But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God:...as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. vv.4-10
Read chapter 6
Many people were confused about Paul's ministry by God so he goes on to remind the Corinthians what he voluntarily chose to do for Christ's sake. He lists off a bunch of paradoxes to make his point. Even in sorrow, for he was in jail often or beaten, he was always rejoicing- a joy not of this world. As poor, not living the rich life he grew up in, he was making many rich giving the fulness of life found in Christ that have unsearchable riches. Paul ends with this culmination: as having nothing, he possessed all things for he realized all he needs is Christ. Paul was just as satisfied if not more as if he had all those things. He had all things pertaining to life and godliness and that is what he was reminding the Corinthians of what it was to be ministers of God. It wasn't to get some sort of praise but to remind and make aware of what he faced and sacrificed for. Have you showed gratefulness to those who've ministered to you? Are you a minister of God in any fashion that you can truly say alongside Paul these same paradoxes?
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