Episode 2866 - Lesson 10 - Saturday August 29 - Authentic Christian Ministry

Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week's Study: 2 Cor. 3:1-9, 2 Cor. 4:7-18, 2 Cor. 5:11-15, Col. 1:19-23, Eph. 2:13-16, 2 Cor. 6:11-7:1, 2 Corinthians 7Memory Text: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies" (2 Corinthians 4:8-10, ESV).Last week, we saw that Paul, by affirming his simplicity and sincerity, defended himself from the accusations of inconstancy and lack of love toward the Corinthians. He always worked for the best interests of his spiritual children. He began a line of thought in 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 that goes to 2 Corinthians 7. While doing so, he reflects on what an authentic ministry for Christ looks like. We can draw so many lessons from Paul's thoughts in that regard.This week, we will look into 2 Corinthians 3-7, where Paul speaks of his ministry of gaining souls for Christ. Ellen G. White says, "The conversion of sinners and their sanctification through the truth is the strongest proof a minister can have that God has called him to the ministry. The evidence of his apostleship is written upon the hearts of those converted, and is witnessed to by their renewed lives. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. A minister is greatly strengthened by these seals of his ministry."--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 328.* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 5.