There is often a confusion between “needs” and “wants.” But if we assume that we have that question solved, what is it that we really NEED?

Paul addressed that issue to the church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 where he told them not to receive God’s grace in vain. The next verse (v.2) refers to Isaiah 49:8 where the Lord spoke to the Messiah (which was yet to come) with a promise to hear & help during the time of His favor & salvation.

Although the KJV uses the term “time accepted” rather than “time of my favor,” the latter is accurate. The Greek word [2144] is defined, “well received, accepted, acceptable.” It refers to God accepting/receiving us and, in favor, offering us His grace. A common definition of grace is “unmerited favor with God.” So, God offers (for a limited time) His unmerited favor – IF we will not receive it “in vain.”

A second misunderstanding in these two verses is in the meaning of the word “salvation.” The Greek term [4991] literally means “deliverance from the molestation of enemies.” God not only offers us the initial grace of forgiveness and the adoption as sons, He also gives us His favor & delivers us from the molestation/abuse of our enemies!”

Finally, the sometimes overlooked issue — indeed, the PRIMARY issue in this discourse — is that of WORK. Verse 1 speaks of “God’s fellow workers.” The work is God’s but we serve under His command. The general sense of these verses might be… “As…. workers in the kingdom, we need God’s favor. And He has promised us that He will show us favor and deliver us from the assaults of our enemies.”

This requires a better understanding of the love of God. Most of us understand that God has a universal and unconditional love for His creation, mankind. There are many verses that support this. However, what we sometimes fail to understand is that God has a different (and deeper) love for the church (and those who comprise its ranks)! One of the verses which support this is found at Prov 8:17, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” (See also, 1Sam 2:30; Jn 14:21,23, 16:27.)

God has promised special blessings upon those who love Him. Look at Psalms 91:14 where He says, “BECAUSE he hath set his love upon me, THEREFORE will I deliver him: I will set him on high, BECAUSE he hath known my name [emphasis mine].”

What *I* need is the assurance that God is working WITH me.
You can download my sermon notes on this topic here.