What It's Worth

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,

“In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 ESV

Jesus Christ has imparted His grace to us. Those who have believed in Him are eternally saved. How, then, could it be in vain? If, having received His grace, we squander it by not following through with discipleship and evangelism, we have missed our calling. He has helped us in our desperate need, now we must pass on the grace by telling the world about our Savior. Now. Today. Any time is the right time to receive Christ. We must not hinder anyone in any way from knowing the truth about Jesus and His finished work.

It was so important to Paul and the other apostles that they endured great hardship; terrible adversities, just for privilege of representing the Savior to the world. Those who deny the reality of Jesus’ atonement and His resurrection should refresh themselves regarding these unthinkable trials the faithful endured for the sake of the gospel. No one would go through such fiery adversity for a hoax or a pipe dream. They gave not only their lives, but their daily comforts, their dignity, their families, their ambitions, their material goods, their formerly cherished beliefs—EVERYTHING!—for the gospel of Christ, and yet were treated by some as imposters. Yes, they had sorrow, but it was overshadowed by their pure joy in knowing and sharing the truth of Jesus Christ. Yes, they were materially poor, but OH! the riches of glorious redemption they brought to their hearers. They owned nothing, but had permanent possession of Christ’s Own inheritance.

Matthew 19:29 “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”

Paul and his associates had given the Corinthian saints everything they knew about Jesus. They held nothing back. If the Corinthians were not getting it, it was because they themselves were hindering the Holy Spirit in their lives. I know believers like that, and you do, too. The Word is available. The Holy Spirit is in attendance. However, we must WANT the Word and the Holy Spirit’s enablement in order to receive the maximum understanding of doctrine, to achieve the maximum spiritual growth, to actually advance to the high ground of the Super-Grace Life. We, like the Corinthians, are without excuse! We must “widen our hearts” to receive the blessings He has for us. The well is gushing, brethren.

Bring a bigger bucket.