Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

(2Co 6:3) “Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: (4 ) But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,”  “Approving”: to introduce; to exhibit.  A right reaction to others no matter the offense or trial, brings glory to the Lord. We react wrongly when our mind and heart is upon self, not the things of God.

(2Co 6:3) “Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:”  The gospel can be truthfully and completely given, even speaking of the fact of sin without being offensive to the hearer. It should be given lovingly as well as firmly and confidently. What emboldened me was the realization that I (It) was right and resistance to it was based upon wrong thinking.

DAILY DROP OF WATER  (2Co 6:2) “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” This declares that today, not tomorrow is the time to be saved.  Might one be saved tomorrow? Possibly. According to  the truth before us, it is not our place to say they can be. I know this, there can be a hearing of the gospel of which one does not have a full understanding, revelation, opening of eyes to the  reality: “It was my sins that Jesus was paying for. I am responsible.”  I had heard it before I “heard” it. When I did, I responded.

2Co 6:2) “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”  I have both heard and said it myself; something that is not true: “You can get saved at any time, even if you do not today.” Nowhere in Scripture does it say that. In fact, it is just the opposite. We are to respond while the Lord is calling. Why? To understand the High Price paid, the sufferings and death of God’s very Son and feel it not worthy enough to respond in repentance – is the height of wickedness.

(2Co 6:1) “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”  Context testifies “receive” is not speaking as embracing it, but as it being given forth as knowledge. It is not enough to hear of God’s grace and understand it; it must be embraced, taken in through a repentant heart of faith. Have you done this?

(2Co 5:21) “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”  Notice it is not that we were righteous, but through the taking of our place, the righteousness of Christ Jesus “made” those who have embraced Him as Savoir – righteous! (Rom_5:8) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

 (2Co 5:21) “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”  “…knew no sin…” I have often wondered to what degree our Lord’s soul was vexed by the sin of those He came into contact with. Imagine what our own sinful thoughts and actions do to the precious Spirit of Christ within us!

(2Co 5:21) “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”  Behold the price of reconciliation! It is no small thing that He gave His Son to be “made sin” to save those who not only lived in willful sin, but continue unto varied degrees to do so even after their soul has been saved! Don’t even “begin” to think you was worth it!

(2Co 5:20) “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”   The very wording of this verse proves 2Peter 3:9b, “The Lord is….not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Notice the words of our text: “God did beseech (to implore) you”; “we pray (beg) you in Christ’s stead (place)”. Praise Him!

(2Co 5:20) “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”  The saved not only represent Christ (ambassadors), but also with a wonderful, precious, life-changing message: Jesus died and rose again in your place so that you might be forgiven of those sins. Hell can be put behind  you and heaven ahead if you will just repent and embrace Jesus as your Savior! That is the method of reconciliation with your merciful God!