Lesson 4842

 (Lesson 4842) (05-02-25) 2nd Corinthians 6:1-10 

   “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, 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 not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 

In today’s quote, Paul urged believers not to receive God's grace in vain, emphasizing the urgency of embracing salvation now. He highlighted the importance of living lives that reflect God's grace, warning against complacency and the potential to squander the opportunities provided by God's favor. 

Paul presented himself and his fellow ministers as examples of faithful service, enduring all manner of hardships like beatings. Through that they maintained purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, and sincere love, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their ministry was characterized by truthful speech and the power of God, navigating through good and bad reports, and being perceived as deceivers yet remaining true. He described the paradoxes of their experience: being unknown yet well-known, chastened yet not killed, sorrowful yet always rejoicing, poor yet rich in the grace of God, and having nothing yet possessing all things. Through these contrasts, Paul illustrated the depth of their commitment and the transformative power of God's grace in their lives. ~