What Draws Us Together
2 Corinthians 6:1–7:4
Introduction
Paul faced opposition from one or more factions within the Corinthian church.
- His opponents claimed to be superior to him in knowledge (1 CO 8:1, 2).
- Some taught that immoral behavior was of no consequence (5:1, 2; 6:9–13).
- Some denied that God raises the dead (15:12).
- They denied Paul’s authority as an apostle (2 CO 6:8; 11:5; 12:11, 12).
- There were other matters but the truth is that there was a power struggle at Corinth.
When he wrote 2 Corinthians, it appears that he had largely succeeded in straightening out most of these problems. However, there still seems to be some reluctance to fully work with Paul.
- 2 Corinthians 6:12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.
- Paul is appealing to them to reconcile fully as coworkers in the grace of God.
- This text suggests that there is a value and need to reconcile and repair damaged relationships in the church.
- What are the things that draw us together even after conflict?
1. We are Co-Workers (2 Co 6:1a As God’s co-workers…)
The work of the church requires teamwork - no one person can claim all the importance.
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.
Even though Paul had quite a personal experience with the Savior, an extensive education in the Hebrew Scriptures, and writes by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he still recognizes that his fellow Christians are co-workers in the Kingdom. Do we see ourselves as co-workers on a team? That will bring people together.
Another thing that will draw us together…
2. We have Received Grace (2 Co 6:1b-2 As God’s co-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.)
Don’t receive God’s grace in vain. It would be an anti-grace move to accept grace on one hand and then deny it to someone else on the other. Grace becomes vain when we fail to be conduits of grace. 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If God heard us and helped us … we should hear and help one another. Today’s text comes just after a long segment on the subject of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11–21).
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others.
- 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. … if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
The forgiveness of God compels us to forgive others. Things that draw us together: We are co-workers, We have received grace…
3. We Are Genuine (2 Co 6:3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.)
There are no intentional stumbling blocks in Paul’s ministry. He does not compromise the gospel. He conducts himself in a way that does not trip up the work for Christ.
"One of the greatest hindrances to the successful outreach of the gospel these days is the bad example of believers who do not live for the Lord....We all have to do what we can to examine ourselves to be sure we are not putting stumbling blocks in someone’s way." (Keith E. Eggert, Bible Expositor and Illuminator, Summer, 2014)
He has foregone some of his ‘rights’ so as not to distract the work. He did not accept payment, though he asserts he could have. He encouraged Corinthians to lay down their rights in pursuit of peace. More than anything he wants people to come to know Christ.
There is no such thing as reconciling after a conflict without giving up something of value out of love for the other person. The early church was observed selling land in order to help out those who were less able to care for themselves. Only a genuine commitment to Christ, receiving his grace, will allow us to demonstrate such.
Things that draw us together: We are co-workers, We have received grace, We are genuine…
4. We Are Faithful (2 CO 6:4-10)
The faithfulness of Paul through severe afflictions is a testimony to his love and faithfulness to God and the Church. Here he is not a co-worker, but a servant. He has given so much of himself for the church he loves.
Example of Faithfulness
- In great endurance - implying not just a willingness to wait, but the positive ability to stay faithful during hardship.
- In troubles, hardships and distresses. In beatings, imprisonments and riots - Paul has been beaten numerous times during his ministry as a form of punishment (2 Corinthians 11:24, 25). All these reflect the rejection that Christ himself experienced.
- In hard work, sleepless nights and hunger
- In purity, understanding, patience and kindness (Godly Character)
- In the Holy Spirit and in sincere love (These qualities are the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in reshaping the believer to be conformed to Christ’s image, empowering us to do God’s work. None of the qualities listed here can exist in earnest without divine empowerment.)
- In truthful speech and in the power of God
- With weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left. Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over, and the daylight is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we belong to the day, we must be serious and put the armor of faith and love on our chests, and put on a helmet of the hope of salvation.
- Through glory and dishonor
-- Bad report and good report
-- Genuine, yet regarded as impostors
-- 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.
The common experience of living for Christ through the difficult times will draw us together like nothing else. Things that draw us together: We are co-workers, We have received grace, We are genuine, we are faithful through hard times…
5. We Are to Open our Hearts to One Another (2 CO 6:11-13 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children — open wide your hearts also.)
Working together for the Kingdom is a matter of opening the heart. Six times Paul writes of the heart in this letter.
- 2 Corinthians 2:4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
- 2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
- 2 Corinthians 8:16 Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.
Heart and Affection (2 Corinthians 7:15 And his [Titus]affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.) Paul’s appeal is for them to open their hearts as well.
- 2 Corinthins 7:2-3 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.
We cannot close our hearts to one another and expect to glorify God. It is a receiving of the grace of God in vain to remain distant.
Things that draw us together: We are co-workers, We have received grace, We are genuine, we are faithful through hard times, our open hearts to one another …
6. We are Motivated by Reverence for God (2 CO 7:1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.)
Promises of God motivate us. Grace motivates us. Redemption motivates us. Christ’s Love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.) Holiness motivates us to rid ourselves of every contamination of body and spirit. What’s contaminating our spirits? (Works of the Flesh?)
We can’t mistreat a brother or sister and at the same time revere God. Things that draw us together: We are co-workers, We have received grace, We are genuine, we are faithful through hard times, our open hearts to one another, and Reverence for God.
Conclusion
2 Corinthians 7:4 I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
This has been some bold and frank discussion. Motive? Paul’s pride in them, and his joy in being coworker and servant with them.
The things that drew them together will draw us together: We are co-workers, We have received grace, We are genuine, we are faithful through hard times, our open hearts to one another, and Reverence for God.
Paul ends his second letter to the Corinthians with these words that summarize the joyful working together atmosphere he has sought to establish:
2 Corinthians 13:11-14 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All God’s people here send their greetings. 14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Notes:
*The New International Version is used in this lesson.
*A few notes are carried over from the Standard Adult Sunday School Lesson for this date.
*A few notes are from the Summer Quarter, 2014 edition of Bible Expositor and Illuminator.
