Explore the Bible Lesson Preview May 13, 2018 Becoming New Background: 2 Corinthians 5:11-7:16 Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; 6:1-2 Motivation: Happy Mother s Day! Obviously, God has no better ambassadors for His kingdom than Christian mothers. However, Christ appoints all of us as ambassadors for His kingdom. As ambassadors we build strong relationships through a message of reconciliation. I. Seeking Reconciliation (5:11 15) A. Motivated by Accountability (5:11-13) 1. Terror Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord... (11) fear of the Lord is a common expression in scripture referring to reverential awe, respect & submission. 2. Telling we seek to persuade people. 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 was not implying that he could make converts without the power of God. Rather, he emphasized a dimension that goes beyond mere telling; Paul earnestly desired to see people born in the image of Jesus and was willing to do whatever it took to see that accomplished. 3. Tribute We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us (12) Paul gave the Corinthian believers the opportunity to defend Paul against his critics. 1 / 13
4. Truth For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we have a sound mind, it is for you (13) Paul s critics portrayed him as a madman. In Acts 26:24 Festus proclaimed You re out of your mind, Paul! Too much study 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 Christ s love compels us... (14) Paul made it clear that his primary motivation was 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 receive it in faith (John 1:12; Romans 10:13) All died would be parallel to Galatians 2:19b-20 I have been crucified with Christ 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 3. Christ s Expectation And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised. (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) II. Reborn (5:16-17) 2 / 13
A. A New Perspective From now on, then, we do not know anyone in a purely human way. (16) Just as God doesn t show favoritism (Acts 10:34), Paul refused to judge a person based on outward appearances or circumstances. His statement, Even if we have known Christ in a purely human way, referred not to a personal friendship but rather to an intellectual knowledge based on hearsay that led to persecution of Christians. He was contrasting head knowledge with heart relationship. B. A New Purpose Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. (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. III. Reconciled (5:18-21) A. Reconciled through Christ Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (18) HCSB, p. 1997: 5:17-18 The words in Christ refer to being in union with Him. Genuine conversion begins life transformation, but not by reforming the old nature. The indwelling Spirit creates divine life in believers (Rm 8:8-10), enabling a life of new things. Other NT passages communicate this truth by using language such as born again or regeneration (Jn 3:3-8; Ti 3:5; 1 Pt 1:23). Those who were enemies of God have now become friends by being reconciled to Him. God s wrath against sin was satisfied in the death of His Son. Sinners- who formerly put self- interest above God s glory (Rm 1:21; 3:23)-have been brought to cherish God as their highest treasure (2 Co 4:6). The ministry of reconciliation - being an agent of this good news was Paul s special responsibility, but the task belongs to all who have received this ministry. 3 / 13
B. Reconciled Message and Messengers (5:19-21) 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) HCSB, p.1997: 5:19-21 What Christ did, God did. Christ s death mainly affected the world, that is, human sinners (rather than evil supernatural beings, for whom no divine provision for reconciliation has been made). Christ s death upholds God s righteousness. Trespasses were placed on the One who did not know sin 4 / 13
. In return, the righteousness of God is credited (imputed) to all who are in Him. The message of reconciliation is known to others only when ambassadors for Christ spread it. The Great Commission is the responsibility of reconciled human beings, not angels (Mt 28:18-20). b. The message of reconciliation is ours to deliver be reconciled to God. (Rom. 12:1-2) IV. Ready (6:1-2) A. Partnership Working together with Him, The ministry of reconciliation is not ours alone. All we do, we do through Him. B. Plea We also appeal to you, Don t receive God s 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. C. Present-time Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation (2b) 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) V. 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 5 / 13
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 opportunity for stumbling to anyone, so that the ministry will not be blamed. (3). VI. Appealing for Holiness (6:13 7:4) A. Open Their Hearts to Paul (6:11-13) Paul had been open and transparent with the Corinthians. Now, he reminded them that they were limited 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 gave four examples of compromising relationships: 1) righteousness and lawlessness (14), 2) Christ and Belial (15), 3) a believer with an unbeliever (15). and 4) God s temple and idols (16). The resulting application is to come out from among them and be separate (17). C. Cleanse Themselves (7:1) 1. Context Therefore refers to what we ve just learned. 2. Comfort since we have these promises 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 every impurity of the flesh and spirit 6 / 13
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 to be cleansed white as snow (Is. 1:18; Ps. 51) b. Inclusive every 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 every impurity ; He wants total cleansing. That s why James writes, Yet whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it 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 completing our sanctification in the fear of God HCSB, p. 1998: 7:1 The phrase dear friend s (lit beloved ) is a statement of Paul s strong affection for these believers, despite the tears they had caused him. Cleanse ourselves is not a reference to Christian baptism but to the daily spiritual cleansing that believers are to experience (Jn 13:10). Completing our sanctification indicates that growth in holiness is not optional. Believers are to become as mature and Christlike in this lifetime as they can, but the work will be completed only on the day of Christ (Php 1:6). D. Building Strong Relationships (7:2-4) 7 / 13
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: a. Transparency Accept us - Paul can make this plea based on his own example We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians, our heart has been opened wide. (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 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 defrauded no one - Defrauding rather automatically brings to mind money. However, defrauding 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 don t say this to condemn you, - 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 / 13
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. I have great confidence in you 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. I have great pride in you. 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 encouragement - Encouragement may also be translated comfort 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! 9 / 13
d. Blissful I am overcome with joy in all our afflictions. - 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 who is our hope, or joy or crown of boasting, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy! (I Thes. 2:19-20). Strong relationships in Christ ultimately produce joy. VII. Find A Reason to Rejoice (7:5-16) A. Comforting News About the Corinthians (7:5-7) Paul previously reprimanded the Corinthians about the brother in sin (1 Cor. 5:1ff). He later sent Titus to follow-up and find what the Corinthians had done. (Titus had departed at 2 Cor. 2:13 and returns at 7:3) Although his outward circumstances involved trouble, conflicts and fear (5), he was inwardly comforted by Titus good news and the presence of his co-worker. B. Godly Sorrow of the Corinthians (7:8-10) For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation (10) Repentance will involve seeing sin from God s perspective rather than our own. God views sin as rebellion, disobedience and an agent of death (Romans 6:23). When viewed in this light, sorrow will be the reaction of the sinner. While Godly sorrow is not necessarily the same as repentance, such sorrow is a step on the road to repentance. C. Correct Action by the Corinthians (7:11-12) Paul certainly had second thoughts about his rebuke of the Corinthians, how it was received and how he would be received. (1:23-2:5) He regretted his inability to go to them in person. (1:12-18) Now, the report from Titus let him know that all had ended well. Thus, he commended the church on their action. D. Rejoicing over the Resolution of the Corinthians (7:13-16) Paul knew that he was sending Titus into the lion s den when he sent him to Corinth. In this little story, we can learn several lessons in inter-personal relationships: 10 / 13
1. Expect the Best of Fellow Believers For if I have made any boast to him about you, I have not been embarrassed; so our boasting to Titus has also turned out to be the truth. (14) Although inwardly Paul experienced fear (7:5), outwardly he expressed confidence in the Corinthians desire to do what was right. Our expectations can become self-fulfilling prophecies. 2. Receive Criticism with Respect you received him with fear and trembling (15) The Corinthians had already received one written rebuke from Paul, perhaps two. They all knew the purpose of Titus coming. Talk about your tense situation! Yet, his affection toward you is even greater for as he remembers the obedience of all of you (15) and his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. (13). Often, we meet implied criticism with verbal defenses. We argue, deny, rationalize, and rebuke. However, there is often a kernel of truth in the most outlandish criticisms. In fact, our critics can become allies if we are prompted by them to improve. 3. Anticipate Joy with Closure I rejoice (16) Perhaps no single issue with a church caused Paul as many restless nights as did this. He writes of pain (2:1-2), extremely troubled anguished heart (2:4), fears (7:5), and regret (7:8). For these very reasons we often put off confrontation. This incident in the ministry of Paul should remind us that a bad situation rarely is improved by ignoring it. Although it caused Paul pain to deal with the problem, in the end it resulted in joy for all. Application: 1. We are Christ s ambassadors delivering a message of reconciliation. 2. Ambassadors are to be consistent and blameless. 11 / 13
3. Ambassadors build strong relationships. 4. Ambassadors are expected to handle tough situations with diplomacy and tact. Leader Pack: Item 3: Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:20 Illustrator: p. 36; Reconciliation the Heart of Second Corinthians Notes: **You may access David s Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: www.hfbcbiblestudy.or g ; Dates: 5/12 IMPACT Crawfish Boil @ Hunt; 5/12 - SoFA Recitals; 5/12 CBS Graduation; 5/13 Mother s Day event SPF; 5/17 VBS Director/Teacher training; 5/18-20 Summit Spring Retreat; 5/20 Parent Commitment; 5/20 First Grade Bible Presentation; 5/23 HCHS Graduation Rehearsal; 5/24 FBA 8 th Grade Graduation; 5/25 HCHS Graduation; 5/28 Memorial Day offices closed; 6/1 - Family Night @ Typhoon Texas; 12 / 13
6/8-9 Life of a Single Mom Conf; 6/10 Timothy Ateek. 13 / 13