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"As unknown, and yet well known..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:9

THE SERVANT OF GOD IN CONTROVERSY II

Every servant of God finds himself caught in controversy from time to time. There are no easy answers. He has to find grace from God to cope in all circumstances.

“As unknown, and yet well known; as dying,
and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed.”
2 Corinthians 6:9

1. Fame

a) Some servants of God earn international acclaim.

b) While others are hardly heard of.

c) “Unknown”

i) The world is a large place.

ii) Some servants of God would be unknown.

d) “Well known”

i) Some servants are more gifted than others.

ii) These servants are usually more well known than others.

e) The worth of a servant of God however is not measured by fame, but by faithfulness.

2. Life and death

a) This is paradoxical.

i) “As dying”

ii) And yet, the servant of God is living dynamically!

b) Life and ministry are sometimes jeopardised.

c) But the true servant of God is sustained by the power of God!

3. “As chastened, and yet not killed”

a) Every believer receives chastening from the Lord.

i) The process of chastening can sometimes be painful and difficult to bear (Hebrews 12:3-11).

ii) God never chastens without definite goals in mind.

iii) He prunes so that more fruit can be brought forth (John 15:2).

b) “And yet not killed”

i) Chastening is not punishment.

ii) Chastening does not lead to death.

iii) The believer would do well to discern the will of God in times of chastening.