1. The Open, Holy and Joyful nature of ministry!
2 Corinthians
The Open, Holy and Joyful nature of ministry!

2. 2 Corinthians www.northside.co.zw/sermon/
2 Corinthians has two major section.
Chapters 1-9
Chapters
The wonderful detour
Chapters 2-7
The devoted nature of ministry
The reconciling nature of ministry
The approved nature of ministry

3. 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:4 Ministry (part three) The Open, Holy and Joyful nature of ministry

4. 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:4
1. The ‘open, accommodative’ nature of ministry (6:11-13, 7:2-3)
Plea to widen their hearts (6:11-13)
Plea to open their hearts (7:2-3)
2. The ‘holy, pure’ nature of ministry (6:14-7:1)
Plea to separate from the world (14-18)
Plea to be holy or pure (7:1)
3. The ‘joyful’ nature of ministry (7:4)

5. 1. The open, accommodative nature of ministry (6:11-13, 7:2-3)
a. A PLEA TO WIDEN THEIR HEARTS (6:11-13)
Ministry thrives on relationships.
Paul was accommodative to them
They needed to be open to Paul and his team as well
God through Christ opened His heart to us
He took us in, through the ministry of reconciliation.

6. 1. The open or accommodative nature of ministry (6:11-13, 7:2-3)
He in-turn has intrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation
How open are our hearts to those who are not yet reconciled.
Are we pursuing them with the message of reconciliation?
On the other side, are we open to share our lives with others in the Church?

7. 1. The open or accommodative nature of ministry (6:11-13, 7:2-3)
b. A PLEA TO MAKE ROOM FOR THEM
Him and his team had not wronged anyone
They had not corrupted anyone
They had taken advantage of no one
He loved them
He was willing to die with them or to live with them
Paul is laying bare what true ministry is
Ministry which loves unconditionally.
Ministry which sacrifices for others

8. 1. The open or accommodative nature of ministry (6:11-13, 7:2-3)
a. A PLEA TO SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD

9. Do not be unequally yoked!

10. 2. The holy, pure nature of ministry (6:14-7:1)
a. A PLEA TO SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD (14-18)
1 Corinthians 5:9-10
1 Corinthians 10:27
So what is Paul saying?
“Do not form any relationship, whether temporary or permanent, with unbelievers that would lead to a compromise of Christian standards or jeopardize consistency of Christian witness.

11. What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?

12. What fellowship has light with darkness?

13. What accord has Christ with Belial?

14. You are the Temple of God!

15. 2. The holy or pure nature of ministry (6:14-7:1)
God demands purity of life and separation from evil
The call is for separation from unbelievers, with their pagan way of life
God’s acceptance and approval of his people is dependent on their obedience to his commands.
Separation from the world leads to fellowship with God

16. 2. The holy or pure nature of ministry (6:14-7:1)
B. PLEA TO BE HOLY OR PURE 7:1
Paul has stressed the privilege of being a dwelling place of God (v. 16)
The benefits of compliance with the divine will (vv. 17d, 18)
All Christians are to avoid every source of possible defilement in any aspect of their lives

17. 2. The holy or pure nature of ministry (6:14-7:1)
Seeking purity in marriage
Maintaining sexual purity for the unmarrieds
Maintaining Christian businesses ethics in business ventures and partnerships
Desisting from corrupt activities
Family relations
Worship etc

18. 2. The holy or pure nature of ministry (6:14-7:1)
The Christian life involves:
Separation (6:17)
Familial fellowship (6:18)
Sanctification (7:1)

19. 3. The joyful nature of ministry (7:4)
Paul was very happy
He actually has pride in them
A pride for people who have done a good thing
He is filled with joy
Paul was filled with joy because after the severe letter, they had repented (v. 9)

20. The Open, Holy and Joyful nature of ministry! (6:11-7:4)
We saw that the open or accommodative nature of ministry demands that we open ourselves to others
We saw that the pure or holy nature of ministry demands separation from the world and holiness.
We saw that the joyful nature of ministry leads us to joy in ministry
That we remain joyful during our successes and even during our afflictions.