Off the Shelf Sunday School--2 Corinthians

Sacrifices Validate the Gospel Message (6:1-10)

As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.  

1.        Paul calls the Corinthian Christians “fellow workers.” Every Christian is called to work for the expansion of the kingdom of God by doing good deeds, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Christian faith is not fire insurance to just keep you from going to hell. Jesus is both savior and lord. You cannot have one without the other. To try to do so is to receive the grace of God with false pretenses and questions whether the person has been born again.

2.        God is the one who calls each person to salvation. He also enables each person to believe in Jesus and to receive his gift of faith. (Eph 2:8-10)    

3.        Paul says that he and his fellow workers have suffered much to bring the gospel to others. This is not to boast, but to show his commitment and that there will be hardships and opposition. Christians are called to be living sacrifices, for the sake of honoring Jesus and expanding his kingdom. (Ps 116:12-16; Mk 8 34-35; Rom 12: 1-2) What have you sacrificed for Jesus? 

4.        The way Paul lived is an example to Christians. He did not desire fame, fortune or glory for himself. He lived for the benefit of others to the detriment of himself. Do you know some Christians who have lived like this? Do you know some Christians who expect to be honored and who exercise power, fame and influence over others?