In 2 Corinthians 6:1–12, Paul urges his readers not to receive the grace of God in vain. Though many in Corinth claimed to believe the gospel, their rejection of Paul revealed a lack of faith. In this episode, Krisan Marotta explains why responding to grace involves more than religious affiliation or claims of belief.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

• Why Paul presents two urgent appeals: “Be reconciled to God” and “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.”
• How some in Corinth received the gospel message yet rejected the messenger.
• How Paul defends his ministry through suffering, sincerity, and spiritual fruit.
• What Isaiah 49 reveals about the present “day of salvation.”
• How worldly values can keep us from embracing true faith.

By listening, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what it means to respond rightly to God’s grace and how Paul’s words challenge both ancient and modern assumptions about faith, success, and spiritual integrity.

Receiving Grace in Vain (2 Corinthians 6:1-12)

Paul continues his defense of his ministry by urging the Corinthians to respond rightly to the gospel message.

Two Urgent Appeals

• Paul speaks on behalf of God, entreating the Corinthians to do two things:
  • be reconciled to God
  • not receive the grace of God in vain.
• Being reconciled means acknowledging real guilt before God and trusting in His forgiveness through Christ (not through moral improvement or religious performance).

Receiving Grace in Vain

• Some commentators claim Paul cannot be talking about not receiving salvation because he addresses believers.
• But in this letter Paul sometimes speaks as if they are believers and at other times warns them to examine their faith, because he’s speaking to a church that contains both genuine and false believers.
• Paul does not assume everyone who identifies as a believer actually possesses saving faith.
• He expresses confidence in his readers’ faith when he has seen events in their life that encourage him they have faith.
• Likewise, he expresses reservations when their lifestyles don’t match what they say they believe.
• They have received this message of grace in the sense that they have heard it and called themselves Christians. But some of them are living in way that contradicts their claims of faith.
• Receiving the grace of God in vain means hearing the gospel but failing to embrace its with faith.

Testing Genuine Faith

• The New Testament consistently warns that not all who claim to follow Jesus truly do.
• True saving faith includes four core convictions: recognition of sin, longing for holiness, understanding that forgiveness is undeserved, and trust in Christ’s atoning work.
• Life tests faith, and real faith leads to repentance and change, not just words or religious activity.

Why Paul Questions Their Response

• Paul sees the Corinthians rejecting him not because of the content of his message, but due to superficial, worldly judgments.
• They value rhetorical skill, charisma, and worldly success (things Paul lacks in their opinion) more than his message.
• Their rejection of Paul reveals a rejection of the gospel.

Isaiah 49 and the Time of Salvation Isaiah’s Servant Songs

• Paul quotes Isaiah 49:8 to highlight that the promised day of salvation has arrived.
• Isaiah describes the Servant (the Messiah) as feeling like he toiled in vain. Though he is abhorred by the nation, he trusts in God.
• Isaiah predicts a day when God will raise up the Servant from his lowly rejected place. That day will be the day of favor and salvation for him, and also for His people.
• Paul quotes Isaiah to make the point: The Messiah came, the day is here, and the message of grace has been proclaimed. It is time to respond.

Paul’s Commendation of His Ministry

• Paul has worked diligently to avoid placing stumbling blocks in the way of others.
• Paul points to his lifestyle as evidence that he is a genuine servant of God.
• Paul has persevered through hardship and he lists examples.
• Paul describes several positive qualities they can see in his life (e.g. purity, knowledge, patience).
• Paul contrasts these external struggles with the inward reality of the Spirit at work in his life.

The Paradox of Paul’s Life

• Paul lists contrasts that describe his life: sorrowful yet rejoicing, poor yet making many rich, having nothing yet possessing everything.
• These paradoxes show the eternal value of gospel ministry, even when outward appearances seem unimpressive.

Paul’s Final Plea

• Paul speaks openly and with deep love for the Corinthians.
• He insists that any hindrance to reconciliation is not from him.
• Their failure to respond rightly is not due to Paul’s failings but their own worldly values.

Key Takeaways

• Not all who hear the gospel respond with genuine faith; some receive it in vain.
• True reconciliation with God involves faith that changes your life.
• Paul’s critics judged by external standards, but Paul measured faithfulness by endurance, integrity, and spiritual fruit.
• The gospel offends worldly values but remains the message of eternal life.
• The time to respond to the gospel is now. There is no better or future moment promised.

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation. Next: 10 Unequally Yoked: Understanding Paul’s Warning (2 Corinthians 6:13-7:2) Previous: 08 New Creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church Hurts Resources to help you study: 2 Corinthians

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Podcast season 26, episode 9