Gospel Persuasion : 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Gospel Persuasion: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Scripture (NIV)

¹¹ Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
¹² We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
¹³ If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
¹⁴ For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Reflection

Godly Motivation (5:11–15)
Paul’s motivation for telling others of God’s reconciling love through Jesus comes from the truth he shared previously: all people will one day be judged. Paul is confident in the fact that God knows his motives, and he hopes that the Corinthians will also recognize his integrity. Whereas his critics focus on outward appearances, Paul focuses on the inward condition of the heart. Thus, the driving force of his life and ministry is not the approval of others but the compelling love of Christ, displayed in His death and resurrection. Likewise, the final judgment and the redeeming love of Christ should motivate us to share the gospel with others. Regardless of what people think or say about us, let us faithfully persuade others to come to Christ.

What motivates you to tell others about Christ? How do you respond when people oppose or criticize you on account of your faith?

Kingdom Ambassadors (5:16–21)
Paul reminds the Corinthians that, as God’s people, they are a new creation, called to be ambassadors for God’s kingdom regardless of their outward circumstances. God has restored His image in them in order that they might reflect His rule throughout all the earth. They are called to appeal to others who are in need of the joy and peace that comes from the forgiveness and righteousness received through Christ. Let us remember that who we truly are has nothing to do with how the world views us. Our identity is rooted in the new life God has given us so that our faith and transformed lifestyle can be a testimony that brings many others into His kingdom.

In what ways has God renewed you? How does your life reflect your calling as an ambassador for Christ?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to be Your ambassador, sharing the good news of Your eternal kingdom with all people regardless of worldly considerations. I commit myself today to this high calling and holy task. In Your name, amen.