2 Corinthians 6:1-10 – A Blameless Ministry (Part Two)
In verse 8, Paul introduces a series of contrasts by calling them circumstances of honour and dishonour, good and evil reports. As imposters, yet true, is the first comparison. Paul’s detractors claimed that he was a deceiver. But even though he was charged as a deceiver, Paul spoke the truth in love. It could be that your Christian faith is misunderstood or misconstrued. What do you do in that circumstance? You can maintain an attitude of patience that gives answers that point to Jesus Christ.
The second comparison is as unknown yet well-known. It’s as if the public opinion of Paul is that Paul just didn’t know what he was talking about. It may be unknown to the world, and yet to those that Christ is calling, it is truth, it is known. For many, Christianity is not only unknown, it just makes no sense. Your decisions, and your actions, and your values will be cause for suspicion. But God is saving a people out of darkness, and He uses the light that comes through you to do that.
As dying, yet behold, we live. It’s the cause of Christ that motivates Paul to die daily, all for the sake of Christ. And yet, we live, united to Christ.
Next, as punished or chastened and yet not killed. Paul’s opponents treated Paul and the trials that he faced as a rebuke from God. They saw any form of trial as something that is necessarily bad and to be avoided. But Godly discipline has a good goal in mind. It has in mind a training in righteousness. God loves us so much that he will correct and chasten the one that He loves.
As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. As Christians, we have reason to have true joy in the midst of genuine sorrow. Our grief is not without hope. In the midst of sorrow, God can and does make us rejoice. He’s able to make us see that His purpose is being worked out. To the unconverted, this approach to life is truly confusing. How is it that you can cry and be at peace at the same time? How is it that you can go through the same trials that I face and yet still function?
As poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things. When measured by the world’s standards, Paul and the Christian church are rather poor. The things that the world treasures, we see in a different light. The treasures can be lost, but the treasures in heaven last forever. If you treasure the world and its riches, its fame and its approval, you will live accordingly. But, if you treasure Christ, you’ll set your mind on the things above, and you’ll live accordingly.
Question
- Why is the world confused by Christians?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God’s love to you in Christ.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.