Twin City church of Christ Blog
“June 13, 2024 - We Commend Ourselves in Every Way”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsWe Commend Ourselves in Every Way
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Paul considers himself an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor 5:20) and a fellow-worker with God (2 Cor 6:1). He urges the Corinthians to “be reconciled to God”(2 Cor 5:20) and “not to receive the grace of God in vain”(2 Cor 6:1). In this section, he appeals to the great work God is doing through the apostles. “But as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger”(2 Cor 6:4). Would a hypocrite or charlatan continue through such experiences? Paul admits the weakness and difficulty of his ministry—and in doing so, commends the ministry.
He goes further: “by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left”(2 Cor 6:6-7). These are the tools of the apostle. His integrity, gentle spirit, and honest speech characterize him. God is at work in him. “through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed”(2 Cor 6:8-9). The mixed reaction Paul receives also confirms his sincerity as an apostle. He does not only play for the crowds, yet a few show him honor and praise. Generally the treatment is shabby, yet he presses on as he works for his God.
Paul introduces us to a unique style of ministry. It is lowly and despised, yet this is no mark of its effectiveness. It is full of a quiet integrity, yet does not make a huge splash in the world. Paul commends the apostles and their ministry because God works through imperfect, quiet, weak, despised people to make his glory shine even brighter.
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One Thing to Think About: Why do we struggle valuing situations that show our weakness?
One Thing to Pray For: God’s priorities (not man’s) to become my priorities
