Study Desk

For if we are out of our mind, it is for God, or if we are of right mind, it is for you.

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,

namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their transgressions against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

So then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as God is pleading through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

And working together with Him, we also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain—

but in everything commending ourselves as ministers of God, in much perseverance, in afflictions, in distresses, in hardships,

in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,

Or what agreement has a sanctuary of God with idols? For we are a sanctuary of the living God; just as God said,"I will dwell in them and walk among them;And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

But God, who comforts the humbled, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the offender nor for the sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be manifested to you in the sight of God.

Now brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia,

and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus.

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make every grace abound to you, so that in everything at every time having every sufficiency, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

you will be enriched in everything for all generosity, which through us is bringing about thanksgiving to God.

For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also abounding through many thanksgivings to God.

Because of the proven character given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the generosity of your fellowship toward them and toward all,