2 Corinthians 5:11-15

                                                         2 Corinthians 5:11-15

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.  We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.  For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.  For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

 

Fear and love are not always seen as synonymous.  However, in this passage, they are used in this way.  Our fear of the Lord and His love for us as demonstrated on the cross are both at work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ and involve us in the mission of Christ.  Only as we truly understand the love of Christ for us will we fully experience the fear of the Lord in our lives.

 

THE FEAR OF THE LORD MOTIVATES US: When we speak of the fear of the Lord, it may be more accurate to say our love of the Lord.  The fear of the Lord is and urgent desire to please Him and a strong dedication to do all we can to avoid displeasing Him.  As believers, we need not fear being judged or condemned because of our sin.  All our sin was already judged on the cross.  However, we will stand before Christ and give an account for what we have done with the great gift of salvation.  He brough us into His family that we might live for His glory and seek to spread the fame of Christ wherever we go.  We seek to persuade men to repent of their sin and trust in Christ alone for their salvation so that they too might join us in the joy of worshiping and serving our Lord.  This is pleasing to God, and we desperately want to live to that end.

 

THE LOVE OF THE LORD CONTROLS US: Our love for the Lord is always a response to His love for us.  We are willing to appear as people who have lost our minds as judged by the world because He has given everything for us on the cross.  That ultimate sacrifice of Christ for us is what should be the controlling and driving force behind our lives.  Such magnificent love is a gift beyond measure that we cannot help but respond in kind if we have truly understood the love and grace of Christ.  It is unthinkable for us to live for ourselves instead of living for the Lord Jesus Christ.  He death purchased our eternal forgiveness.  His resurrection gives us an eternal hope.  How can we do anything but respond to such love with a life that is dedicated to His glory and kingdom.

 

APPLICATION: Focus on the truths of the Gospel and the amazing sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on our behalf. Allow His love to motivate us to live in a way that pleases Him and spreads the Good News of Jesus to our neighbors and the nations.

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