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 2 Corinthians 6:4-18 - Walk the Walk

        The principle of holiness is the most important teaching for Christian living.  In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God.  We cannot function with the blessing of the Holy Father if our bodies and spirits are defiled.  With holiness and purity come God’s blessing.  Blessing in marriage, family, church, community, and nation.

        Therefore, we show that we are ministers of God by first ensuring that we are pure from evil.  Get right with God this morning.  Be pure.  Never try to deceive others.  Fear God.  Trust Him to point out the road to follow.  For there is no harmony between Jesus Christ and Satan.

        Be different from the devil.  He is darkness and evil.  And we, with Christ, are light and goodness.

        So we must separate ourselves from unbelievers (6:17).  Some will get self-righteous here and justify unloving actions toward others and show their affinity for the dark through their legalism.  Jesus loves all people.  Seeking the highest good for others does not mean we need to affirm their sinful behavior.  Don’t be misled by the notion that we must love and serve the sinner and team up with the sinful.  And don’t be misled by those that hate people and shun the very sick we are here on earth to heal by sharing the gift that God gave us.  The churchman must exercise discernment.   That requires self-control and wisdom only God can give.  We must love all people and see them as God sees them.  

        I think this is one of the key reasons why our churches are so ineffective.  Many church leaders and members have teamed up with sin of all sorts.  We confuse love with the affirmation of evil.  Listen closely.  Even to those who seem to take self-righteous stands against a moral issue - I’ve seen many of those very men resist even small measures of accountability in their ministry - they preach purity, yet they are impure.

        The principles of this chapter are core, central, and fundamental if you will, to living God’s will in our lives.

        We patiently endure troubles.  A Christian man is patient.  That is hard for me.  In every season of my life that’s been a challenge.  But with God, we know He keeps promises, so we must be patient.  Patiently endure.  Let God work out the situation His way.  God, please give us patience.

        Jesus and the apostles are our examples of endurance.

        We prove we are Christians not by goofy man-made legalism (don’t eat, don’t drink, don’t wear denim, etc.).  We show our love in action, our obedience to Jesus Christ by:

  • Our purity
  • Our understanding
  • Our Kindness
  • The Holy Spirit within us
  • Our sincere love
  • Faithfully preaching the truth of God’s word
  • God’s power working in us
  • Using the weapons of righteousness in attack and defense
  • Serving God whether honored, despised, slandered, or praised
  • Our honesty.

        It is ok if we are ignored and called names.  Stand your ground.  Never give in to the wicked (Proverbs 25:26).  It’s ok to be broken - we have spiritual riches.  And we always have joy.

        Lord Jesus, please show us how to live by your standards.  May we bring joy and Good news and spiritual riches from You today.  Amen.

Cheering the Flames at a Canes game.


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