June 25, 2018 Monday

“1 ¶  We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 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. 3  We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4  But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5  in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6  by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7  by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8  by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9  as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10  as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 11 ¶  O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12  You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13  Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.” (2Corinthians 6:1-13 NKJV)

            In this passage Paul describes himself as a worker joined together with Jesus Christ. Paul then does “plead” with the Corinthian’s to not receive God’s grace without it changing their lives and leading them to also become workers with Jesus.

            Jesus declares his right to call us to become workers because at the time we called out to God Jesus heard us and in that accepted day Jesus helped us by saving us - even from our selves!

            Jesus calls us to see this as an accepted time to help others receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus places a serious emphasis and urgency because this is the day and this is the time for people to find salvation!

            Paul then goes on to describe the life we should live as Christians and as those who work not only for God but with God. Please take time to go over this list and write it down then study what each description means.

            But to put it simply we are called to live above ourselves and sharing ourself with others. We are not only called to care about them and for them but we are called also to suffer for God and for them.

            Through Jesus our desires and “affections” will be changed and we will desire to do what God desires us to do and created us to do.

            Paul declares he has taught the Corinthians honestly and openly about what God calls us to do and who God calls us to be. We are called to be workers not just for God but with Jesus who guides us in our work and gives us strength to do what we are called to do and to be whom we are called to be.

            Is God changing your desires and affections so you will work with Jesus to bring people to Jesus and salvation? Looking at the list which describes the life we should live as Christians how do you think your life compares? Do you realize this call is not hidden but is in plain sight to Scripture and in the beliefs of the early church?