Marks of the Ministry
1 We then,asworkers togetherwithHimalsoplead withyounot to receive the grace of God in vain.
2 For He says:
# “In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, nowisthe accepted time; behold, nowisthe day of salvation.
3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
4 But in allthingswe commend ourselvesas ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,
5 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 by the word of truth, bythe power of God, bythe armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, andyettrue;
9 as unknown, andyetwell known;as dying, and behold we live;as chastened, andyetnot killed;
10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making manyrich; as having nothing, andyetpossessing all things.
Be Holy
11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you,our heart is wide open.
12 You are not restricted by us, butyou are restricted by yourownaffections.
13 Now in return for the same(I speak as to children), you also be open.
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. Forwhat 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? Foryou are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
# “I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
17 Therefore
# “Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “Iwill be a Father to you,
# And you shall be Mysons and daughters,
Says theLordAlmighty.”