INTRODUCTION
Outline
1. The Ministry of Reconciliation
2. The Ministers of Reconciliation
3. The Means of Reconciliation
Remarks
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing a theme: “be ye reconciled to God.” Reconciliation is in Gr: kataklasso, i.e., reconcile as a result of redemption insofar as of God Himself, by taking upon Himself our sins and becoming an atonement, that establishes peace between Himself and mankind. In this lesson we will make note that God has put forth every effort to eliminate the penalty of sin. Christ has become not only the offer of this gift; but also the gift itself. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Him.
2. First, we will discuss the ministry of reconciliation. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Him. Herein is the ministry: “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation.” Notice: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
3. Secondly, we will notice the ministers of reconciliation. Paul calls himself an ambassador for the ministry of reconciliation. The word ambassador, Gr: presbeuo, i.e., to be a senior; a representative, act as a preacher, to be a peacemaker. The word comes from the Gr: presbuterous, elder. Hence, an older man, preacher, or an elder who works on behalf of Christ – as a minister of reconciliation. Paul and all other ambassadors are working through Christ to reconcile the world unto God. We are ministers of reconciliation. We are “laborers together with God,” working to reconcile the world through Christ!
4. Lastly, we will consider the means of reconciliation. Christ was the means of this reconciliation. Paul says: “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation.” As ambassadors for Christ we are committed to the message of reconciliation. Herein is the means of reconciliation. “For he hath made him to be sins for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him,” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
A. What is the ministry of reconciliation? Notice: “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given unto us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto him, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him,” 2 Corinthians 5:19-21. ”Therefore if any man be in Christ:" is only possible through the ministry of reconciliation. The ministry, to which Paul, other apostles, ministers and you are sent to declare unto the world.
B. We are new creatures, old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. He has made us new creatures by the act of reconciliation, redemption and the regeneration of the soul. The “old man” has been put off and the “new man” has been put on – “which is renewed after the image of him that created him,” Colossians 3:10; 12-15. The same message is conveyed in Ephesians 4:20-24.
C. All things are of God. This is the true work of God Himself – and not of any other. Notice Paul: “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him,” 1 Corinthians 8:6. Notice what Paul says in our text: “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation,” 2 Corinthians 5:18. Illustrate: Godhead’s work in reconciliation.
1. All things are of God. This act of suffering, death and sacrifice for the redemption of humanity was the entire Plan of God, for the salvation of all that believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Illustrate: The determinate counsel of God, Acts 2:22-24.
2. God hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. He has brought us back into a friendly relationship with Him. He did this through Christ’s act of reconciliation.
3. And hath given to us (you and I) the ministry of reconciliation. We now are ministers and ambassadors of the ministry and message of reconciliation.
4. Therefore, we proclaim: “be ye reconciled unto God.”
D. What is reconciliation? We know who has done it. What is the true meaning of reconciliation? Let’s consider the word and its fullest meaning.
1. The word reconcile is Gr: kataklasso, or reconcile.
2. To reconcile (those who are at variance). Paul writes: “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life,” Romans 5:10. Reconciliation was the act of God toward men. It occurred when we were:
a. “Without strength and ungodly, Christ died for us,”
b. “Unrighteous and sinners, God commendeth his love toward us,”
c. “Enemies, God reconciled us by the death of His Son.”
d. Therefore, now “much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement,” Romans 5:6-11.
e. Reconciliation was necessary because of our departure from God due to sin, Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23. “All we like sheep have gone astray,” Isaiah 53:6; Psalms 119:176; 1 Peter 2:25. Sin made it necessary for all to be reconciled to God.
3. Return to favour with, or to be reconciled to another. As a wife returns to the favour of her husband, “Let not a woman depart…but and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled unto her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife,” 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. Be reconciled with thy brother, Matthew 5:24.
4. To receive one into favour. To the Ephesian church he wrote: “Wherefore remember, that ye being…having abolished in his flesh the enmity,…and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were night,” Ephesians 2:12-17. The church is where God has granted peace to the reconciled.
5. Peace with God, others and self. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God …Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2.
E. We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Therefore as ambassadors, we plead on behalf of Christ – be ye reconciled to God.
1. We are ambassadors – and workers on behalf of Christ. We carry the message of peace, salvation and hope. We are peacemakers, Matthew 5:9.
2. And “receive not the grace of God in vain.” “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain, (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed,” 2 Corinthians 6:1-3.
II THE MINISTERS OF RECONCILIATION
A. Who are the ministers of reconciliation? “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God,” 2 Corinthians 5:20.
B. Now we are ambassadors for Christ. Ambassador is in Gr: presbeuo, (i.e., to be a senior, act as a representative (preacher), to be an ambassador). A representative or messenger of salvation. A preacher of the righteousness; proclaiming the gospel of the grace of God, Acts 20:24. Paul was an ambassador to the church at Ephesus. “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak,” Ephesians 6:20. Illustrate: Ambassador’s work, Luke 14:31-32. One that desireth peace and presents its terms to an adversary.
1. “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. In whom…But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us,” 2 Corinthians 4:1-7.
2. He was given the ministry of reconciliation. “…If there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who:
a. “hath enabled me,
b. “hath counted me faithful,
c. “hath put me into the ministry;
d. “Was before…Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting,” 1 Timothy 1:10-16.
3. Truth which is after godliness. “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due time manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” Titus 1:1-3. Illustrate: Truth Conceived; Commissioned; and Committed to Paul.
4. Revelation of the mystery. “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of the faith: to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen,” Romans 16:25-27. See also Romans 1:1-5; Romans 1:14-17. Illustrate: Paul’s obedience to the heavenly vision, Acts 26:19.
C. Motivation of this ambassadorship – love of Christ. “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again,” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
1. “For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.” We do not commend ourselves to you; but give you reason to glory on our behalf – that ye might answer those that level charges against me and my apostleship. “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds,” 2 Corinthians 12:12.
2. “For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause,” 2 Corinthians 5:12-13. I am not mad as others claim; but motivated by the love of Christ. Notice: “And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad, But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness,” Acts 26:24-25. Illustrate: Paul’s perceived madness before King Festus.
D. Message of Christ’s ambassadors. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences,” 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
1. The certainty of the judgment, Romans 14:11-12.
2. The certainty of our appearance, Hebrews 9:27.
3. The urgency of the message, 2 Corinthians 6:2.
E. Promise of Christ’s ambassadors. “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:16-17.
1. We should no longer judge each other after the flesh, but in the spirit.
2. We shall no longer know Christ after the flesh, but through the Spirit.
3. We are all a new creation in Christ, as a result of reconciliation.
4. Old things are passed away; and all things are become new.
III THE MEANS OF RECONCILIATION
A. Here is the means of reconciliation. “For he (God) hath made him (Christ) to be sins for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him,” 2 Corinthians 5:21. Paul declares that God made Christ to be sin for us, who hath committed no sin or offence – that we through his righteous life we might become the righteousness of God in Christ. But how has God done this for us? First Paul says: “God did not impute (charge) our sins to our account,” Romans 4:6-8; Romans 4:23-25.
B. God did not impute our trespasses. Paul is not saying, God has not dealt with our sins, but rather he has not charge them to our account. He has settled our sin account with Jesus – who bear in his body all of our sins while he was upon the cross of Calvary. Peter writes: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls,” 1 Peter 2:24-25. It was to this truth the Prophet Isaiah made mention of regarding the death of Christ. Notice the text:
1. “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
2. “He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
3. “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bared the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors,” Isaiah 53:10-12. See 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Matthew 20:28.
4. He became cursed for us. “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ: that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith,” Galatians 3:13-14.
C. He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin. God made Him to be sin for us – although he had not committed any sin, 1 Peter 2:22.
1. Please note – he made him to be sin; not that he committed sin! Made, is in Gr: poieo, (i.e., render one anything; to constitute or appoint, to ordain one that; to declare one anything).
2. Who knew no sin; committed no sins; but rather lived a righteous life before God. But he knew no sin. Knew, is in Gr: genosko, (i.e., to learn, or experience a thing; to have knowledge of, to be acquainted with). Christ was not guilty of any sin. It was his sinless life that made him the righteous sacrifice for all of our sins.
3. He became the propitiation for sins. John writes: “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:2. Propitiation is in Gr: helasmos, (i.e., appeasing, or propitiating). “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins,” 1 John 4:10; Romans 3:24-26. Illustrate: Mercy seat, Hebrews 9:5.
4. Mercy seat, is in Gr: “helastareon” used to represent the cover of the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies, which was sprinkled with the blood of the offering on the annual day of atonement (signifying that the life of the people, that was loss due to their sins, was offered to God in the blood of the sacrifice, that God by this offering would be appeased and their sins removed); hence the lid of expiation, the mercy seat. Christ has become our mercy seat! He is our “passover lamb” the perfect sacrifice, whose blood now covers our sins, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Exodus 12:27, John 1:29. He was the “lamb slain from the foundation of the world,” Revelations 13:8.
D. That we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Made is in Gr: genomi, (i.e., to be made, to become, to be received as being, the righteousness of God in Christ). Listen to the Apostle Paul: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved…For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth,” Romans 10:1-4. A clear analysis of this text indicates Christ is our only source of righteousness before God.
1. First, Israel sought to establish its own righteousness. “Because they were ignorant of the righteousness of God.” As so many believers are today.
2. Secondly, there is a righteousness of God. A righteousness which is by faith in Jesus Christ. “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference,” Romans 3:22.
3. Finally, Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. Paul writes: “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets,” Romans 3:21. And, “ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses,” Acts 13:38-39. But, “as it is written, the just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:17.
4. “We have been made the righteousness of God in Christ,” 2 Corinthians 5:21. In Christ we have been made the righteousness of God, and as a result of our reconciliation – we shall be saved by His life. Notice Paul: “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life,” Romans 5:10.
E. We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Therefore as ambassadors, we plead on behalf of Christ – “be ye reconciled to God.”
1. Let not Christ’s work on our behalf be in vain, 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 6:1; Galatians 2:20-21; Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 3:5.
2. I know many would argue for a complete and irrevocable condition of salvation. However, this is not the teaching of the New Testament, if one be honest. It is possible for believers to fall from the grace of God. Making the work of Christ to become vain in their lives. Illustrate: Always Saved; Universal Salvation? Not So!
a. Paul writes here: “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace,” Galatians 5:4; 2 Peter 3:17.
b. An entire church can be removed from Christ and the truth, Galatians 1:6-10. This is possible because of false teachers and teaching, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 3:12-13; Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:29-31.
3. Paul urges: “we then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain,...Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed,” 2 Corinthians 6:1-3. “It is required that as ministers and ambassadors, that we be found faithful in handling the mysteries of God,” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. Watch and remember, Acts 20:28-32; 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
4. As ministers of reconciliation, we must never be turned away from the truth through deceit or the corrupt handling of the word of God. Notice:
a. “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ,” 2 Corinthians 2:17.
b. “Therefore seeing we have ministry, this as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty,...nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God,” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2.
c. As faithful ministers and ambassadors we must remain true to the teaching and message of reconciliation. It will only be then we will be able to “reconcile the world to God through Christ by the message of reconciliation.”
5. Love of Christ. “Love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again,” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Job 32:18. Illustrate: Love So Amazing.
a. Constraineth, is in Gr: synecho, (i.e., hold together, press on every side; compel and to be in a strait), Philippians 1:23. Driven to a certain end or result!
b. It was the love of Christ that motivated Paul, and should motivate us. Notice Paul states: it is the love of Christ; not the love for Christ. It is that driving force to pushes us to do the work of Christ on behalf of others, rather than ourselves.
c. Christ died for all, because all were dead, Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:11-13; 1 Peter 2:24.
d. That they which live should no longer live to themselves; but for Christ that died for them, Romans 5:8; 8:34; 2 Corinthians 5:14.
e. Paul: “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live…” Galatians 2:20-21. His life was totally dedicated to the work of Christ, Philippians 1:21-24.
f. We can no longer live unto ourselves – but unto Christ who has called us into the kingdom of God. Many are still struggling with this truth. We cannot live unto the world, family or spouse, Romans 12:1-2.
g. We do not pattern our life after others. We must live to please God and Jesus Christ, Hebrews 11:6.
h. Many seek the honor and praise of men, rather than that which cometh from God, John 5:44; John 12:42-43. But not the ambassadors of Christ!
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Ministry of Reconciliation
2. The Ministers of Reconciliation
3. The Means of Reconciliation
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we discussed the ministry of reconciliation, how that God was in the world, reconciling it unto Him, by Jesus Christ. Herein is the ministry: “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation.” Notice: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
2. Secondly, we noticed the ministers of reconciliation. Paul calls himself an ambassador for the ministry of reconciliation. The word ambassador, Gr: presbeuo, i.e., to be a senior; a representative, act as a preacher, to be an ambassador. The word comes from Gr: presbuterous, elder. Hence, an older man, preacher, or an elder who works on behalf of Christ – as a ministers of reconciliation. Paul and all other ambassadors are working through Christ to reconcile the world unto God. We are ministers of reconciliation. We are “laborers together with God” working to save the world through Christ!
3. Lastly, we considered the means of reconciliation. Christ was the means of this reconciliation. Paul says: “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation.” Herein is the means of reconciliation: “For he hath made him to be sins for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him,” 2 Corinthians 5:21. This is a message of love, sacrifice and redemption.
C. Invitation.
D. Exhortation
E. Motivation.
