2 Coríntios 6

2 Coríntios 6

2 CORINTHIANS - PAUL'S MINISTRY IN THE LIGHT OF THE INDESCRIBABLE GIFT Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Another Chart from Charles Swindoll A Third Chart Overview of Second Corinthians 2Co 1:1-7:16 Character of Paul 2Co 8:1-9:15 Collection for the Saints 2Co 10:1-12:21 Credentials of Paul Testimonial & Didactic Practical Apologetic Past: Misunderstanding & Explanation Present: Practical Project Future: Anxieties Apostle's Conciliation, Ministry & Exhortations Apostle's Solicitation for Judean Saints Apostle's Vindication of Himself Forgiveness, Reconciliation Gratitude Confidence Vindication Ephesus to Macedonia: Change of Itinerary Explained Macedonia: Preparation for Visit to Corinth To Corinth: Certainty and Imminence of the Visit 2Co 1:1-7:16 2Co 8:1-9:15 2Co 10:1-12:21 2Corinthians written ~ 56-57AD - see Chronological Table of Paul's Life and Ministry Adapted & modified from Jensen's Survey of the New Testament (Highly Recommended Resource) & Wilkinson's Talk Thru the Bible INTRODUCTIONS TO SECOND CORINTHIANS: IRVING JENSEN - Introduction and study tips - excellent preliminary resource - scroll to page 1877 (Notes on both 1-2 Cor begin on p 1829) JOHN MACARTHUR 2 Corinthians Introduction - same as in the Study Bible JAMES VAN DINE 2 Corinthians - Author, Purpose, Outline, Argument CHARLES SWINDOLL - 2 Corinthians Overview MARK SEIFRID - The Message of Second Corinthians: 2 Corinthians as the Legitimation of the Apostle J VERNON MCGEE - 2 Corinthians Introduction DAN WALLACE - 2 Corinthians: Introduction, Argument, and Outline DAVID MALICK - An Introduction To Second Corinthians 2 Corinthians 6:1 And working together [with Him], we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain-- Amplified LABORING TOGETHER [as God’s fellow workers] with Him then, we beg of you not to receive the grace of God in vain [that merciful kindness by which God exerts His holy influence on souls and turns them to Christ, keeping and strengthening them—do not receive it to no purpose]. KJV 2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. NET 2 Corinthians 6:1 Now because we are fellow workers, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain. BGT 2 Corinthians 6:1 Συνεργοῦντες δὲ καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς· NLT 2 Corinthians 6:1 As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. ESV 2 Corinthians 6:1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. NIV 2 Corinthians 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. GNT 2 Corinthians 6:1 Συνεργοῦντες δὲ καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς· YLT 2 Corinthians 6:1 And working together also we call upon you that ye receive not in vain the grace of God -- ASV 2 Corinthians 6:1 And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain CSB 2 Corinthians 6:1 Working together with Him, we also appeal to you, "Don't receive God's grace in vain." MIT 2 Corinthians 6:1 Because we are colleagues, we encourage you not to receive the grace of God in vain. NKJ 2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. NRS 2 Corinthians 6:1 As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. NAB 2 Corinthians 6:1 Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. NJB 2 Corinthians 6:1 As his fellow-workers, we urge you not to let your acceptance of his grace come to nothing. working together: 2Co 5:18-20 1Co 3:9 we also urge: 2Co 5:20 10:1 Mt 23:37 Ro 12:1 Ga 4:11,12 you: Jer 8:8 Ga 3:4 Heb 12:15,25 the grace of God in vain: 2Co 8:1,2 Ac 14:3 Ga 2:21 Tit 2:11 1Pe 4:10 2 Corinthians 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: READ 2Co 6:1-2 IN CONTEXT - 2 Corinthians 5:18-2 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled (aorist imperative JUST DO IT! see need of Holy Spirit to obey) to God. 21 He made Him Who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 1 And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain– 2 for He says, “AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.” Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”– THE PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY AS GOD'S CO-LABORERS! This is another poor chapter division as this first section flows from 2Co 5:18-21. Pulpit Commentary says Paul is continuing the entreaty from 2Co 5:20 (also used the same verb parakaleo as in this verse). Steve Zeisler - In the passage to which we come this morning, chapter 6 of 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul is concluding a lengthy section (chapters 2-6) concerning the nature of Christian ministry. The phrases "ministers of a new covenant," and "ministers of reconciliation" are described and advocated as superior to the ministry of a group with the inflated title, "super-apostles" who preached a "different gospel" (2Co 11:4-5). If our lives do not manifest vital Christianity, rather than a shallow substitute--a Christianity of substance, not of style--then we are in danger of receiving God's grace "in vain," to use Paul's words in the opening verse of chapter 6: These first two verses are not as straightforward as the appear. The phrase not receive the grace of God in vain has two main interpretations - (1) Paul is addressing believers at Corinth who are not partaking of grace to enable their sanctification (probably the majority of commentaries take this as the only interpretation. (2) Other commentaries feel Paul is addressing those in the church who had made a profession of faith in Christ but who had no fruit and thus were likely unbelievers who have never received grace resulting in genuine conversion. Some like John MacArthur favor both (1) and (2) as the recipients of Paul's urging. And working together (sunergeo in present tense - gives us our English "synergy") with Him - NLT = "As God's partners!" NIV = "God's fellow workers." Working together begs the question with whom? In the preceding context Paul had spoken of ambassadors of Christ (2Co 5:20+) who were given the word of reconciliation (2Co 5:19+) and that it was as if God were speaking through them (2Co 5:20+). It follows that in this verse they are working together with God (NAS adds "with Him" although not in the Greek text). Note it is not their work but God's work that they are invited to join God in accomplishing. Earlier Paul had described the gospel workers as "God’s fellow workers." (1 Cor 3:9+). Note also that Paul uses the in present tense signifying that his working together with God is doing so as one's lifestyle, one's habitual practice. It is not hit and miss (Paul trying to do it his way at times, and at other times relying on God, but always in reliance on God. This is a good principle for ALL spiritual work, all ministry activities. Make it you habitual practice to do so, always seeking to rely on God's Spirit leading and empowering you. This is the secret of a successful ministry of reconciliation like Paul experienced (even in face of the manifold difficulties and troubles). A warning – working not FOR Him > asynergy An encouragement – working intimately WITH Him > synergy THOUGHT - Believers have the incredible privilege today to join with God in His Word, working "synergistically" with Him! Not only is this amazing truth, but it is also encouraging truth because it means that the good works He has prepared for us (Eph 2:10+) are enabled and empowered by God's Spirit. We are neither helpless nor alone as we carry out His work as ambassadors of Christ. This simple truth begs the question - Whose strength are you depending on to accomplish His work? If it is your strength, you will very likely grow weary and lost heart. The antidote is to always to "consider Him (see Heb 12:1-2+) Who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Heb 12:3+) Apart from Him we can do absolutely nothing (Jn 15:5b). Let there be no thought of what you can do for God, but all thought of what God can do through you. -- F B Meyer Kistemaker - The translation working together with Him is acceptable as long as we interpret it to mean that God uses his servants as instruments (1 Cor. 3:9; 1 Thess. 3:2). Further, messengers can never be on the same level as their sender (compare John 13:16; 15:20). (2 Corinthians - NTC) Paul Apple - Paul was working together with God because he was striving for the same goal; Christians should not be working against one another – Deut. 22:10+ “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together” – sometimes God must marvel at what kind of animals we manifest ourselves to be Don’t act like a donkey! Not only did they have the privilege and responsibility as God's co-laborers, but they (and we) also had God's authority. As Jesus instructed His disciples “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.“Go therefore and make disciples (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always (THE EMPOWERING SPIRIT OF CHRIST - cf Acts 1:8+), even to the end of the age (UNTIL THE HARVEST IS COMPLETED).” (Mt 28:18-20+) THOUGHT- Look for where God is working and join in His work (See John 5:17, John 5:18-19) (see Experiencing God.) Many more people are willing to work FOR God than WITH God! We also urge (parakaleo - present tense - continually pleading, begging) you - We also urge (continually beg) you uses the same verb parakaleo as in 2Co 5:20+ which says "we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal (parakaleo - present tense - continually) through us. In essence our pleading is God's pleading! "God's ambassadors are privileged pleaders, begging their hearers to respond to the truth." (MacArthur) You is emphatic (at the end of the Greek sentence) as if he is saying "“you—do not receive the grace of God in vain” Not to receive (dechomai) the grace (charis) of God in vain (kenos) - Received is dechomai which means a "welcome reception" (put out the "welcome mat" so to speak). Received is in the aorist tense and in context seems to refer to the past reception of the word of reconciliation, in effect the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24b+). Grace received in vain means the grace failed to bring about God's intended effect and thus His grace was without result ("non-productive"), not because it was "defective" grace but because it had a "defective" reception or application by the hearers/recipients. While Paul does not state the specific ways God's grace was in vain or "wasted" (so to speak), from the overall context of the Corinthian letters (and the sinful city of Corinth), one likely consideration is that some of the Corinthian believers were either failing to grow in grace (2Pe 3:18+ - aka progressive sanctification) or were even overtly backsliding into sins that had characterized their pre-conversion life. And so in this sense, God's supernatural, all sufficient, life transforming grace was being "wasted," or received in vain. In his first letter Paul alluded to receiving grace in vain writing "by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me." (1Co 15:10+) Paul's spiritual "lifeblood" was the grace of God (and it should be ours beloved)! In 1 Co 15:10+ Paul of course is not referring to saving grace, but sanctifying grace, God's provision of daily grace dispensed by His Spirit of grace to supernaturally enable believer's lives to be a "sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ in every place" (2Co 2:14+), lives characterized by being progressively transformed by the Spirit from glory to glory into the image of God's Son (2Co 3:18+). As explained in the introduction (and in some of those quoted below, like John MacArthur), the second way the grace of God could be in vain is that some in the Corinthian church professed to believe in Christ but possessed only an intellectual belief. In their case the gospel of the grace of had failed to make them new creations in Christ (2Co 5:17+). The grace of God had not failed (or been in vain) because the grace was "defective" but the hearts of the recipients were "defective." From reading a number of commentaries, it appears that most writers interpret this passage as directed to genuine believers in Corinth who were not allowing the grace of God to grow them in Christlikeness. While this may be Paul's intended meaning, this passage clearly can be applied to situations where recipients have been given the Gospel of grace and yet fail to receive it and believe it and either totally reject it or procrastinate (put it off to another time - the following passage suggesting the possibility that they may not have another "acceptable day of salvation." ) Dr John MacArthur interprets receiving the grace of God in vain in two ways - failure of initial conversion (profession without possession) and failure of genuine believers to experience progressive sanctification: (1) Paul was concerned first that the Corinthians not receive God’s grace in regard to salvation in vain. As in any church, not everyone in the Corinthian assembly was redeemed. Some had intellectual knowledge of the gospel but did not have saving faith. That is why Paul challenged them, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5). Those in the congregation who were not regenerate were in grave danger of being deceived by the false teachers. To follow those preaching another Jesus, another Spirit, and another gospel would lead to a waste of their privilege and to spiritual ruin. Paul was similarly concerned about the Galatians (Gal 1:6-9) (2) The Corinthians were also in danger of receiving God’s grace in vain with regard to sanctification. The legalists sought to turn them away from living in the power of the Spirit to living in the strength of the flesh. Paul chided the Galatians, also under assault by legalism, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3). Sanctification, like justification, is a work of God. It does not come from legalistically conforming to an external set of rules but from a Spirit-generated, heartfelt love for and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians Commentary) Here is another note by Dr MacArthur in his study Bible - Most of the Corinthians were saved but hindered by legalistic teaching regarding sanctification (see 11:3 [note]; Gal 6:1 [note]). Some were not truly saved but deceived by a gospel of works (cf. 13:5; Gal 5:4), which was being taught by the false teachers. In either case, Paul's proclamation of the gospel of grace would not have been having its desired effect, and he would have had cause for serious concern that his many months of ministry at Corinth were for nothing. Both cases also prevented the people from effectively assuming any "ministry of reconciliation" (5:18). (MacArthur Study Bible) William MacDonald's explanation of the phrase the grace of God in vain is similar that of John