Verses 1-2
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Verse 1. Jesus has called us to work with Him in the spread of the gospel. And He has given us His grace to empower us to work (1 Corinthians 15:10).
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As a believer, if you aren't choosing obedience to God, God's grace in your life, offering you salvation, is being wasted to a point.
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Verse 2. Some might think that we can't be productive because we're stuck in sin and weakness, waiting to be saved. Not so!
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We are experiencing salvation right now! God is helping us live for Him right now!
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Don't let God's grace be in vain! Work hard for Him, and His grace will give you power!
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Verses 3-10
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While we work for God, it's important, in order to be most effective, that we avoid doing anything that would cause God to blame us for hindering people from coming to salvation.
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We need to prove our character so that it's known, even if we are persecuted, that we are genuine.
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And the way that character is proven is by going through all kinds of hardships and facing accusation with constant Christ-like conduct.
Verses 11-13
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Always be honest with others, and be loving! If you want people to be open with you, be open with them.
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Remember that only our own thoughts and feelings hinder us from progress in this area, and in any area.
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No one else is to blame for lack of growth but ourselves, so don't blame anyone else.
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Verses 14-18
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When God called us to be His very own, special people, He also called us to be holy in conduct and separate from the world. To be separate from the world:
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Don't spend time with unbelievers in their places of fellowship, nor participate in their sinful behaviors and practices (1 Corinthians 10:14-22).
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Don't make partnerships with unbelievers, nor marry them (1 Corinthians 7:39, Deuteronomy 7:2-6).
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Don't let the unbelieving world influence your thinking or your lifestyle (Romans 12:2).
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