Enduring Hardship

2 Corinthians 6:1–10 ESV

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

INTRO:

AG: Lots of people have made a career out of modeling. They adorn themselves in the latest fashion and entice people like me into purchasing what they are wearing. While some model clothing, some model ministry.

I’ve had some role models down through the years and from each of these I have learned much and to them I am greatly indebted.

TS: Why am I talking about modeling? Because, in this passage, Paul serves as an excellent role model for all Christians. He has already spoken of his ministry, message and motives. Here he provides us with a model.

I. The Plea (2 Cor 6:1–2):

2 Corinthians 6:1–2 ESV

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Both Paul and Isaiah implore us not to receive God’s grace in vain.

A. Paul’s pleading (6:1):

We are not to reject God’s kindness.

He offers salvation as a free gift

Receive the grace of God

B. Isaiah’s pleading (6:2):

Paul refers to Isaiah 49:8.

Isaiah 49:8 ESV

Thus says the Lord: “In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages,

As Paul and Isaiah declare:

Today is the day!

If you have been waiting for the right time, NOW is the time.

There is no good reason to put off receiving the gift of salvation.

there are many bad excuses:

I want to have fun first

I’m young, I have plenty of time when I’m older

If God is convicting you of your sin and calling you to be saved, TODAY is the day!

Romans 10:9–13 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

II. The Priority (2 Cor 6:3):

2 Corinthians 6:3 ESV

We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,

Paul feels that it is all-important not to put a stumbling block in anyone’s way.

Our lives should NEVER be a stumbling block to others.

All we do or say should help point people to the Savior

Possible stumbling blocks

How we treat others

no room for racism, mean spiritedness, arrogance

Hypocrisy

If they hear us proclaim Christ and then see us living or hear us speaking like the Devil, that disconnect can become an obstacle

III. The Pain (2 Cor 6:4–5):

2 Corinthians 6:4–5 ESV

but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger;

Paul reviews his sufferings.

A. He has been beaten and imprisoned (6:4–5a).

B. He has faced angry mobs (6:5b).

C. He was worked to exhaustion (6:5c).

D. He has endured sleepless nights and hunger (6:5d).

Pardox 8-10

A paradox is an apparent but not real contradiction.

A. Paul is honest yet has been called a liar (6:8).

B. He is known yet unknown (6:9a).

C. He is dying, yet he lives (6:9b).

D. He is sorrowful yet always rejoices (6:10a).

E. He is poor yet makes many rich (6:10b).

. He has nothing yet possesses everything (6:10c)[1]

Enduring hardship is part of our call.

Remember 2 things

we are not exempt from the difficulties of life

As humans, life under the sun can be difficult

disease, storms, difficulties fall on all flesh

There is no verse that says all of that goes away

we will at times suffer BECAUSE of our faith.

1 Peter 3:14–17 ESV

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

IV. The Patience (2 Cor 6:6–7 ):

2 Corinthians 6:6–7 ESV

by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left;

He has endured all these things through God’s love and power.

His behavior was spelled out in vs 6-7

genuine love

caring for others and sharing the word

truthful speech filled with God’s power

Conclusion:

Like Paul, we should endure hardship for the sake of the gospel by God’s grace. Our behavior through difficult times should never become a stubmlingblock to others.

[1] Willmington, H. L. (1999). The Outline Bible (2 Co 6:1–10). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.[1]