Is the Gospel Offensive? 2 Corinthians 6

 Paul’s Hardships 2 Corinthians 6

3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

One of the issues that Paul continually addresses in this letter is some of the rumors that had been spreading about himself.  Specifically, his qualifications, his character, and how he spoke so directly with the Corinthians in confronting their worldly behavior.  But Paul says the last thing he ever wants to be is a stumbling block for them to believe in Jesus.  Paul's greatest desire was for people to accept the gospel, so it follows that his greatest desire would also be to do nothing to get in the way of anyone receiving the gospel.  Someone has said, "The only thing that should be offensive is the gospel."  Not that we should try to offend people when we preach, but the very nature of the gospel is that it convicts one of their sin and calls them to repentance. Some people find this offensive that they would be considered sinful but God or anyone for that matter.  But oftentimes our behavior as Christians is what is offensive to an unbeliever. I.e. when we bicker and fight, engage in sexual immorality, and are judgmental and hyprocritical.  It is the gospel that draws people to Christ because it shows God's great love for people by sending His only Son to the earth not to condemn the world but to save it through him.  

As Paul defends his reputation, he gives them a resume of the things he has endured for the sake of the gospel.  When he lists all of the hardships he has gone through it is clear Paul's accepting his call as an apostle was not to lead a "cushy" life.  Paul is hoping by his example of accepting suffering, his words of the gospel might ring true.  Paul even refused to take a salary so that they would not think he was just in it for the money.  Paul chose celibacy so he could more fully devote himself to the Lord's concerns.  Paul literally gave up everything to follow Jesus.  Therefore, if you were going to be offended it wouldn't be by Paul unless it was the gospel he preached.  

How about you?  Is there anything in your life that is a stumbling block to others who ,seek to learn about Christianity?  We have to be careful here because none of us is perfect, I certainly am not.  Yet, Paul is clear that one of our goals as a Christ follower is to live lives that don't push people away from God, but draw them closer.  I think this is especially true when we are around unbelievers, those who don't yet know Christ.  

One of the things I hear over and over is, "Christians are such hypocrites".  People love to pick out the sins of prominent Christian leaders and pastors to disprove the Christian faith.  But we should act differently. The apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 2:12,

"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Let's join Paul in not letting anything be offensive in our lives, accept the gospel as we live it our in word and deed!