2 Corinthians 6
BSB1 As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation! 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; 5 in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; 6 in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine; 9 as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide. 12 It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained. 13 As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also. 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people." 17 “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." 18 And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Corinthians 6
- Themes from 2 Corinthians 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Corinthians 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul encourages believers to not receive God's grace in vain, but to live a life that is separated from sin and devoted to God. He reminds them that they are ambassadors for Christ and that God is making his appeal through them. Paul also lists the various hardships and sufferings he and his companions have endured for the sake of the gospel, including beatings, imprisonments, and riots. Despite these challenges, Paul remains confident in God's power and promises to deliver them. The chapter concludes with a call to separate themselves from unbelievers and to live a life that is pleasing to God, citing 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 as a warning against being yoked with unbelievers.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, written to address various issues in the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and a lack of generosity. The chapter fits within the larger narrative of the book as Paul defends his apostleship and emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. The book of 2 Corinthians is situated within the larger biblical narrative, following the events of 1 Corinthians and preceding the books of Galatians and Ephesians.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to live a life that is separated from sin and devoted to God. We must be careful not to receive God's grace in vain, but to use the opportunities we have to serve him and to live a life that is pleasing to him. This can be applied in our daily lives by prioritizing our relationship with God, seeking to live a life of holiness, and being mindful of the company we keep.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about living a life that is pleasing to God and not wasting the opportunity to serve him. Believers are called to separate themselves from sin and to live a life that is devoted to God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:1 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. By doing so, they can be effective ambassadors for Christ and make the most of the grace they have received.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere set of doctrines, but a living, breathing, and powerful message that demands a response from those who hear it.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The believer's life is not their own, but is lived for the sake of Christ and the advancement of his kingdom.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction (2 Corinthians 6:1-2) — Paul introduces the chapter by urging believers not to receive God's grace in vain and to live a life that is pleasing to God.
- The Sufferings of Paul (2 Corinthians 6:3-10) — Paul lists the various hardships and sufferings he and his companions endured for the sake of the gospel.
- The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 6:11-13) — Paul reminds believers that they are ambassadors for Christ and that God is making his appeal through them.
- The Call to Separation (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) — The chapter concludes with a call to separate themselves from unbelievers and to live a life that is pleasing to God.
- Conclusion (2 Corinthians 6:19-20) — Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of living a life that is devoted to God and separated from sin.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Grace
- This chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and not receiving God's grace in vain. The doctrine of grace is central to the Christian faith, as it highlights God's free and unmerited favor towards humanity.
- The Doctrine of Sanctification
- The chapter calls believers to separate themselves from sin and to live a life that is devoted to God. This is in line with the doctrine of sanctification, which emphasizes the importance of living a life of holiness and obedience to God.
- The Doctrine of the Gospel
- The chapter reminds believers that they are ambassadors for Christ and that God is making his appeal through them. This is in line with the doctrine of the gospel, which emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of salvation with others.
- The Doctrine of Separation
- The chapter concludes with a call to separate themselves from unbelievers and to live a life that is pleasing to God. This is in line with the doctrine of separation, which emphasizes the importance of distinguishing oneself from the world and living a life of holiness.
Lessons from 2 Corinthians 6
- The Importance of Living a Life that is Pleasing to God — This chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and not receiving God's grace in vain.
- The Role of the Believer as an Ambassador for Christ — The chapter reminds believers that they are ambassadors for Christ and that God is making his appeal through them.
- The Call to Separation — The chapter concludes with a call to separate themselves from unbelievers and to live a life that is pleasing to God.
- The Sufferings of the Apostle Paul — Paul lists the various hardships and sufferings he and his companions endured for the sake of the gospel.
- The Ministry of Reconciliation — The chapter highlights the importance of the ministry of reconciliation and the role of believers in sharing the message of salvation with others.
Themes from 2 Corinthians 6
- The Theme of Grace — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and not receiving God's grace in vain.
- The Theme of Ambassadors for Christ — The chapter reminds believers that they are ambassadors for Christ and that God is making his appeal through them.
- The Theme of Suffering — Paul lists the various hardships and sufferings he and his companions endured for the sake of the gospel.
- The Theme of Separation — The chapter concludes with a call to separate themselves from unbelievers and to live a life that is pleasing to God.
- The Theme of Reconciliation — The chapter highlights the importance of the ministry of reconciliation and the role of believers in sharing the message of salvation with others.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to receive God's grace in vain, and how can we avoid doing so?
- What are some ways in which we can live a life that is pleasing to God?
- How can we be effective ambassadors for Christ in our daily lives?
- What are some ways in which we can separate ourselves from sin and live a life that is devoted to God?
- How can we balance our desire to be separate from the world with our calling to be witnesses to the world?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)
| 6:1 | Paul introduces the chapter by urging believers not to receive God's grace in vain and to live a life that is pleasing to God. |
| 6:2 | He reminds them that now is the day of salvation and that they must make the most of the opportunity they have to serve God. |
2. The Sufferings of Paul (2 Corinthians 6:3-10)
| 6:3 | Paul lists the various hardships and sufferings he and his companions endured for the sake of the gospel. |
| 6:4 | He emphasizes their integrity and sincerity in their ministry, despite the many challenges they faced. |
| 6:5 | He lists the various forms of suffering they endured, including beatings, imprisonments, and riots. |
| 6:6 | He emphasizes their patience, kindness, and genuine love for the believers. |
| 6:7 | He reminds them of the power of the gospel and the importance of their ministry. |
| 6:8 | He lists the various forms of suffering they endured, including hardships, calamities, and beatings. |
| 6:9 | He emphasizes their integrity and sincerity in their ministry, despite the many challenges they faced. |
| 6:10 | He reminds them of the joy and satisfaction they experienced in their ministry, despite the many hardships they endured. |
3. The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 6:11-13)
| 6:11 | Paul reminds believers that they are ambassadors for Christ and that God is making his appeal through them. |
| 6:12 | He emphasizes the importance of their ministry and the need for them to be faithful in their service to God. |
| 6:13 | He reminds them of the importance of their relationship with God and the need for them to be faithful in their love for him. |
4. The Call to Separation (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
| 6:14 | The chapter concludes with a call to separate themselves from unbelievers and to live a life that is pleasing to God. |
| 6:15 | He reminds them that they are not to be yoked with unbelievers, but rather to be separate and distinct from them. |
| 6:16 | He emphasizes the importance of their relationship with God and the need for them to be faithful in their love for him. |
| 6:17 | He reminds them of the importance of their separation from the world and the need for them to be distinct from unbelievers. |
| 6:18 | He emphasizes the importance of their adoption as sons and daughters of God and the need for them to live a life that is pleasing to him. |
5. Conclusion (2 Corinthians 6:19-20)
| 6:19 | Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of living a life that is devoted to God. |
| 6:20 | He reminds them of the importance of their relationship with God and the need for them to be faithful in their love for him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to receive God's grace in vain?
To receive God's grace in vain means to fail to respond to God's offer of salvation and to live a life that is not pleasing to him, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:1.
What are some ways in which we can be effective ambassadors for Christ?
We can be effective ambassadors for Christ by living a life that is pleasing to God, sharing the message of salvation with others, and being faithful in our service to him, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:11-13.
What does it mean to separate ourselves from unbelievers?
To separate ourselves from unbelievers means to distinguish ourselves from the world and to live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 6:1 → Isaiah 49:8 | The concept of not receiving God's grace in vain is also seen in Isaiah 49:8, where God says that he will help his people in the time of their need. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 6:2 → Isaiah 55:6 | The idea of seeking God while he may be found is also seen in Isaiah 55:6, where God calls his people to seek him while he may be found. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 6:3 → Acts 20:24 | The idea of being faithful in one's ministry despite hardships is also seen in Acts 20:24, where Paul says that he is willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 6:4 → 2 Timothy 2:3 | The idea of enduring hardships for the sake of the gospel is also seen in 2 Timothy 2:3, where Paul says that a soldier endures hardships for the sake of his king. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 6:5 → 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 | The list of sufferings endured by Paul is also seen in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, where he lists the various forms of suffering he endured for the sake of the gospel. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 6:6 → The idea of living a life that is characterized by patience, kindness, and genuine love is also seen in Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit. | Galatians 5:22-23 |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 6:7 → 2 Corinthians 10:4 | The idea of the power of the gospel is also seen in 2 Corinthians 10:4, where Paul says that the weapons of their warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 6:8 → 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 | The idea of being afflicted but not crushed is also seen in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, where Paul says that they are afflicted in every way, but not crushed. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 6:9 → 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 | The idea of being perplexed but not driven to despair is also seen in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, where Paul says that they were burdened beyond measure, but not driven to despair. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 6:10 → 2 Corinthians 7:4 | The idea of being sorrowful yet always rejoicing is also seen in 2 Corinthians 7:4, where Paul says that he is filled with comfort and joy in the midst of his affliction. |
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"Where Are the Praying People?" by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the speaker's strong desire to remain separate from the sinful influences of the world, committing to prayer, Bible reading, and standing against immorality. |
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Do These Things Move You? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having unwavering faith in God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. He uses the example of a man who remained c |
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Deeper Waters - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound depth of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the themes of sanctification and the nature of Jesus as both divine and human. He ar |
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The Best, Not the Good by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we c |
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You Need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Steve who was a rock star and wanted to use his fame to spread the message of Jesus. However, he was confronted by you |
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past sins and the transformation he experienced when he realized his own depravity. He mentions going to jail multiple times and living |
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Be Ye Holy for I Am Holy by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being transformed and renewed in our minds to align with God's will. He quotes from 1 Peter 1:14, urging believers to be o |
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Cooperators With God by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, Jeanette Cliff emphasizes the importance of our efforts in responding faithfully to the challenges and hardships we face in life. She shares a story of a minister v |
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(Deeper Waters) Session 3 - the Habitation of God by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his arrival at a new home and how he can immediately discern certain characteristics about the people living there. He then moves o |
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(Blood Covenant) 3 - Our Covenant With Christ by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive nature of sin and its opposition to the covenant and love of God. Sin is described as self-centeredness, selfishness, and se |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6
In this chapter, Paul urges believers to not receive God's grace in vain, but to live a life that is pleasing to God. He reminds them that they are ambassadors for Christ and that God is making his appeal through them. Paul also lists the various hardships and sufferings he and his companions endured for the sake of the gospel, including beatings, imprisonments, and riots. Despite these challenges, Paul remains confident in God's power and promises to deliver them. The chapter concludes with a call to separate themselves from unbelievers and to live a life that is pleasing to God. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The gospel is not a mere set of doctrines, but a living, breathing, and powerful message that demands a response from those who hear it.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Emphasis on Grace
The chapter begins with an emphasis on not receiving God's grace in vain, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. This is seen in 2 Corinthians 6:1, where Paul urges believers to not receive God's grace in vain.
The List of Sufferings
Paul lists the various hardships and sufferings he and his companions endured for the sake of the gospel, including beatings, imprisonments, and riots, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:4-10.
The Call to Separation
The chapter concludes with a call to separate themselves from unbelievers and to live a life that is pleasing to God, citing 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 as a warning against being yoked with unbelievers.