Paul as an Example of Christian Service

I. Receive the Grace of God 6:1-2

A. Working together with Him  1a

B.  Exhortation -- Do not receive the Grace of God in vain.  1b

C.  The Acceptable (favorable) Time  2a
	This is a direct quote from Isaiah 49:8 in the LXX.  		

D.  Now is the Accepted (favorable) Time   6:2b
	

II. Paul as a Minister of the New Covenant 6:3-4a

Calvin “It is an artifice (ploy or trick) of Satan to seek some misconduct on the part of ministers which may tend to the dishonor of the gospel;  for when he has been successful in bringing the ministry into contempt all hope of progress is destroyed:  therefore the man who wishes to serve Christ with usefulness must apply himself with all possible diligence to preserve the honor of his ministry.”

III. Trials Suffered for the Gospel 4b-5

A.  Hardships in General Terms -- Tribulations, needs, distresses

B. Specific Persecutions -- Stripes, imprisonments, tumults

C. Voluntary Sufferings for the Gospel -- Labors, sleeplessness, fastings