In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul asks them to conform to the standards that Jesus. set, And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—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”—giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, (2 Corinthians 6:1-4).
As An Ambassador
In verse 20 of chapter 5, Paul tells the church that they are ambassadors for Christ. Today's ambassadors represent their countries in a manner that brings confidence, assurance and good will to that country. The modern ambassadors conduct themselves astutely. They never want to present a bad image because who they are reflects on the country they serve.
If then you are an ambassador for Christ, you should do everything in your power to represent God's Kingdom in a manner that would cause others to want to belong to your country. You want everyone to see that you serve the Kingdom well. Those around should know what Kingdom you represent.
Working Together
Because you are an Ambassador as Paul, you work together with Jesus. You work in a manner that proves the grace given you isn't in vain. It is grace that saves you, but then God's grace then, gives you the power and desire to do the work of the Holy Spirit. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work through your giftedness and personality while you rest assures that you aren't using your grace in vain.
Paul and his ministry team suffered many hardships. It is possible that you will as well. Those of us in America may not suffer any of the hardships that Paul went through (vv 4-5). However, even if you do suffer persecution, if you remain pure, the knowledge of God will create in you patience, kindness, genuine love through the Holy Spirit. All this is brought about by the word of truth. through the power of God.
Then Paul encourages you to use the weapons of righteousness. Notice that the weapon of righteousness fits you if you are right handed or left handed. It doesn't require you to special order the weapon of righteousness. It fits right out of the box. Paul also writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Therefore, your weapons of righteousness is given to you by God through Jesus. He took all of our sin and made us as righteous as God.
Do Not Be Yoked to Unbelievers
Paul finishes his advice to the church at Corinth and to you and me by teaching that we are not to become partners with unbelievers. If you are a believer about to get married to an unbeliever, stop! Tell your significant other that you will not marry him/her until a confession in Christ is made.
Getting ready to form a business partnership with another? Before you sign the papers, make sure the other is a believer; otherwise, your business may look like a worldly business. So keep yourself from being bound in any fashion to an unbeliever.
Paul is not saying "don't associate with an unbeliever." How else could your ever preach the word to them. Paul writes in Colossians 2:20, If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as.
If you have died with Christ, you are not subject to the decrees of the world that causes you to submit yourself to the elemental teachings of the world. In other words never allow anyone to "should" on you. You've been changed from these man-made laws.
Paul quotes Isaiah as emphasis to avoid the things of the world. Isaiah says, Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord.
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Blessings,
Howard
Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.
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