2 Corinthians Week 9

Day 1 

READ 

2 Corinthians 6:6-8 

6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 

These verses reveal how Paul and his team members were proving their integrity before those to whom they ministered. Their weapons were not physical ones but spiritual ones. They were determined to honor God whether or not people honored them. Even though they were honest; they were being ridiculed as dishonest. 

REFLECT 

Consider what Paul was saying and check yourself by those high qualities. How are you doing? 

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about how to express care and concern for others. A common saying is, “People will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” See what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-17. See also Galatians 5:22-23 for the kind of fruit that should be evident in the believer’s life. 

Day 2 

READ 

2 Corinthians 6:9-10 

9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. 

Rather than seeing life as having mountains and valleys, Paul saw life having parallel tracks. While they were experiencing difficulties; they were also experiencing joy and the peace of God. These contrasts show believers they can benefit from the blessings of God even while undergoing physical trials. 

REFLECT 

What have you found in your life? While experiencing difficulties, have you at the same time had some joy? 

RESPOND 

Some have pointed out that “happiness” depends on what “happens.” On the other hand, “joy” is experienced by one’s relationship with Jesus. Visit with a friend about this and cite some examples. 

Day 3 

READ 

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 

11 Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. 12 There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. 13 I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us! 

Paul becomes direct with his Corinthian friends. They were withholding their love from Paul and his coworkers. Paul wants them to respond as if they were his own children. He pleads with them to open their hearts and express some love and appreciation.  

REFLECT 

Do you have friends who were close to you in the past but are now withholding their love from you? If so, you have some idea of what Paul was experiencing. 

RESPOND 

Verses 3 and 4 of 3 John express the apostle John’s joy from his spiritual children. Surely this expresses the desire of every Christian parent. Pray with other Christian parents that this will be true for them and for you. 

Day 4 

READ 

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 

14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 15 What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 

This is a passage often used for couples planning marriages. These principles apply to them but have a greater application. They would apply to business relationships and partnerships. Followers of Jesus are referred to as “holy”; that is, they are to be in the world but separated to God in all they do. The devil is the “god of this age” (see 2 Corinthians 4:4) and is the enemy of Jesus who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

REFLECT 

How are you doing concerning partnering with unbelievers? This does not mean you cannot be friends with them, but if possible you are to avoid a relationship where they have some control over your life.  

RESPOND 

Talk with a Christian friend about this complex problem. Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 about what Paul instructed believers in the Corinthian church.  

Day 5 

READ 

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 

16 And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. 

I will be their God, and they will be my people. 17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 

This is a key passage revealing the believer’s body is the temple of God. In contrast to non-living and non-speaking idols, the living God indwells believers. The Jewish people revered the physical temple that allowed God’s presence to dwell there, but today each believer’s body is the temple of God.  

REFLECT 

Does this help you to think differently about your relationships with unbelievers and your own body? 

RESPOND 

The Bible teaches that God is one (see Deuteronomy 6:4). The New Living Translation renders this as “God is alone.” He is alone in the sense He is the only true God. Other translations render this verse, “God is one.” Although God is one, He exists in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each of these persons indwells the believer. 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 indicates this about the Father; Colossians 1:27 reveals this about the Son; and John 14:16-17 reveals this about the Spirit.