Motivation: Christ appoints us as ambassadors for His kingdom. As ambassadors we build strong relationships through a message of reconciliation.

Transcription

1 Explore the Bible Lesson Preview August 15, 2010 "Relationships: The Reconciliation Factor" Background: 2 Corinthians 5:11-7:4 Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:1; 7:2-4 Motivation: Christ appoints us as ambassadors for His kingdom. As ambassadors we build strong relationships through a message of reconciliation. I. Seeking Reconciliation (5:11-6:2) A. Motivated By Accountability (5:11-13) 1. Terror "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord..." (11) Terror is s stronger word for fear. "Fear of the Lord" is a common expression in scripture referring to reverential awe, respect & submission. 2. Telling "we persuade men." Dr. C. Peter Wagner, one of the founders of the church growth movement speaks of three levels of evangelism: 1) presence (silent witness), 2) proclamation (sharing the gospel with no follow-through) and 3) persuasion (sharing the gospel with the goal of making disciples). Paul is not implying that he could make converts without the power of God. Rather, he's emphasizing a dimension that goes beyond mere telling; Paul earnestly desires to see people born in the image of Jesus and is willing to do whatever it takes to see that accomplished. 1 / 11

2 3. Tribute "we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf" (12) Paul is giving the Corinthian believers the opportunity to defend Paul against his critics. 4. Truth "for if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you" (13) Paul's critics portrayed him as a madman: (beside ourselves is also translated "mad," "out of my senses," or "insane"). In Acts 26:24 Festus proclaimed "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!" It is a sad fact of life that anyone who goes beyond the norm, especially in religious fervor, is labeled a "fanatic." One evangelist, tongue firmly in check, defined a fanatic as "someone who loves Jesus more than you." If we desire to go beyond the "baby stage" of Christianity, we run the risk that someone will call us a radical and lump us in with Paul and the rest of the crazies. B. Controlled by Christ's Love (5:14-15) 1. Christ's Motivation "For the love of Christ compels us..." (14) Paul makes it clear that his primary motivation is Christ's love for him rather than fear of judgment (11). 2. Christ's Reconciliation "If one died for all, then all died" (14 cf. 18) - All is synonymous with the whoever in John 3:16. This does not imply universalism. Theoretically, He died for every person ever born. However, practically, His death effects reconciliation only with those who received it in faith (John 1:12; Romans 10:13) All died would be parallel to Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; 2 / 11

3 and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." 3. Christ's Expectation "that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." (15) Dying to oneself has several implications: 1) We die to sin and live in His will. (Rom. 6:2); 2) We die to self and live in the Spirit. (Gal. 2:20); 3) We die to our rights and live for His service. (I Cor. 9:18-19, 10:23); 4) We die to glory and live for His glory. (Phil. 3:3); 5) We die to our preferences and live for His purpose. (I Cor. 10:32-33); 6) We die to the past and live in the present. (Phil. 3:13-14); 7) We die to earthly gain and live for an eternal reward. (Rom. 8:18) C. Viewing Life As A New Person (5:16-17) 1. A New Perspective "We regard no one according to the flesh" (16) Just as God is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34), Paul refused to judge a person based on outward appearances or circumstances. His statement "we have known Christ according to the flesh" referred not to a personal friendship but rather to an intellectual knowledge based on hearsay that led to persecution of Christians. He is contrasting head knowledge with heart relationship. 2. A New Purpose "Old things have passed away; behold all things have become new" (17) We are new creations, God's creation! Old things refer to the power of sin over us and carnal ways of thinking. The Christian has a new attitude, new ways of thinking, a new purpose for living and "a new song" in his/her heart. The metamorphosis of a beautiful butterfly emerging from the cocoon of a caterpillar is a word picture of the change God works in our lives. 3 / 11

4 D. Reconciled and Sharing the Ministry of Reconciliation (5:18-21) "we are ambassadors for Christ" (20) 1. An Ambassador is an Important Position a. Because of the power represented (Matt. 28:18) b. Because of the pursuit engaged "has given us the ministry of reconciliation" (18) 2. An Ambassador Occupies an Important Place "On Christ's behalf" a. Temporary place - "this world is not my home, I'm just passing through..." (I Peter 2:11; Phil. 3:20) b. Substitute place - the ambassador doesn't represent his/her own interests. 3. An Ambassador Has an Important Purpose "be reconciled to God" a. The method of reconciliation is God's - Reconciliation can only be accomplished through His power, His plan and His purchase. (John 3:16) b. The message of reconciliation is ours to deliver "be reconciled to God." (Rom. 12:1-2) 4 / 11

5 E. Warning Against Receiving God's Grace in Vain (6:1-2) 1. Partnership "We then, as workers together with Him," The ministry of reconciliation is not ours alone. All we do, we do through Him. 2. Plea "We...plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain..." "Vain" means empty or without purpose. On one level, he's imploring them not to ignore the good news of Jesus Christ. On another level, he's underlining the responsibility of being an ambassador with a portfolio of reconciliation. 3. Present-time "behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2) In each person's life there is a time before which you cannot be saved (age of accountability); there is also a time after which you will not be saved (sinning away your day of grace or the unpardonable sin). Today is the only certain time that anyone has to be saved. It's a gift; that's why it's called the present. (Heb. 3:7-4:11) II. Being Consistent (6:3-12) This is the second of three "Hardship lists" in this epistle (4:8-12; 11:23-29). In verses 4-5 he lists problems. In 6-7 he lists resources, and in 8-10 he lists a series of contrasts to support his topic sentence "we give no offense in anything" 5 / 11

6 (3). III. Appealing for Holiness (6:13-7:4) A. Open Their Hearts to Paul (6:11-13) Paul has been open and transparent with the Corinthians. Now, he reminds them that they are "restric ted by your own affections" (12) They must make a conscious effort to open their hearts to Paul. B. Avoid Compromising Relationships with Unbelievers (6:14-18) Paul gives three examples of compromising relationships: 1) righteousness and lawlessness (14), 2) Christ and Belial (15), 3) God's temple and idols (16). The resulting application is to "come out from among them and be separate" C. Cleanse Themselves (7:1) 1. Context "Therefore" refers back to what we've just learned. 2. Comfort "having these promises, beloved" The covenant promises mentioned in 6:16-17 allude to the following passages: (17) Ex. 29:45; Lev. 26:12; Jer. 31:33, 32:38; Ezek. 33:26-27; Zech. 8:8; (18) II Samuel 7:14; Jer. 31:1. God wants us for Himself. Separation is not deprivation. In fact, it is salvation, sanctification and exaltation. (Romans 9:11) 3. Cleansing "let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit" 6 / 11

7 a. Insightful - "let us cleanse ourselves" does not refer to our ability but rather to the action which is needed. I John 1:9 begins "if we confess our sins..." II Chron. 7:14 promises "If the people who are called by my name... will turn from their wicked ways... then will I... forgive their sins..." God wants more than anything to cleanse us; He has taken the incredible step of sacrificing His Son on the cross to accomplish this. However, we must recognize our sin, confess it, and repent of it in order to be cleansed "white as snow" (Is. 1:18; Ps. 51) b. Inclusive "all" - Sin is an attitude of rebellion that reveals itself in specific acts. God is not into gradual self-reformation; He desires Divine transformation. Because God defines sin as an attitude, He will accept nothing less than "all"; He wants total cleansing. That's why James writes, "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he is guilty of all" (2:10; Luke 18:18-23) c. Involved "flesh and spirit" Jesus revolutionized thinking on sin when He declared that lust equated adultery and hate equated murder. (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). It is not enough to appear clean outwardly; Jesus wants to clean us up from the inside. 4. Consecration "perfecting holiness in the fear of God" D. Building Strong Relationships (2-4) 1. Reasons for Strong Relationships (2) Whether in church, a marriage or a business, strong relationships do not "just happen". They require much effort, time, and skill. Paul lists four reasons why his relationship with the Corinthians can endure: 7 / 11

8 a. Transparency "Open your hearts to us" - Paul can make this plea based on his own example "we have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open" (6:11) The quickest way to undermine a relationship is to be two-faced. When we say one thing and do another, when we hide secret agendas, when we act one way in private and a different way in public, we erode the security that a relationship requires. Paul urges them not to play games, not to hide behind barriers. Strong relationships require openness and transparency. b. Trust "We have wronged no one" - The old children's rhyme - "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" - speaks of the defensive measures we erect when trust is destroyed. Paul writes that the Corinthians have no reason to mistrust him. Strong relationships are not possible without mutual trust. c. Tenderness "We have corrupted no one" - Corrupted may also be translated "harmed" or "ruined". Many relationships have been ruined by hurtful or harsh words or actions. In 6:6, Paul urged "kindness"; now he provides an example in himself. d. Truth "we have cheated no one" - Cheating rather automatically brings to mind money. However, cheating in relationships may involve morality, time, and the very effort put into the relationship. Strong relationships can grow when all participants can say "I gave my very best; I never cheated." 2. Requirements for Strong Relationships (3) a. Forgiving "I do not say this to condemn" - We do not know the slander which was directed at Paul. From his writings, we can detect that he was grievously wronged. Yet, he was quick to forgive. (Ephesians 4:26-27, 29-32) 8 / 11

9 b. Fused "You are in our hearts" - When Paul asks them to open their hearts to him (7:2) as he has opened his heart to them (6:11), he is speaking of an intimate relationship. This is a relationship that is not willing to remain on the surface but shares deep issues in an open and honest manner. c. Faithful "to die together" - This is an analogous to a wedding vow "'til death do us part." For Christians, strong relationships need not end at death; we'll see each other in heaven! d. Fixed "to live together" - A strong relationship needs that unqualified commitment of faith: "for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish." 3. Results of Strong Relationships (4) a. "Boldness of speech" - A strong secure relationship allows one to speak directly. Elsewhere Paul urges us to speak "the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15). Only a strong relationship allows us to speak freely, honestly and "boldly." b. "Boasting on your behalf" - In describing love, Paul writes of love: "It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong... If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him and always stand your ground in defending him" (I Cor. 13:5b; 7 TLB). In building strong relationships, we look for things about which to brag. We should delight in building up others, literally boasting about their good qualities. c. Bolstered " I am filled with comfort" - Comfort may also be translated 9 / 11

10 encouragement or consolation. Strong relationships provide huge dividends in terms of satisfaction and peace of mind. Therefore, we should see our time and effort directed towards relationships as an investment rather than an expenditure. Strong relationships do not cost us in the end but rather bless us! d. Blissful "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation" - Paul writes "Look at me. I should be down in the dumps! In terms of outward circumstances, I've hit rock bottom. But, I'm full of joy because of our relationship." Elsewhere, he writes " For we have great joy and consolation in your love..." (Philemon 7); "For what is our hope, or joy or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" (I Thes. 2:19). Strong relationships in Christ ultimately produce joy. Application: 1. We are Christ's ambassadors delivering a message of reconciliation. 2. Ambassadors are to be consistent and blameless. 3. Ambassadors build strong relationships. Leader Pack: Item 16: Poster: Lesson Outline; Item 17: Poster: Healing Fractured Relationships Illustrator: (no article this week) Notes: **You may access David's Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: y.org/ ; 10 / 11

11 Dates: 2010 Dates: 8/13 - Children's Back to School Bash; 8/15 - Curt Jones will be preaching; 8/15 - Promotion Sunday; 8/17 - FBA First Day of School; 8/18 - HUB Summer Rush Celebration; 8/22 - Back to School Sunday; 8/25-11/17 - Fall Midlink; 8/29 - Summit Up; 9/5 - Labor Day Weekend - Normal Sched. w/ SBS; 9/6 - Summit Field Day; 9/7 - Living Proof Bible Study; 9/10 - Summit First Things First; 9/11 - Faithful Fathering; 9/12 - New & Pros. Mbr. Orient. FSC am / CC pm. 11 / 11