Series: Action [#109]
DON’T QUIT- THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Introduction:
Today’s Scripture reminds me of a group that I was in when I was younger- The Royal Ambassadors. This was the Southern Baptist’s version of Boy’s Scouts. Our group’s name was based on 2 Corinthians 5:20.
2 Corinthians 5:20
As RA’s, we had to memorize the Motto and Pledge.
The RA’s Motto: "We are Ambassadors for Christ".
The RA’s Pledge:
As a Royal Ambassador I will do my best:
* To become a well-informed, responsible follower of Christ.
* To have a Christ-like concern for all people.
* To learn how to carry the Message of Christ around the world.
* To work with others in sharing Christ.
* To keep myself clean and healthy in mind and body.
While I probably cannot fulfill most of the physical requirements of RA’s, (like swimming a mile without stopping); I continue to do my best to follow the RA’s Motto and Pledge. Each of us should strive to be an Ambassador for Christ.
This morning, we are going to look at the Ministry of Reconciliation. This is a ministry that every Christian should have. We should be lifting up Christ as the One who can reconcile us with God.
2 Corinthians 5:11-13
The ministry of reconciliation is…
1. Based on your fear of God.
From last week’s text, we are told that every person will face judgment with God. Because of that, we should have a healthy fear of the Lord. Often times, I refer to this as reverence. As an ambassador for Christ, I need to let each person know that God will not be mocked- We reap what we sow. God will do what He says. There are some who say that Christians are crazy and are following things that are nonsense; but there will be a day that they realize that they were wrong.
2 Corinthians 5:14-17
The ministry of reconciliation is…
2. Driven by Christ’s love.
The love of Christ compels us, (controls us). We should be controlled by the love of Christ. Why? Because we believe that Jesus paid the price for all people, when He died for us and arose from the grave on the 3rd day. Once you are saved, you no longer belong to yourself; but to God. Christians, you are to no longer live for yourself; but for God. If you are in Christ, you are a new creation. The old you is dead and gone.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
The ministry of reconciliation is…
3. Required due to sin.
Without the price that Jesus paid for us on the cross, we could never be reconciled with God. To be reconciled means to move past our sins and have a relationship with God. Through Jesus, our sins are not counted against us.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21
The ministry of reconciliation…
4. Makes us Ambassadors for Christ.
God uses us to spread His message. We represent God in everything we say and do. We should be pleading with people to be reconciled to God- That happens through the blood of Jesus.
Conclusion:
What is keeping you from reconciling things between you and God? What is keeping you from reconciling things with those that have hurt you?
