Paradoxes revisited

Wesley Wright

Lighthouse Bible Church

Sunday, March 29, 2026

 

Title: Paradoxes revisited

 

2 Co 6:8-10

 

Remember the list from last week? We’ll address other aspects of that short list today, and you’ll notice how many of them we recognize.

 

There were slanderous reports from others meant to undermine Paul’s ministry. This is not at all new for Paul and the apostles.

ROM 3:1-8; 1CO 4:10-13

 

2 Co 6:8 — Paul says he and others were called deceivers, yet their gospel is actually true.

 

The world is deceived, but ironically, they will call you the deceivers. It’s the sign of a unbelieving heart.

MAT 27:63-66; ACT 2:3-13; 2TI 3:13-17

 

2 Co 6:9 — Paul says he and others were unknown, and yet well known. Many Christians don’t enjoy the fanfare that people in the world do. They are intimately known by God, however.

 

Don’t worry about popularity in the Earth. Maybe you have it, maybe not. God knows you best, and He loves you even if the world is hostile.

PSA 139:1-5; JER 12:1-4

 

We’re well known, too, and a time will come when we will know in the way that God currently knows us.

1CO 13:8-13;

1JO 3:1-3

 

2 Co 6:9 — Paul says he and others were chastened, but not killed. If you are chastened, the Lord loves you.

 

Old Testament authors acknowledge God as One who chastens whom He loves.

PSA 94:12-15; PSA 118:16-22; PRO 13:24

 

NT authors recognized the same pattern from a loving God. Those whom He chastens, He loves. Thank Him for that.

1CO 11:30-34; HEB 12:4-11, REV 3:14-19

 

2 Co 6:9 — The sentiment at the time Paul addresses is that he and others were dying, and yet living at the same time.

 

We as Christians are dying physically, but we have life in Jesus Christ at the same time. We also have eternal life.

JOH 1:1-5; JOH 6:30-35;,10:7-11; ACT 3:12-16; COL 3:1-4

 

2 Co 6:10 — People throughout the scriptures were sorrowful.

ECC 1:14-18; 2 Co 2:1-4; ROM 5:1-5

 

2 Co 6:10 — We’re sorrowful in some ways, too, and yet always rejoicing.

ROM 12:10-15;

PHI 4:4-8;

JAM 1:2-4

 

Remember that 2 Co 6:8-10 is part of larger group of verses where Paul explains the good, bad, and ugly where their ministry is concerned. They are servants of God, and we are too, and should expect much of the same.

 

The world sees us as deceivers, and we’re unknown to the world. We may have a great deal of sorrow. At the same time, we have the true gospel and are known by God and we rejoice always.

 

These may seem like mere paradoxes, but they beautiful examples of God’s providence. Here’s another: We live in a dark world, but we believers at the same can clearly see the true Light, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.