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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, Chapter Six 1. How did Paul say he urged the brothers in Corinth not to receive God's grace, what did Paul say God said through the prophet Isaiah, what time did Paul say it was, and what day did Paul say it was?
______________________________________________________________________________ How could the Corinthian believers toss aside God's message
("receive God's grace in vain")? Perhaps they were doubting Paul and his words,
confused by the false teachers who taught a different message. The people heard
God's message, but did not let it affect what they said and did. How often does
God's message reach you in vain? <>< <>< ><> ><> 2. What did Paul say he and Timothy do not put in anyone's path so that their ministry will not be discredited, and how did Paul say he and Timothy commend themselves in every way as servants of God?
______________________________________________________________________________ In everything he did, Paul always considered what his actions
communicated about Jesus Christ. If you are a believer, you are a minister for
God. In the course of each day, non-Christians observe you. Don't let your
careless or undisciplined actions be another person's excuse for rejecting
Christ. 3. How did Paul say he and Timothy had spoken to the brothers in Corinth, what did he say they weren't withholding from the brothers in Corinth, and what did Paul ask them to open wide as a fair exchange?
______________________________________________________________________________ "Opened wide our hearts to you" and "not withholding our affection from you" mean that Paul had told the Corinthian believers his true feelings for them, clearly revealing how much he loved them. The Corinthians were reacting coldly to Paul's words, but Paul explained that his harsh words came from his love for them. It is easy to react against those whom God has placed over us in leadership, rather than to accept their exhortations as a sign of their love for us. We need an open rather than a closed heart toward God's messengers. <>< <>< ><> ><> 4. Whom did Paul tell the brothers in Corinth not to be yoked together with, what can't righteousness have in common with, what can't fellowship have with light, who can't Christ have harmony with, what can't a believer have in common with, what can't be in agreement with the temple of God, what did Paul tell the brothers in Corinth they all were, and what did God say?
______________________________________________________________________________ Paul urges believers not to form binding relationships with
nonbelievers, because this might weaken their Christian commitment, integrity,
or standards. It would be a mismatch. Earlier, Paul had explained that this did
not mean isolating oneself from nonbelievers (see 1st Corinthians 5:9, 10). Paul
even tells Christians to stay with their non-believing spouses (1st Corinthians
7:12,13). Paul wants believers to be active in their witness for Christ to
nonbelievers, but they should not lock themselves into personal or business
relationships that could cause them to compromise the faith. Believers should do
everything in their power to avoid situations that could force them to divide
their loyalties. 5. What did the Lord say?
______________________________________________________________________________ Separation from the world involves more than keeping our distance from sinners; it means staying close to God (see 7:1, 2). It involves more than avoiding entertainment that leads to sin; it extends into how we spend our time and money. There is no way to separate ourselves totally from all sinful influences. Nevertheless, we are to resist the sin around us, without either giving up or giving in. <>< <>< ><> ><> 1. In vain..."In the time
of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you."...the time
of God's favor...the day of salvation <>< <>< ><> ><> |