face all these challenges, as people of God in the mission field or the market place, may we never dilute the Truth that we preach or compromise in our lives because of public opinion or pressure.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: Be firm and stand true to God, because in the end we are accountable only to HIM.
Listen: 'A few good men'