The Way - Day 084 (2 Corinthians 6)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 6
Thus far in his letter to the Corinthian Christians, Paul had defended his ministry against false teachers and those who had questioned his sincerity (2 Corinthians 1-3).  Although Paul experienced incredible persecution and accusations from those who desired to destroy him, he wrote about the ministry of the gospel given to him by God and his unwavering commitment to withstand the onslaughts (2 Corinthians 4).  Paul was careful to remind the church at Corinth that this confidence was founded in the power of Christ, who brings daily renewal to the inner man (4:16-18).  Even though his body had been worn down through persecution and personal attacks, Paul looked forward to a future resurrection where he was guaranteed eternity in the presence of God (5:1-8).  Paul made it his aim to please God through the way he lived his life in spite of his circumstances (5:9-11).  Most of his ministry had been spent preaching the necessity of believing in Jesus Christ, who died for sin and rose again, and now he challenged those who had believed in Christ to urge others to be made right with God (5:12-21).

Since many in the Corinthian church had been set free from sin and made right with God through Jesus Christ, they had become "workers together" with Paul; however, he warned them about taking this for granted (6:1).  It is possible that the Corinthians had fallen victim to the false teachers and were fearful of possible persecution if they proclaimed the message of hope through Jesus Christ, so Paul encouraged them to embrace the persecution which stems from speaking the truth.  Paul spoke from experience.  He had been through numerous times of trial (6:2-10), but endured them with joy.

Paul then turned his full attention to the Corinthians and, in love (6:11-13), he called them to live holy lives before God by separating themselves from associations which were detrimental to their relationship with God (6:14-16a).  God desired to "dwell with them and walk among them" (6:16b).  God deeply desired to be their God and he desired them to be His people; therefore, the Corinthians could not be divided in their loyalty.  Drawing from God's words in Isaiah 52:11 Paul commanded the Corinthians to "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.  Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.  I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty" (6:17-18).  Since God has promised to be our God and dwell among us, we should "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (7:1).

Dear God, cleanse me of all associations which distract me from a relationship with You.  I embrace You as my God.  Dwell in me, walk with me, and be a Father to me.