2Corinthians 6

2 Cor 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Why is it always about our or "my" desires when we come to God? A radio minister said this: "How many would serve God just because HE IS, and not because we want something from Him? The fact is that through grace we are children of God, son's of the most high God, this relationship will bring all of God's riches as our inheritance. Now we witness to others, regardless of what they say, we are a royal people. Let us be good ambassadors for our Lord.

[Isaiah 49:8]

It seems that people do not want to be committed or accountable to God. Some say they seek him, but when Jesus is mentioned, they are offended. Now is the time of salvation and Jesus is the way.

It is shameful vanity to give offense if we say we serve God. If He is master, why do some live as the world and speak words that are not of the Lord? We cannot serve two masters and we cannot make God over to our liking. He has made the way available to Him through his Son Jesus. You can't come to God but through his Son. If this offends you, you are of another spirit and you have believed a lie.

Do you ever wonder what God thinks of his creation? Those who say they love him and yet ignor him, go their own prideful way, making the name of Jesus a reproach in the world by their lifestyle?

Psa 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psa 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Psa 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

Psa 8:9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

The grace of God : unmerited favor through our trust in Jesus.

2 Cor 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

In all things commending ourselves, not for our cleverness but as ministers of God, using his word and guided by his spirit. In the spiritual fruit of patience in:

Afflictions, troubles of flesh or antagonisms of persons.

Necessities, in distress or pain.

Distresses, anguish, sorrow and emotional pain.

1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1 Pet 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2Cor 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

Jesus and Paul both received all of these things.

In stripes, blows wounds and whippings.

1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

In tumults, commotion and confusion, we endure.

2 Tim 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

In labours, toil resulting in weariness

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

I found a long time minister friend working in a 7/11 store to earn extra money. He was dedicated to preaching but had a large family to support. Are you supporting your local church?

In watchings, sleeplessness,

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
Luke 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

If you can't sleep, it is time to pray.

In fastings, a time of denying the flesh and seeking the Lord, usually for direction or a need.

If you are going through any of these things, seek God, his grace will keep you strong in him. Another good action is to seek someone else with a problem, help them and the flow of God's spirit will refresh you both.

Ministering in the Spirit

2 Cor 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

By pureness, made pure by Jesus and walking in newness of life free of defilement

2 Tim 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

By knowledge, Knowledge from God from the Bible and His Spirit of truth.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.

By long-suffering, patient, long tempered, enduring

Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

Remember this, God is perfectly just. Salvation is for all who will receive. God is also not limited in knowledge, he knows who will respond to His call. God is loving, he is not willing that any should perish. But, God has given us a free will to choose. If we choose another way, we are responsible for that choice, God has gifted man with choices. We are not forced to serve him, nor are we created to be destroyed. His grace is for any who will receive through faith in Jesus.

By kindness, goodness of heart, Jesus in your heart acting from a heart of love for another.

Sometimes kindness is not returned, yet what a precious gift. I have known dear saints of God that were known for their kindness.

Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Eph 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

By the Holy Ghost, the same word for wind or breath. The breath of God, the comforter, the grace of God for ministry.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Who God has called and those who have have been chosen through trusting in Jesus, he has equipped in the inner man by His Spirit to accomplish what he has sent them to do. Our part is to obey, as Isaiah said to the LORD at his calling:

"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." (Isa 6:8)

Ministers of truth and power

2 Cor 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

"By the word of truth," the word of God, the logos word. Jesus is the living word. When we speak the word by the spirit of God, it is the rhema word.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.

2 Cor 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Cor 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

"By the power of God," the Holy Spirit is the power of God on earth

Eph 1:13 In whom (Jesus) ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

"By the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left," the shield of faith and the sword of truth. The shield as a protection from the enemy and the sword of the word as an offensive weapon.

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

2 Cor 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report

John 8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Ministers from the heart

2 Cor 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

Here we have two viewpoints; the viewpoint of the world and the viewpoint of God towards his servants.

"As unknown, and yet well known," the world recognizes it's own. The world looks at power, wealth, beauty as desirable. Jesus spoke of the world's view;

Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

The Lord looks at the heart that serves him in obedience. Samuel was sent to anoint a new king. God gave him advice;

1 Sam 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

That which is in the heart, is what is valued. Jesus is in the heart of his servants.

"as dying, and, behold, we live;"

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

We are never without hope, in Jesus is eternal hope and life. He is our guide and our strength. He answers our prayers and delivers the captives. We are free in Christ Jesus. Look beyond the problems of life to the answer to all problems, our Lord Jesus.

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

"as chastened, and not killed;"

2Cor 12:5 (NIV) And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.

Receive hardships as from the Lord who loves you. Perhaps he is leading us through difficulties for his purpose in our lives. Who knows the mind of God? Study his word and you will stay in the light. Trust and obey and you will see the blessings of the Lord, your Father loves you.

1 Cor 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
1 Cor 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Ministering in Kingdom Riches

2 Cor 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

"As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;

John 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

"as poor, yet making many rich;

James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

"as having nothing, and yet possessing all things;

Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Rom 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

1 Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

We are blessed beyond measure with the Spirit of God. Let us serve Jesus with a whole heart. Our Father seeks worship and obedience, it is no time to loose faith. Even if the world shall dissolve, we will be in God's hand. Let us hold tight and not allow the enemy to control our thoughts. Hold on and see the deliverance of the LORD.For by his grace we are saved and given victory over all circumstances.

Affection

2 Cor 6:11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

Paul speaks of his love and affection as their teacher and spiritual father. A father loves his children and loves to share good things with his family. He had poured out his heart giving God's word to them, what will be their response? How easy it is to look elsewhere, to look at lives problems or another speaker with a different message, perhaps telling them pleasant words. Will we hear God and receive whatever comes our way without wavering in faith? Who will we follow?

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Afflictions and problems and fighting the spiritual battles will continue until Jesus returns. The fight will get harder as the time approaches. Perhaps we receive hard things to prepare us to endure in the end times. Pray to God without stopping, praise him.

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

2 Corinthians 6 (NIV) 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.

2 Cor 6:13 Now for a recompense in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

To be fair, open your heart up as well.

Gal 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

1 Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

One thing I know without a doubt, God gives peace to us regardless of circumstances. The fruit of the spirit are not removed during troubled times. His grace comes to those who need it. Praise our Lord and confusion will leave, look to God who is looking to you to bless and to lead you to victory. Let us count our blessings, we are free to be what he wants for us. Even Joseph was benefitted in all he experienced, in the end he was exalted, it was all in God's plan.

Unequal partners

2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

This does not mean we have no contact with them, it would be impossible, and we are to reach others with the gospel message.

We are not to partner with unbelievers and frankly we must be careful even with some who say they are believers. Words are cheap, examine the fruit. For the man or woman looking for a wedding partner, DO NOT go with an unbeliever. Oh I will win him to Jesus, not likely, he probably will lead you into sin. Business partners should be of trusted character, do not be unequally yoked or tied together. They have a different spirit, a spirit that opposes Christ. After the first excitement of physical affection is past, then come the decisions, based on an ungodly world view. Avoid partnering with the unbeliever.

The yoking of believers is a good and positive union.

Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

2 Cor 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

Christ and a devil idol do not have anything in common. Christ is worshipped in Spirit and in truth. (John 4:23,24)

2 Cor 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Your body is the temple of God, now that you belong to him. What part have you with an idolater? Is he connected to God in any way? No, he or she is a channel of demonic activity.

2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Who will you serve? A strong command; come out from among them, be ye separate. That is what God is, separated and Holy; and I will receive you.

Separate yourself unto God.

Lev 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

1 Pet 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1 Pet 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Some will say, oh I'm ok and your ok, this sounds too strict. The Bible is the word of God. There is a right and a wrong way. This is a clear command of our Lord. The obedient servant will follow the Lord in all ways.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Jesus knew we would need help, so in the verses that follow he promises the Holy Spirit to the believers. This is the presence of Jesus in our temples. Blessed Holy anointed one. Thank you Jesus, I will not partner with unbelievers.

2 Cor 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

We are the family of God, he protects us and we do not disobey him.

In His Love, Gary

2 Corinthians Chapters

2 Corinthians 7
2 Corinthians 1 Table of Contents
Eaglewings Bible Commentaries
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