FRAMEWORKS:
2 Corinthians 6
In
this ‘Framework' we use our usual text PLUS comment style to enable
you, as simply as possible, to catch the sense of his writing.
FRAMEWORKS:
2 Cor 6: Apostolic Hardships & calls to respond
v.1,2
Now if the time of God's favour
v.3-13
The Hardships of the Apostles
v.14-18
Be Distinct from Unbelievers
[Chapter
Synopsis: The
outworking of all that has gone before is that, in the light of
the things that they have had to say about the church, they don't
want the church to disqualify themselves by those things. Paul
moves into a very personal mode to reassure them that all they
have said or done has been for their benefit so they may receive
the fulness of their salvation. Indeed the apostles work to ensure
they put nothing in their way to hinder them in that. They have
put up with all the tough stuff of travelling and often being
rejected if not actually persecuted but God has seen them through.
As a an outworking of the gospel, he calls them to ensure they
remain distinct from unbelievers.]
v.1,2
Now if the time of God's favour
v.1
(as
workers with God we urge you not to waste what you've already
received) As
God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
v.2
(now
is the time of God's favour, the day to receive the fulness of
the salvation He offers us) For
he says, “In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the
day of salvation I helped you.” [Isa
49:8] I tell you, now is the
time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation.
[Passage
Synopsis: All
of this should challenge us not to drift away from what we have
received already for He looks with favour on us, wanting us to
receive the fulness of His salvation.]
v.3-13
The Hardships of the Apostles
v.3
(we
try not to put any obstacle in your way so nothing hinders you
receiving this salvation) We
put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry
will not be discredited.
v.4
(rather
we try to give you reasons for having confidence in us, knowing
what we've gone through for you…) Rather,
as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great
endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;
v.5
(knowing
the pain we've suffered for it…) in
beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights
and hunger;
v.6
(…
seeking to remain Christlike throughout) in
purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit
and in sincere love;
v.7
(…
ensuring we speak truthfully with God's power and righteousness)
in
truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness
in the right hand and in the left;
v.8
(…
through good and bad times, holding our integrity despite
what others say about us) through
glory and dishonour, bad report and good report; genuine, yet
regarded as impostors;
v.9
(under
threat and yet surviving) known,
yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and
yet not killed;
v.10
(sad
and happy, rich with nothing and yet in him with everything )
sorrowful,
yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing,
and yet possessing everything.
v.11
(we
have poured our hearts out to you) We
have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts
to you.
v.12
(we
aren't holding back our warmth for you) We
are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding
yours from us.
v.13
(so
please think and act similarly towards us) As
a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts
also.
[Passage
Synopsis: As
apostles of Christ they seek to say or do nothing that will hinder
the gospel. The put up with everything, both good and bad – and
there's lots of both – speaking openly and honestly and maintaining
their love for the church, and hope the church can feel the same
about them.]
v.14-18
Be Distinct from Unbelievers
v.14
(they
ask them to remain separate from unbelievers) Do
not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness
and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have
with darkness?
v.15
(there
cannot be harmony between the kingdom of God and the dominion
of darkness) What
harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer
have in common with an unbeliever?
v.16
(as
the temple of God they cannot be united with idol worshippers)
What
agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we
are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live
with them and walk among them, and I will be their
God, and they will be my people.” [Lev.
26:12; Jer. 32:38; Ezek. 37:27]
v.17
(so
God calls them to be distinct) Therefore,
“Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [Isa
52:11; Ezek. 20:34,41]
v.18
(so
they can truly be part of the family of God) And,
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.” [2
Sam 7:14; 7:8]
[Passage
Synopsis: Everything
they've been saying might be summed up in the call to be the distinct
holy people of God.]
Chapter
Brief Summary/Recap:
Ch.
6: Apostolic Hardships & calls to respond
•
realising
that produces a call to realise ‘today' is the time of God's
favour
•
to maximise
that call they seek to avoid any hindrances in themselves
•
he expresses
the hardships they've gone through to do that
•
the end result
is to be a pure and distinct people
Continue
to Chapter 7