A MUTUAL CALLING

READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1-10

Verse 1: “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.”

Paul’s words in the verse above communicate his grave concern about the misuse of God’s grace. He must have been aware of the very great loss to be experienced by anyone who receives the grace of God in vain. Certainly loss in such a situation is inevitable, because it means not allowing His grace to accomplish its purpose. An example of this in human terms might be as follows. If a criminal is granted  probation, but then violates it, that person has not allowed human grace to serve its purpose. The freedom that had been granted is forfeited and therefore received in vain. In spiritual terms, the primary purpose of the grace of God is defined in Ephesians 2:8. It states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” Grace is the provision that permits our salvation. Therefore, allowing that provision of grace to be in vain or for no purpose denies salvation; producing the terrible consequence of condemnation. That is good reason for Paul’s grave concern. Because of the seriousness of this matter, we are called even as Paul was. That mutual calling that we share with him, is to help others to receive the grace of God unto their salvation. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Why do people “receive the grace of God in vain”?

2. What is another calling that we share with Paul that you consider to be of grave importance?