Approved of God

God has set in place the vocation for all saints to be able ministers in the Body of Christ. In this role as ambassadors (II Cor.5:20), our Father is to be our total provision: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” (II Cor 3:5-6)

To understand this great privilege, the Apostle Paul wrote 13 epistles. Our empowerment is to be by the Word, attending upon the spiritual needs of others, on the behalf of Christ as members of His Body. II Corinthians 6 is designed to provide a few specifics for us in this role: “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, “ (vs 4) To be approved we become living sacrifices. (Rom. 12) The flesh is put to the side as we offer ourselves to do love service unto others in thankfulness for all God has done for us. We are enabled by the daily renewing of the mind, keeping our focus above and on eternity, and walking by faith, even when we are tired or the flesh baulks.

Take a moment to prayerfully think on II Corinthians 6:4-10: “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (II Cor. 6:4-10)

This section of Scripture provides insight into three aspects of being able servants. He uses seemingly insignificant terms, yet they are actually very important ‘helping words’ to flag us:

1) Circumstances of Service: In verses 4-5, the term “in” is used to provide a sampling of situations in which we are to serve. Verses 3-4 state we are to give “no offence in anything…but in all things approving ourselves as ministers of God.” For example, being patient, though dicult situations and suffering.

2) How to Serve: In verses 6-8a, the term “by” identifies how to serve in an assortment of ways i.e. using the fruits of the Spirit, God’s power, our armor, and by various circumstances.

3) Roles in Service: In verses 8b-10 Paul repeats the word “As,” referring to the character and roles we will play when ministering, such as being viewed as deceivers, yet we are actually ministers of Truth.

Take time to consider how this helps you understand your vocation and the resources given to you by God. Reflect upon this section to allow the Spirit to enlighten you as to new facets of the verses and how they can be practically applied in the details of your life.

Just a thought: Prove all things: Upon meditating on this passage, it seems to me like II Cor 6:4-10 may be a listing of the “weapons of our warfare,” referred to later, in II Corinthians 10:4: “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” Take time to think on this for yourselves.