Trials prove that we are faithful:
“We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God“ (vs3-4)
The Lord Jesus bids us to make our election sure by manner of life. Paul calls us here to receive NOT the grace of God in vain. We are not to hear the gospel unprofitably, but we’re to believe unto union with Christ in lifestyle - “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. “ (vs1-2)
He sets forth his own ministry as evidence of his sincerity: if he is real, then he is LIVING that men be reconciled to God, and his example is followed wisely (vs3-4).
God proves us FAITHFUL, not by the ease of life or eloquence of speech, but by the power of His love to CONQUER every trial and fear, producing faithfulness in us - “in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (vs4-10).
If a man’s ministry is true, then be like minded. Receive the minister and minister yourself in newness of life. Old things are passed away, and we have a new way of living that SAVES others and HONORS God thereby - “O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us [loved less], but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (vs12-16)
He will receive you, love you, and show Himself to you MARVELOUSLY, as you do His will. There are SECRETS only known by love - “For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’ Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." (vs16-18)
Bless the Lord’s people and bless yourself by ministering to men.
“We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God“ (vs3-4)
The Lord Jesus bids us to make our election sure by manner of life. Paul calls us here to receive NOT the grace of God in vain. We are not to hear the gospel unprofitably, but we’re to believe unto union with Christ in lifestyle - “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. “ (vs1-2)
He sets forth his own ministry as evidence of his sincerity: if he is real, then he is LIVING that men be reconciled to God, and his example is followed wisely (vs3-4).
God proves us FAITHFUL, not by the ease of life or eloquence of speech, but by the power of His love to CONQUER every trial and fear, producing faithfulness in us - “in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (vs4-10).
If a man’s ministry is true, then be like minded. Receive the minister and minister yourself in newness of life. Old things are passed away, and we have a new way of living that SAVES others and HONORS God thereby - “O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us [loved less], but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (vs12-16)
He will receive you, love you, and show Himself to you MARVELOUSLY, as you do His will. There are SECRETS only known by love - “For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’ Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." (vs16-18)
Bless the Lord’s people and bless yourself by ministering to men.
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