A Sincere Confession Pt. 7 • 2 Cor 6:1-18

Review & Overview

1. Previous Study’s Review

We are in the middle of the section titled: A Sincere Confession

This is where Paul gives an explanation for:

His Change of Plans

His Philosophy for ministry

and his exhortation to the Church

We are in the middle of Paul explaining his Philosophy for Ministry, which will go on until ch. 6.

So far we have learned that:

Christ gives us Victory or Triumph in Ministry

Christ gives us Approval or Commendation for Ministry

Christ gives us a Proper Attitude in Ministry

Christ gives us The Motivation for Ministry:

Because of our Future Resurrection

Future Litigation

Because of Godly Trepidation

Godly Adoration

Because of our New Creation

Because of Reconciliation

2. Current Study’s Overview

This brings us to chp.6:...    &   our study for today that deals with 2 more aspects of Paul’s Philosophy for Ministry…     read.

1. Paul’s Commitment to Ministry:  vs.1-10        

2.  Paul’s Commands for Ministry:  vs.11-18.

This idea of Commitment to Ministry is important because sometimes we have a tendency to put Ministry at the end of the line, if something comes up the first thing we blow off is our work for the Lord…   there’s no Commitment.

But Paul was Totally Committed…         &      we see his Commitment in 3 ways:

1. Paul’s Philosophy for Ministry Involves Commitment Vs. 1-10

1.1  His Desire for the Lost Vs. 1-2

Vs. 1 - It’s Grace that saves us, Eph.2:8-9, Rom.3:24...  &  Paul was Committed to getting people saved…   

His desire was for the lost...    like our Lord... 

Luke 19:10 NKJV

10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Romans 9:3 NKJV

3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,

Vs. 2 - The Context of Isa.49:8 deals with God’s provision & protection of Israel & giving salvation to the Gentiles.

So, Paul takes that idea & applies it to us:  Today is the acceptable day to cry out to the Lord & receive help from the Lord…     

Receiving His provision…       protection…      &     salvation…

Why is Today the Day: because we don’t know what will happen tomorrow... 

Proverbs 27:1 NKJV

1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

James 4:14 NKJV

14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

Since we don’t know when our last day on earth will be we should seek the Lord…

Isaiah 55:6 NKJV

6 Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

The Holy Spirit is convicting us of sin, John 16:8.   

But it would seem that we can turn our back on God for so long before God says ok if that’s how you want it, that’s how ya get it…

Genesis 6:3 NKJV

3 And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”

Romans 1:28 NKJV

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Life often presents us with choices that test our perspective: should we opt for the fleeting pleasures of the world or hold out for the eternal blessings of God? As the sands of time flow, the tantalizing allure of worldly temptations might seem irresistible. But are they worth the sacrifice of everlasting joy?

The Corinthians, much like us, were not strangers to worldly temptations. The bustling city of Corinth was a hub of trade, culture, and, unfortunately, many immoral practices. It's no wonder that Paul felt the need to remind them to not receive the grace of God in vain. Just as it was for them, today too is the day of salvation for us.

Illustration:Imagine a child given the choice between a small candy now or a grand feast later in the evening. The candy, though immediately satisfying, is nothing compared to the banquet awaiting. Yet, because of impatience or inability to see beyond the present moment, the child might choose the candy, sacrificing the later delight for an instant treat.

APPLICATION: Similarly, the world offers us candies: wealth, power, fame, and immediate gratifications. But in choosing these, we risk missing out on the divine feast that God has prepared for us in eternity.

Paul’s words serve as a timely reminder. God's grace is freely given, and His promise of eternal blessings is real. By fixing our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, we align our priorities with the eternal, rather than the transient.

What are the 'candies' that tempt you most? Are they worth the divine banquet of eternal joy, peace, and fellowship with God?

1.2  Not Offending Others Vs. 3           

Paul didn’t want to offend or stumble anybody...     

1 Corinthians 10:32 NKJV

32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,

1 Corinthians 8:9 NKJV

9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

Notice why Paul didn’t want to Offend or Stumble others…     it’s for the sake of the Ministry… 

turn 1 Cor.9:19-23. He didn’t care about himself…  he cared about how he was looked at by others…     for the Ministry of the Gospel…      read.

1 Corinthians 9:19–20 NKJV

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;

1 Corinthians 9:21–22 NKJV

21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

1 Corinthians 9:23 NKJV

23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Paul became all things to all men... not to be a people pleaser... it was so he could minister the gospel...

1.3 Being a Minister of God Vs. 4-10

Vs. 4a - Paul was commited as a Minister of God...

Minister: diakonos, 30. deacon, servant…  which is picture of Jesus:

Matthew 20:28 NKJV

28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

turn Mark 10:42-45 one problem we have is we want to be the top dog…  the big kahuna… be great...  but   for us being great isn’t about being in charge...    it’s about being a servant...     read.

Mark 10:42–45 NKJV

42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

So, what’s involved in being a Servant…   a Minister…       3 things according to vs.4b-10…

1.4 Being a Minister Involves the Problems we Face Vs. 4b-5

1. in Patience: endurance…   Paul endured a lot of things to be a servant of God…

2. in Tribulations:  thlipsis…   affliction,   pressing together,   pressure…

3. in Needs:   daily hardships we all go through…  

4. in Distresses:  calamity,   narrow place,   pushing us into a corner as it were.

5. in Stripes:     

6. in Imprisonments: Acts 16: Philippi,  Acts 19: Ephesus, everywhere he went.

2 Cor.11:22-28 long list of these things…

7. in Tumults: 

8.in Labors:   working to the point of exhaustion… 

9. in Sleeplessness:  

10. in Fasting:  being hungry…

1.5 Being a Minister Involves the Preparation We Need Vs. 6-7

1. by Purity:   uprightness of life,   chastity… 

2. by Knowledge:  gnosis,   to have a deep understanding of spiritual things…

3. by Longsuffering:   constancy,    steadfastness,   perseverance…

4. by Kindness:  gentleness,   goodness.

5. by the Holy Spirit:   Zech. 4:6…  

6. by Sincere Love:  agape…  

7. by the Word of Truth:   John 17:17 Your Word is Truth…

John 17:17 NKJV

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

8. by the Power of God:   It is relying of God’s Sufficiency not ours, 2 Cor.3:5-6,   

2 Corinthians 3:5–6 NKJV

5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

9. by the Armor of Righteousness:  Eph.6:11 the whole armor of God…   2 Cor.10:4 the weapons of our war.

Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

2 Corinthians 10:4 NKJV

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

1.6 Being a Minister Involves Paradoxes Vs. 8-10

1. by Honor & Dishonor:  some will honor your consistency in being a servant of God, other won’t…

2. by Evil Report & Good:

3. as Deceivers & yet Truth:

4. as Unknown & yet Well Known:   the demons knew him:   Acts.19:. sons of Sceva. 

5. as Dying & yet Living:

6. as Chastened & yet not Killed:

7. as Sorrowful & yet Always Rejoicing:

8. as Poor & yet Making many Rich:  physically poor...  but   bringing spiritual richness to others…

9. as Having Nothing & yet Possessing all Things: having nothing means not having anything to worry about

Paul’s Commitment to Ministry was because of the Power of God…    &    the Sufficiency of God…

2. Paul’s Philosophy for Ministry Involves Commands Vs. 11-18

2.1  Be Open Vs. 11-13

We’ve been totally open with you…   telling the truth to you…   &   have a heart of love for you… 

So if your heart is not open with love for us...    it’s not our fault, it’s yours..

Since we have an open heart of Love for you…     you should have an open heart of love for us…

John 15:12 NKJV

12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Paul's words to the Corinthians aren't just historical letters to a specific group of people. They transcend time and culture, speaking to believers of all ages. In this verse, Paul pours out his heart, revealing a vulnerability that many of us might shy away from in today's world.

In the context of his letter, Paul isn't merely seeking emotional validation. He's emphasizing the profound spiritual unity that believers share. When we close ourselves off from fellow believers, we're not just missing out on deep relationships; we're sidelining the full potential of the Body of Christ.

ILLUSTRATION: Imagine a puzzle with a thousand pieces. Each piece has its unique shape and design, but alone, it doesn’t amount to much. Yet, when each piece connects with its rightful neighbor, a beautiful picture emerges.

In the same way, when believers truly open up to each other, sharing their struggles, testimonies, and dreams, the full picture of Christ's love is displayed. We each are puzzle pieces, unique and essential. Closing ourselves off is like leaving pieces out of the puzzle—the picture remains incomplete.

APPLICATION: As Paul encouraged the Corinthians, let’s encourage one another. Let our churches, communities, and small groups be places where we can "open wide our hearts" without fear, knowing that we are accepted and loved.

In doing so, we'll not only experience deeper connections but also showcase the vibrant, diverse, and unified Body of Christ to a world in desperate need of His love.

APPLICATION: TALK ABOUT HOW WE CLOSED THE DOOR W/ GOD BECAUSE OF SIN. BUT HE CHOSE TO LOVE US FIRST THAT IS WHY WE LOVE HIM

2.2 Do Not Be Unequal Vs. 14-16    

Vs. 14a - We are open to you, you be open to us…    but    be careful not to be open with just anybody…

This principle comes from Deut.22:10, don’t yoke an oxen & donkey together… they’re incompatible,    they don’t go together…

Deuteronomy 22:10 NKJV

10 “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.

Matthew 11:28–30 NKJV

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

APPLICATION: This is an important principle for us in Marriage relationships…  &   even Business relationship

No Missionary dating…    No Money motives…      If you do the yoke will be on you…

Now Paul gives a series of contrasts to prove that point…     &    drive it home…    5 of them.

Vs. 14b-16 - We have nothing in common with unbelievers…  &  should not be yoked together with them…

1 Corinthians 10:21 NKJV

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.

The imagery Paul uses here, of being "yoked together," harkens back to the days when two oxen were yoked, or tied, together to plow fields. If one ox was stronger or moved in a different direction than the other, the result was discord, lack of progress, and even potential injury.

In much the same way, Paul is painting a picture of spiritual unity and direction. Paul cautions against forming bonds that might pull us away from the path God has set for us.

We live in a world with an array of worldviews, beliefs, and practices. As Christians, it's important to remain grounded in our faith while navigating these relationships.

We should be weary of partnerships, friendships, or situations where our core beliefs might be compromised, or where we might be unduly influenced away from the teachings of Christ.

This passage also underscores a profound reality: **we are temples of the living God**. Unlike inanimate objects, we're animated by God's presence.

As such, we should guard what we allow into our lives, ensuring that it's in harmony with God's spirit.

**Application**:

1. **Self-Reflection** - Consider the relationships and partnerships in your life. Are they drawing you closer to God or pulling you away?

2. **Intentionality** - As you interact with those who might not share your beliefs, always approach with love, but also with a rooted understanding of your identity in Christ.

3. **Guard Your Temple** - Remember your worth and the sacredness of the spirit within you. Engage in practices, relationships, and habits that honor the God living inside you.

2.3 Be Separate Vs. 17-18

Vs. 17a - This doesn’t mean we don’t have any dealings with the world... but we’re to be Separate from them.

We’re to be different from the world & those in the world…  there should be a noticeable change... 

Vs. 17b-18 - the Result is we will be received by God...       &    be sons & daughters of God…

Hopefully when people see us & hear from us...  they see a difference in us... something different then the world.

ENDING......