More Than Enoughਨਮੂਨਾ

As Christians, we’re ambassadors for Christ—tasked with pleading for unbelievers to be reconciled to God. In the passage today, Paul returned to a familiar theme: the ministry of reconciliation is marked by hardship. We’ll discover that enduring hardships with a reliance on God rather than self, no matter how we or the hardships are perceived, is a hallmark of a sincere servant of Christ.

Read 2 Corinthians 6:3-10.

What Does The Passage Say?

Paul introduced this beautiful, almost sing song passage by expressing his desire to avoid any misstep that would cause offense or hinder the gospel. He knew the gospel was offensive to those who are perishing (1 Cor. 1:23), but he desired that his actions and ministry be above reproach in every way.

Paul shared the second “hardship list” of 2 Corinthians as credentials proving him to be a sincere servant of God. (We studied his first list in 2 Cor. 4:7-11.) This hardship list can be divided into three sub lists.

The first sub list (vv. 4-5) names circumstances Paul faced in his ministry: afflictions, hardships, difficulties, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, times of hunger.

The second sub list (vv. 6-7) describes the manner and the means by which Paul endured these circumstances. This list can be further divided into the character by which he did this and the means by which Paul maintained this character.

The character traits: by purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness.

The means to maintaining this character: by the Holy Spirit, sincere love, the word of truth, the power of God, and weapons of righteousness.

The final sub list shows contrasts (vv. 8-10). The first contrasts describe the circumstances “through” which Paul has conducted his ministry: through glory and dishonor, through slander and good report. Finally, Paul contrasts how his ministry has been perceived versus his own inner reality: “Regarded as deceivers, yet true; as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see—we live; as being disciplined, yet not killed; as grieving, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, yet possessing everything” (8b-10).

What Does The Passage Mean?

Look back through the hardship sub lists. Take note of things Paul could affect or control. What insight do you gain from this observation as you seek to live a life of authenticity and sincerity in serving the Lord?

One aspect of ministry Paul couldn’t control was how others regarded him. He was misunderstood and even maligned. In the previous sub lists, take note of what Paul indicated helped him live faithfully despite the misperceptions. How does this insight help you live a life of authenticity and sincerity as you serve the Lord?

Remember, Paul was describing what authenticated his ministry and, therefore, his message: his suffering, his character, and the power of God at work in and through him. As we seek to live lives of purity and sincerity, the same components will be in play— suffering, character, and God’s power. In our suffering, we rely on God’s strength and power to carry us through. As we do, He builds character in us that points back to Him. These three things authenticate our faith and authenticate the story we tell about God.

How Must I Respond?

As you wrap up your time of study today, take some time to contemplate the following questions and pray through your responses.

What part of Paul’s life as represented by these hardships resonates with you? Why? How does his response encourage you?

What part of Paul’s perspective on his hardships challenges you? Is there an area of growth God may be pointing out?