Lesson 12 – 2 Corinthians Chapter 6:1-7

So far it’s been an interesting journey with Paul and his dealings with the Corinthian believers. He’s had to correct them in their immature ways, where they would behave in the same way the world acts, and in some cases worse.

Paul has had to defend his life and his ministry in the first five chapters of 2 Corinthians. For me personally, it’s given me a deeper appreciation for all that Paul had to endure; he truly was a suffering servant for Christ.

2 Cor. 6:1:
“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.”

workers together…

The Greek translation is pretty straight forward in its definition, meaning to work together, help in work, be a partner in labor. For most of us, we know what it is to work together with someone, it can be both a good experience and a bad one.

Paul and Barnabas were early Christian missionaries who worked together to spread the Gospel. They traveled, preached, and endured persecution side by side. Their partnership was fruitful and it was marked by mutual respect and a shared purpose with one another; however, there was a conflict that arose between them. In Acts 15:36–41 a disagreement arose over John Mark, who had previously abandoned them on a mission trip. Barnabas wanted to give him another chance, but Paul disagreed. The disagreement became so sharp that they parted ways; Barnabas took John Mark, and Paul chose Silas.

This shows us that even faithful believers can have serious disagreements. Yet, God still used both teams to advance His kingdom. Their separation lead to more missionary journeys and more people were reached with the gospel.

What Paul is talking about in the verse is; As workers together with Him…

That this is about a partnership with God, working with God. In one of Henry Blackaby’s most powerful teachings from his book “Experiencing God,” his core message is that God is always at work around us, and our role isn’t to dream up our own plans and ask God to bless them, it’s to watch where He’s already moving and join Him there.

It is an extreme privilege for us to work with God. I think sometimes our faith falls short in this, and we have a tendency to try to do things in our own way, and under our own strength. Biblical truth is that God invites us into partnership, not a performance.

Scripture is full of reminders that God doesn’t need us, but He chooses to work through us. That’s His grace in action, but when we forget that, we start striving instead of abiding.

Phil. 2:13:
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

John 15:5:
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

That’s not a rebuke from Jesus, it’s a loving reminder that our fruitfulness flows from a connection with Him. Working with God shouldn’t be a burden for us because in reality, it’s a front-row seat to His glory.

The idea that the God of glory, who created the universe and holds all power, chooses to work through ordinary people like us to share His message of reconciliation is humbling to say the least.

Then we have the phrase, also plead with you… or urge you, we can also use the word “beg.” Here we see Paul’s heart as a pastor, he has a passionate concern for the believers. Remember, all of us are God’s ambassadors, and we should consider that a high privilege, and here Paul is pleading with the Corinthians to respond to that truth.

Not to receive the grace of God in vain…

This is a good example of why the New Living Translation falls short at times… it says, “we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.” Instead of saying God’s grace it uses the word “kindness.” God’s grace is His kindness, but I think by using the word kindness, it just loses a bit of its punch… if you know what I mean.

Not to receive the grace of God in vain…

Means that we should respond to God’s gift of grace with a transformed heart, one that is marked by obedience, purpose, and fruitfulness. It’s a warning from Paul against inaction, compromise, or neglect of the spiritual calling we’ve received from God.

Paul’s urging the Corinthians to live out the implications of that grace, and not just accept it intellectually or emotionally; allowing God’s unearned favor to transform our life, not just accepting His forgiveness, but exemplifying it through our obedience, love, and service. It’s a daily response on our part to the gift of salvation that shapes how we think, act, and relate to others.

What is God’s grace? God’s grace is His unmerited favor toward us… the gift of salvation, love, and liberation that we don’t earn, but freely receive through Christ. It’s the foundation of the Christian life, and it’s meant to do more than comfort us, it’s meant to change us; remember, we’re a “new creation” in Christ.

Paul’s primary concern was that the Corinthians would not receive God’s grace in connection with their salvation, having no effect on them. Remember, sometimes a response to the gospel is just an emotional one, and not heartfelt.

As is often the case in any congregation, not all among them had truly experienced redemption. While some possessed an intellectual understanding of the gospel, they lacked genuine saving faith.

John MacArthur, “The Corinthians were also in danger of receiving God’s grace in vain with regard to sanctification. The legalists sought to turn them away from living in the power of the Spirit, to living in the strength of the flesh.”

2 Cor. 6:2:
“For He says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Paul is quoting Isaiah 49:8 here, this was his appeal for them to receive God’s grace. And then…

Isaiah 55:6:
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”

A pastor was speaking with a young woman who insisted that she had plenty of time to make a decision for Christ. Gently he handed her a piece of paper and asked, “Would you be willing to sign a statement saying you’ll delay salvation for one year?” She declined. “Six months?” Again, she refused. “One month?” She paused, then said no. In that moment she began to realize the flaw in her thinking, that the only time she could be sure of was the present. Confronted with the urgency of the moment, she chose to place her trust in Christ without delay.

If you are given the opportunity, perhaps with someone who is hesitant, here are a few questions to start a conversation. Instead of preaching to someone, invite a conversation:

• Do you have any spiritual beliefs?
• “Have you ever thought about what happens after this life?”
• “What’s your experience with faith or church?”
• “Do you think there’s a purpose behind everything?”

These questions open doors without pressure, and you just never know where the Spirit is working.

Aware of the pressing nature of the moment, Paul, faithful to the urgency of his divine calling, sincerely urged the Corinthians not to throw away the grace of God at work in their lives.

2 Cor. 6:3:
“We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.”

Paul knew that anything he said or did was always on display for all to see, he says, “We give no offense in anything.” Besides the Corinthian believers, you could be sure the false teachers were lurking about in the shadows just waiting for Paul to make a mistake.

That our ministry may not be blamed…

Whether we realize it or not, our lives are our ministry, and it’s always under observation. Family members watch how we respond to stress. Coworkers notice whether our faith shapes our morals, or are we the hypocrites they’re expecting us to be. Neighbors and friends observe how we treat others, or how we act when things go wrong in our lives. Like Paul, we’re called to live in a way that reflects Christ, it’s not perfection, but it’s having a genuineness and grace about us.

Titus 2:1-10:
“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things… that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”

Truly words to live by.

2 Cor. 6:4-7:
“But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,”

As a defense attorney might present the evidence of a client’s innocence, Paul delivers his defense. An English teacher might accuse him of writing a run-on sentence, but it all needs to be there… and we’ll take a little bit at a time.

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God…

In other words Paul’s saying that in everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God.

We have the expression, “What you see is what you get,” but for Paul and his ministry, the people would always see the genuine article.

When he said, We commend ourselves,” he wasn’t boasting; he was affirming that his ministry was marked by integrity, sacrifice, and an unwavering devotion to Christ.

In today’s world, it’s easy for people to wear masks, to present a polished version of themselves, while at the same time hiding their struggles and flaws, but Paul’s example reminds us that true ministry is about being transparent. He didn’t hide behind titles or his charisma. He lived the Gospel in full view of others, even when it cost him dearly.

(NLT) We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind…

The word “endure” or endurance: Greek: ( hoo-pom-on-ay’) represents one of the most profound virtues found in the New Testament. Its full meaning stretches beyond any single English term we have, capturing the essence of persevering through intense labor, withstanding the trauma of conflict, and remaining unwavering even if the shadow of death was present.

Paul endured patiently… there’s that word… “patience” that few like to hear. It’s one of those virtues we admire in theory but resist in practice, and yet, Paul didn’t just talk about patience, he lived it. How many of us can say that?

Patience… not the kind that grits its teeth and waits for the suffering to pass, but the kind of patience that trusts God’s timing, remains faithful, and keeps serving even when the road is long. The list that follows defines the various elements patient endurance.

In tribulations or afflictions… in needs, in distresses,

Acts 14:21-22:
“And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

I dare say, none of us know a life without tribulations.

There were external pressures that effected Paul on spiritual, physical, and emotional levels, and I think many of us can relate to this.

At age 17, Joni Eareckson Tada dove into shallow water and suffered a spinal cord injury that left her a quadriplegic. Her journey through despair, doubt, and physical suffering became a testimony of God’s sustaining grace.

Joni lost the use of her arms and legs. The physical limitations were overwhelming, and she faced years of rehabilitation, pain, and dependence on others for even the simplest tasks.

She battled depression and suicidal thoughts. The loss of independence and identity shook her deeply. She questioned God’s goodness and wrestled with feelings of hopelessness.

Joni’s faith was tested. She cried out to God, asking why He allowed such suffering, but over time she found peace not in answers, but in His presence. She began painting with her mouth, writing books, and speaking worldwide, sharing the hope of Christ with millions.

We as believers don’t know what tomorrow might deliver to our doorstep when it comes to trials, testings, and tribulations. What we do know is once we take our last breath on this earth, we will take our first breath in heaven with Jesus Christ.

For many believers this assurance, that death is not the end but the beginning of a glorious eternity with Christ, is what gives us strength to endure trials and tribulations.

Romans 8:18:
“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”

Trials and tribulations are what we have in common with Paul, and we should rest in the fact as Paul proclaims; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)

2 Cor. 6:5:
“In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;”

In stripes or beatings… this can refer to being punched, and hit with rods or whips. This is physical suffering endured for the sake of faith, righteousness, or obedience to God. In Scripture, this language is used to describe the persecution of believers and the suffering of Christ Himself.

In imprisonments… this is something Paul was familiar with. Paul’s life and ministry were marked by frequent imprisonments, and he often wrote some of his most powerful letters from behind bars. God wasn’t putting Paul in time-out, but he used his imprisonments to continue to work for God even when he was behind bars.

In tumults… that’s a word we don’t see every day. In Scripture, it often refers to chaotic, violent situations, riots, uprisings, or public disorder, especially those stirred up against believers or the gospel message. We’re seeing more and more of this today around the world, and now it has even creeped into our country.

In labors… this is something we bring on ourselves, and it has to do with working to the point of exhaustion. I’m sure there were late nights for Paul making tents to support his ministry.

Paul’s tentmaking wasn’t just a side hustle, it was a strategic choice he made to avoid burdening the churches financially and also to model integrity and diligence.

1 Thess. 2:9:
“For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.”

It’s a pretty good feeling when the end of the day comes and you’re exhausted, and when you collapse in your bed, you realize it’s all because you worked hard for the Lord.

In sleeplessness… sometimes you work so hard that you’re “over-tired” and can’t sleep. Maybe you’ve experienced a time when you wake up and you can’t get back to sleep. This could be a blessing for you, instead of tossing and turning all night, use it as a time for prayer.

Many believers have found that the quiet of night, when distractions fade and the world is still, is a powerful time to commune with God. David wrote in Psalm 63:6: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.” And in Psalm 119:148: “My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.”

In fastings or hunger… Paul was on the road a lot, traveling from town to town, and he couldn’t just pull into a McDonald’s when he was hungry and get a cheese burger. His ministry wasn’t cushioned by luxury, it was marked by sacrifice, including the very real experience of going without food.

Philippians 4:12 (NLT):
“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”

Paul’s hunger wasn’t just physical, it was a symbol of his total surrender. He endured doing without so others could gain Christ. Through it all, he found strength in the One who sustained him.

2 Cor. 6:6:
“By purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,”

By purity… This speaks to our moral integrity and having a clean heart before God and others. Paul’s ministry wasn’t just about preaching God’s truth, it was about living it out as well. Purity here includes our motives, actions, and our thoughts. It’s the kind of holiness that reflects Christ and builds trust.

Matthew 5:8:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Phil. 4:8:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy… meditate on these things.”

By knowledge… Paul was deeply rooted in the Scriptures and that brought him much spiritual understanding, but this isn’t just an intellectual knowledge as we might think, it’s Spirit-led insight that guided his decisions allowing him to teach the truth, and strengthen others. It’s the kind of knowledge that comes from walking closely with God. This is something we all can aspire to.

By longsuffering… it’s patience in the face of frustration or irritations. Paul endured betrayal, slander, and rejection without lashing out. Long-suffering is the ability to love stretched out over time. It’s also the ability to bear with others, even when it’s hard.

George Müller was a 19th-century evangelist and director of orphanages in Bristol, England. Over his lifetime, he cared for more than 10,000 orphans, built multiple orphan houses, and distributed millions of Bibles and tracts… all without fundraising or debt. He simply prayed and waited patiently for God to provide.

We all know God answers prayer by saying yes, no, and wait. Waiting on God requires patience on our part, which isn’t always easy, it can be one of the most challenging aspects of faith. When God says “wait,” He’s not denying our prayer, He’s refining our hearts, deepening our trust, and aligning us with His perfect timing. While we’re waiting, we learn to surrender control to God, and lean into His promises.

Psalm 27:14:
“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!”

By kindness…

We live in a world that often responds with harshness, but Paul chose kindness or gentleness. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit and a powerful witness. When you show kindness to someone, it has a tendency to disarm hostility, and reflect the heart of Christ in us. Kindness is goodness in action!

By the Holy Spirit…

Zec. 4:6:
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

It’s the Holy Spirit who empowers us to have patience to endure. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Helper.” He helps us in our purity, leading us to the center of the narrow path that we’re to stay on. The question is, do we have the faith to listen to Him as He directs us?

Paul’s ministry wasn’t powered by his charisma or strategy, it was empowered by the Holy Spirit. This speaks to divine guidance, supernatural strength, and spiritual gifts at work. The Spirit gave him wisdom, courage, and the ability to endure suffering with grace. Everything the Spirit gave to Paul, He can give to us as well… all within God’s will of course.

By sincere love… When it comes to sincere love, this isn’t having a surface-level kind of affection for others; it’s a deep, sacrificial, and Christ-like love for others. One thing we’ve learned all throughout our study of Corinthians is that Paul loved the churches he served, even when they misunderstood, criticized him, and even slandered him. Sincere love is a choice, and it’s what keeps ministry from becoming mechanical. We can even say, it’s the heartbeat of serving others.

2 Cor. 6:7:
“By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,”

Paul used the word of truth or the Word of God to convey spiritual knowledge to the Corinthians. He wasn’t sharing his ideas or his opinions, he was delivering divine revelation to them that was grounded in Scripture, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This shows us that Paul’s authority didn’t come from being persuasive or having some kind of special status, but from faithfully proclaiming God’s Word. When you speak God’s Word, you are always speaking the truth, and today, that’s hard to come by.

By the power of God…

Romans 1:16:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

Whenever Paul preached it was always in the power of God, not through any kind of cleverness on his part. He knew that the gospel’s effectiveness didn’t depend on crafty arguments by him, but on the Spirit’s power to convict and transform the hearts he was speaking to.

1 Cor. 2:4-5:
“And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

By the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left…

(NLT) “We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense.”

This isn’t our self-righteousness, it’s the righteousness of Christ, given to us by His grace. It protects our hearts and minds from accusation, temptation, and discouragement. It’s both a shield and a sword.

Paul echoes this in Ephesians 6:14:
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness…”

Looking back to ancient times, no Roman soldier would ever go into battle without his breastplate. It was shield that covered his main torso, and was usually made of some kind of metal or leather. The purpose was to protect his vital organs, mainly his heart and lungs.

The Jewish way of thinking is that the heart represented the mind and the will. When satan attacks, he goes for the heart of believers, targeting their mind and emotions.

Paul describes the breastplate of righteousness as spiritual protection for the heart. When we clothe ourselves in God’s righteousness, we guard against the enemy’s attacks, not through our own strength, but through a life shaped by obedience to God’s Word.

We’ll close with this…

There is no substitute for God’s Word, it is a sword to battle any spiritual enemy. Like Paul, we should never go into battle relying on powerless weapons such as human ideas, wisdom and skill, but with the invincible truth of the Word of God. Even Jesus used the Word of God to battle against satan when He was tempted in the wilderness.

Your armor of righteousness is always there, provided you’re willing to read, study, and apply God’s Word in your life… you always have a choice.