DAY #269: 2 Corinthians 5:12-6:10

Paul’s Corinthian critics were more concerned about getting ahead in this world. They were preaching the gospel for money and popularity. They were bragging about having a spectacular ministry: eloquent speeches , formal letters of recommendation, and impressive presentations.

In contrast, Paul and his companions were preaching out of a sincere heart before God with concern for eternity and to please the ultimate Judge, God himself. The Corinthians had been dazzled by these magnificent and impressive shows. They had been captivated by their astonishing rhetoric. Subtly, they had given up striving to find God’s perspective.

Paul had already warned the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians that the gospel and its messengers would appear foolish to the wise of this world. If this was the idea that Paul was trying to express, then he was saying that he was acting like a fool because of his zeal for God and the gospel. Although Paul didn’t clarify his meaning, his point is abundantly clear. Paul’s actions were not motivated by self-interest or a quest for power. Everything he did—whether crazy or in right mind—was to bring glory to God and to benefit the Corinthian believers.

Everything that Paul and his companions did was to honor God. Not only did fear of God motivate them, but Christ’s love controlled their actions. Out of his great love, Jesus had given up his life for their sakes. He had not acted out of his own self-interest, selfishly holding on to the glory of heaven that he already possessed.

Instead, Jesus had willingly died for everyone. Those who believe that also believe that they have died to the old life. They should be willing to abandon their old, selfish ways in order to live a new life for Christ. Like Paul, we should no longer live to please ourselves. We should die to ourselves and live for Christ, who is alive today and interceding with God on our behalf.

This newness of life is not of any human doing. God himself has begun the work. Only God can allow people to approach him. Only God can satisfy his own righteous demands. Only God can save. God is the Author and Finisher of salvation.

God brought his people back to himself through what Christ did. When they trust in Christ, believers are no longer God’s enemies. Through Christ’s self-sacrificial work on the cross, God has made believers part of his family. Jesus died in our place so that we might enjoy fellowship with God. Because believers have been reconciled to God, we have been given the task of reconciling people to him.

Paul described himself and his coworkers as Christ’s ambassadors, representatives of Christ to the world. God was using them to speak to the Corinthians the message that they be reconciled to God—accept God’s free gift of reconciliation. Paul did not announce this message halfheartedly. He implored—even urged and pleaded—everyone who would listen to him to accept God’s free gift of salvation. It was extremely urgent, for it would change their eternal destiny.

And it was a gift that had an expensive price tag. For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. Christ bore the consequences of, or punishment for, our sins. God made Jesus, who was completely innocent and perfect, identify himself with sin so he could take it away.

Paul and his fellow partners with God in sharing the salvation message begged the Corinthians not to reject it. They should take God’s grace seriously and live up to the gospel’s demands. Paul was imploring the Corinthians, who had already accepted Jesus, to live up to their profession of faith.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

It's pretty early this morning. Sharon and I get to travel down and see Katie play soccer. Point Loma vs. The Masters College. Go Point Loma. Go Katie.

As I read the passage today, I think about the urgent need to get the GOOD NEWS out to others. Why is it so hard? Why do so many things get in the way of what is most important?

Here are some thoughts I shared Wednesday night at UCOV;

Three things we must never forget:

#1. God desires all to be saved. God is willing to wait until the last person repents and comes to Him. I don't always have that particular viewpoint in mind when I am around non-believers. I think sometimes they deserve their judgment. But God doesn’t want that to happen. He says in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness but is patient toward you not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” Sometimes I just need a change of attitude around non-believers. The fact that God desires for all to be saved and is waiting and waiting for the last one.

#2. God holds back judgment for the last one to repent. Ezekiel 18:32 says, “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.” If you notice Revelation 11:13 - many people were killed but a number of people repented and gave glory to God. This is probably one of the last moments in history when people will have the opportunity to repent and believe in God. One of the last moments of history before the bowl judgments and before the return of Christ. God waits until the very last minute for the last one to come before the final judgment.

#3. Keep on witnessing even in the midst of strong opposition. I don’t know where God has placed you but maybe like the witnesses you are finding yourself in a position of opposition. Maybe you’re finding yourself in a very difficult place, maybe a neighborhood, maybe the work situation, maybe it’s on a soccer field. I don’t know where God’s placed you right now. But I believe that God is calling us like the witnesses and like the true church, the true believers of Revelation 11, we are to continue on witnessing.

In Acts 4 Peter is told not to speak any more about Jesus Christ. The Sanhedrins told him to be quiet. He says I'm going to continue on. Even in the midst of the persecution, God has me here for a purpose. God has me here for a reason and these are the people God wants me to share with. Would to God that we would all carry that attitude - everyday of our lives. Lord, break our heart with the things that break Your heart.