1 Marks of the Ministry We then, as 1 Cor. 3:9 workers together with Him also 2 Cor. 5:20 plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2 For He says: Is. 49:8 “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
3 Rom. 14:13 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
4 But in all things we commend ourselves 1 Cor. 4:1 as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,
5 2 Cor. 11:23 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;
6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,
7 2 Cor. 7:14 by the word of truth, by 1 Cor. 2:4 the power of God, by Rom. 13:12;2 Cor. 10:4 the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;
9 as unknown, and 2 Cor. 4:2; 5:11 yet well known; 1 Cor. 4:9, 11 as dying, and behold we live; Ps. 118:18 as chastened, and yet not killed;
10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many 1 Cor. 1:5; (2 Cor. 8:9) rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 Be Holy O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, Is. 60:5;2 Cor. 7:3 our heart is wide open.
12 You are not restricted by us, but 2 Cor. 12:15 you are restricted by your own affections.
13 Now in return for the same 1 Cor. 4:14 (I speak as to children), you also be open.
14 Deut. 7:2, 3; 22:10;1 Cor. 5:9 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For 1 Sam. 5:2, 3;1 Kin. 18:21; Eph. 5:6, 7, 11;1 John 1:6 what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For (1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 6:19); Eph. 2:21; (Heb. 3:6) you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: Ex. 29:45; Lev. 26:12; Jer. 31:33; 32:38; Ezek. 37:26, 27; Zech. 8:8 “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”
17 Therefore Num. 33:51–56; Is. 52:11; Rev. 18:4 “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”
18 “I 2 Sam. 7:14; Jer. 31:1, 9; (Rev. 21:7) will be a Father to you, And you shall be My (John 1:12; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 4:5–7); Phil. 2:15;1 John 3:1 sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”