Instruction
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians was a little tense
when he wrote 2 Corinthians. Because he loved them, he confronted them about
sins which were troubling them in 1 Corinthians. They were deeply sorrowful. In
this letter his purpose is to reassure them. Paul reminds them of the time of
God’s favor (which is “now”) and all that he and his ministry partners have
gone through to get the gospel out into the world. Finally he urges them to
widen their hearts to him and to respond to his love for them. The function of
this section urges them to recognize the Lord’s favor and to open their hearts
to Paul and to be reconciled to him.
Teaching
When it comes to working together with God, there is no
place for our efforts when it comes to our salvation. However, when it comes to
other people’s salvation, Paul said that he worked with Jesus to bring
salvation to those who did not have it. There is a partnership in which God
includes us in his work, and our lives find purpose in joining with Christ to deliver
the gospel.
Paul’s experience teaches us that we can (and will) bear
with much for the sake of the good news of God’s salvation. While he went about
sharing the word of God, he experienced all kinds of struggles. The way that he
endured those difficulties is a great part of his testimony as he shared the
love of Jesus and the hope of his death and resurrection.
Life
How do you feel about suffering for the gospel? Many people
consider suffering to be one of the worst things that can happen to us. How
does Paul speak of his sufferings for the sake of the gospel, though? His
struggles are a key part of how he commended himself to the Corinthians; they were
part of his witness.
When we suffer in any way with peace, patience, a gentle
spirit, hope, and faith that commends us to those who see us. Our suffering
also often provides us a stage from which to share our hope with others. In
this way all of our suffering can be for the gospel because God can use it to
allow us to join in the work of bringing the good news that saves sinners to
those who need to hear it.
Prayer
The theme of this
prayer is Thanksgiving.
Lord Jesus, thank you for suffering for us and for bringing
salvation to us by your suffering. Thank you for put us in a favorable time and
place to hear about your love and to believe in you. Thank you for people, like
Paul, who passed the faith down from generation to generation, often through
pain and difficult toil. Thank you for the struggles of this life that remind
us that this world is not our home. Thank you that those struggles can often
give us entry into other people’s lives to share the hope of your crucifixion
and resurrection with those who do not know you. Thank you that those struggles
can also place us where we can encourage others, even fellow believers. This
truly is the time of your favor and salvation. Thank you for placing me in it
to join in your work of reaching people with your love so that they might be
reconciled through you to the Father by the working of the Spirit. Amen.
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