QT 5/28/2025 2 Cor 6:1–8, Suffering for the sake of others as a theme for life

2 Corinthians 6:1–8 (ESV) —

1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says,

“In a favorable time I listened to you,

and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;

 

NOTE: The phrase "we put no obstacle in anyone's way" is a different way of thinking. Rather than putting self-first, as Paul could have, and many people do, Paul chooses to suffer in many different ways, for the sake of others and the sake of ministry. In my recent retirement, I hear people snidely suggest that we don't have to do grandparent day care or that we need to put up guardrails so that we can do what we want in retirement. I look at Paul's list of sacrifices, including slander, for doing the right thing, and I, in no way, match Paul's sacrifices. Someone will say, "well, you don't have to, that was God's plan for Paul." Is that really true? Do the scriptures really teach we should do just we want in retirement and no more? Do the scriptures teach retirement is a time to travel and kick back because we earned it? … Earned what? I certainly did not deserve salvation. I certainly am not deserving of any of the good things God has given. I am thankful. My attitude needs to be different. I am still serving my savior. I have an even better home and retirement plan in heaven, than anything that earth could ever offer.

 

PONDER:

1. Paul suffered to serve God, what suffering do we experience as servants of God?
2. The question is still, what has God called me to do, and what am I doing about it? We need to answer that question continually through the different seasons of life.

 

PRAYER: Father, I do not want to tell others what they should or shouldn't do in regards to their walk with God. But, I do need to be faithful in what you have communicated me. Continue to lead me and guide me. Give me strength for the tasks ahead. Rejuvenate me in service.