2CORINTHIANS , Sarah Barry
DON'T RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE IN VAIN
Passage: 2Corinthians 6:1~13  
Key verse: 1
6 As God’s co-workers(A) we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.(B) 2 For he says,
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Paul’s Hardships
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,(D) so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments(E) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;(F) 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit(G) and in sincere love;(H) 7 in truthful speech(I) and in the power of God;(J) with weapons of righteousness(K) in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor,(L) bad report(M) and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;(N) 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,(O) and yet we live on;(P) beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;(Q) poor, yet making many rich;(R) having nothing,(S) and yet possessing everything.(T)
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.(U) 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children(V)—open wide your hearts(W) also.
Footnotes
- 2 Corinthians 6:2 Isaiah 49:8
Cross references
- 2 Corinthians 6:1 : S 1Co 3:9; 2Co 5:20
- 2 Corinthians 6:1 : 1Co 15:2
- 2 Corinthians 6:2 : Isa 49:8; Ps 69:13; Isa 55:6
- 2 Corinthians 6:3 : S Mt 5:29; Ro 14:13, 20; 1Co 8:9, 13; 9:12; 10:32
- 2 Corinthians 6:5 : Ac 16:23; 2Co 11:23-25
- 2 Corinthians 6:5 : 1Co 4:11
- 2 Corinthians 6:6 : 1Co 2:4; 1Th 1:5
- 2 Corinthians 6:6 : Ro 12:9; 1Ti 1:5
- 2 Corinthians 6:7 : 2Co 4:2
- 2 Corinthians 6:7 : 2Co 4:7
- 2 Corinthians 6:7 : Ro 13:12; 2Co 10:4; Eph 6:10-18
- 2 Corinthians 6:8 : 1Co 4:10
- 2 Corinthians 6:8 : 1Co 4:13
- 2 Corinthians 6:8 : Mt 27:63
- 2 Corinthians 6:9 : S Ro 8:36
- 2 Corinthians 6:9 : 2Co 1:8-10; 4:10, 11
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 : S Mt 5:12; 2Co 7:4; Php 2:17; 4:4; Col 1:24; 1Th 1:6
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 : 2Co 8:9
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 : Ac 3:6
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 : Ro 8:32; 1Co 3:21
- 2 Corinthians 6:11 : 2Co 7:3
- 2 Corinthians 6:13 : S 1Th 2:11
- 2 Corinthians 6:13 : 2Co 7:2
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Now is the time of God's favor (1-2)
God saved us from useless and meaningless lives so that we might work with him to serve our times. Paul shows us how to live lives that reveal God's grace and extends that grace and salvation to others.
2. Don't be a stumbling block (3-7)
Paul did not seek personal gain from the gospel ministry. He lived a humble, sacrificial life, and endured all manner of hardship. Even when he was suffering he did not close his heart to others; in love and purity, with God's power he taught God's word.
3. Expect to be misunderstood (8-13)
We live in a world that does not understand Jesus' love and/or the sacrificial life. Paul was misunderstood, but he loved anyway. He was sorrowful, yet he rejoiced; poor, yet he made others rich.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for my selfish, pleasure-seeking life. Help me to be a sacrificial servant of God.
One Word: Now is the time of God's grace