BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL 4 APRIL 2021
Text: 2 Corinthians 6:1 – 2

DEEP CONCERN ABOUT RECEIVING THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN

1. The grace of God given to the Corinthian Church (1 Corinthians 1:4 – 7)

a. The grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus

b. That you were enriched in everything by Him

c. Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you

d. So that you come short in no gift

2. The concern of receiving the grace of God in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1)

a. Paul was conscious of being a fellow worker with God

b. He was conscious of God being with Him pleading with the Corinthians

c. He pleaded with the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain

THE GRACE OF GOD IN SENDING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

1. God spoke through Isaiah the prophet (2 Corinthians 6:2a)

a. In an acceptable time I have heard you

b. And in the day of salvation I have helped you

i. This is a reference to the Lord Jesus Christ

ii. God the Father was speaking to the Lord Jesus Christ

2. The fulfilment of this word (2 Corinthians 6:2b)

a. Behold, now is the accepted time

b. Behold, now is the day of salvation

c. Christ has been sent into the world to offer God’s salvation!

d. The time to receive the grace of God’s salvation is NOW!

3. The full text (Isaiah 49:7 – 8)

a. Prophecy concerning the Lord Jesus Christ (Isaiah 49:7)

i. He is the Redeemer of Israel

ii. He is their Holy One

iii. To Him whom man despises

iv. To Him whom the nation abhors

v. To the Servant of rulers

vi. Kings shall see Him and arise

vii. Princes also shall worship

viii. The LORD who is faithful is with Him

ix. He is the Holy One of Israel whom God has Chosen

b. God sent His Christ into the world in an acceptable time (Isaiah 49:8a)

i. God has heard Him

ii. God has helped Him

iii. God would preserve Him and give Him as a covenant to the people

c. The Mission of Christ (Isaiah 49:8b)

i. To restore the earth
Restoration in Christ

ii. To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages
Inheritance in Christ

iii. That you may say to prisoners, ‘Go forth’
Liberty in Christ

iv. To say to darkness “Show yourselves”
Light in Christ

EASTER CHALLENGE

1. To treasure God’s glorious grace in giving to us the Lord Jesus Christ!

2. To not receive His grace in vain