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Thursday, August 3, 2017

Working together with Him {2 Corinthians 6}



By Mari Sandoval

Today we’ll begin our study of chapter 6 by considering Paul’s final words to the Corinthians in chapter 5: 20-21:” So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.  He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious loving-kindness].”

In chapter 6:1-3 Paul continues on to say: “ Working together with Him, we strongly urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain [by turning away from sound doctrine and His merciful kindness].  2- For He says, “At the acceptable time (the time of grace) I listened to you,

And I helped you on the day of salvation.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—


We are workers together with Him! Isn’t it amazing that God would even take us in consideration to be participants of such task?  When Paul mentions that we are ambassadors for Christ (5:20), he is saying that we are actually working together with Him. An ambassador works together with his king.  He represents his king. Yet, he has no power or authority on his own. 

Now Paul will also plead with the Corinthian Christians… Not to receive the grace of God in vain:  What does it mean to receive the grace of God in vain?  It means to receive the goodness and favor of God, yet to hinder the work of grace in one's life.  Many Christians struggle at this very point. I remember my husband and I in our early years as Christians, we felt we were doing enough by attending Church every Sunday. We had received our God’s saving Grace and we were keeping it to ourselves!  Not bothering to move out of our comfort zone! This is exactly what the Christians from Corinth were doing; they felt they could continue living their lives as if it was theirs: “ For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. 10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. (Ephesians 2:8)



There is so much work out there, and God wants us to be an active part of the work for His kingdom and He has prepared those good works for us!  If we neglect our part, God's grace doesn't accomplish all that it might, and therefore HIS GRACE is given in vain.

M. Henry explains it this way: “The gospel is a word of grace sounding in our ears. The gospel day is a day of salvation, the means of grace the means of salvation, the offers of the gospel the offers of salvation, and the present time the proper time to accept these offers. The morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we shall be. We now enjoy a day of grace; then let all be careful not to neglect it”

In our walk (work) with the Lord we will continually find Satan’s opposition, and Paul writes about this in verses 3-9.  These verses reminded me of a time I was witnessing to a very close friend (we’ve known each other since 7th grade… 40+ yrs.), and after I had talked she asked: “ But why is it that if you have such faith you and your husband have had so much bad luck during your walk with God?” I can’t deny I felt a sting on my flesh! I knew where that came from! To those that are not walking by faith but walking by sight, our trials and troubles are something they don’t want to experience! So that is why, in some way they don’t’ want to trade what the world has to offer and even some Christians will freely participate in what unbelievers do (6:14-16) But what a great promise we find in the last verses, if we determine ourselves to be faithful to our God:

I will dwell among them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 “So come out from among unbelievers and be separate,” says the Lord, And do not touch what is unclean; And I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor], 18 And I will be a Father to you, And you will be My sons and daughters,” Says the Lord Almighty.”

Remember, there is so much work for us out there -good works-, but we must trust our Heavenly Father, rely on Him and on the Power of His Holy Spirit, and then get to work and work as hard as we can! May this be our prayer today!

Blessings!!