Compelled by Christ's Love 2 Corinthians 5:11
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the transformative power of Christ's love as revealed in 2 Corinthians 5:11. This passage illuminates the profound impact of understanding and embracing the truth of God's love, compelling us to live in response to His grace and mercy.
Let's begin by reading our focal passage from 2 Corinthians 5:11 (NLT): "Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience."
Point 1: Knowing the Fear of the Lord
The journey to transformation begins with a deep understanding of the fear of the Lord—a reverent awe and respect for God's holiness and righteousness.
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, underscores the importance of the fear of the Lord as a motivating factor in his ministry. This fear is not about dread but about a profound respect for God's character and ways. It compels us to align our lives with His truth and purpose.
Proverbs 1:7 (NLT): "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
This verse highlights the importance of the fear of the Lord as the starting point for acquiring true wisdom and understanding. Reverence for God, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness, lays the groundwork for a life marked by wisdom and discernment. Those who disregard this foundational reverence are described as foolish, lacking the essential perspective needed for true understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 (NLT): "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment."
Similar to Proverbs 1:7, this verse emphasizes the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. It underscores that a deep, reverential awe for God leads to a life characterized by good judgment and discernment. Knowing the Holy One—having an intimate relationship with God—shapes our perspective and enables us to make wise choices aligned with His will.
C.S. Lewis - "I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time—waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God—it changes me."
Point 2: Compelled to Persuade Others
The knowledge of God's truth and the fear of the Lord compel believers to persuade others of the gospel's transformative power.
Paul expresses his earnest desire to persuade others of the truth of Christ. This persuasion is rooted in a deep conviction of the gospel's life-changing impact. Believers, motivated by Christ's love, are driven to share this message with a world in need of salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NLT): "Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them."
This passage from Paul's letter to the Corinthians speaks of the transformative power of Christ's love. Believers are called to live not for themselves but for Christ, motivated and controlled by His sacrificial love. This love redefines our purpose and empowers us to live in obedience and service to Him.
Romans 1:16 (NLT): "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes..."
Paul's declaration in Romans underscores the significance of the gospel—the message of salvation through Christ—as the power of God for all who believe. The fear of the Lord and the knowledge of His truth are encapsulated in this Good News, which brings about transformation and salvation.
Charles Spurgeon - "Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you're not saved yourself, be sure of that!"
Point 3: Transparency Before God and Others
Understanding God's love compels believers to live transparently before God and others, knowing that all is laid bare before Him.
Paul acknowledges that God knows our hearts and motives. This awareness leads believers to live with integrity and openness, seeking to honour God in all aspects of life.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT): "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."
This Psalm expresses a profound desire for self-awareness and alignment with God's will. The psalmist invites God to search his heart, acknowledging God's omniscience and authority. This prayer reflects a commitment to living in accordance with the fear of the Lord, seeking purification and guidance on the path of righteousness.
Hebrews 4:13 (NLT): "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable."
This verse underscores God's omniscience and sovereignty over all creation. It speaks to the reality of our accountability before Him—nothing is hidden from His sight. The fear of the Lord acknowledges this truth, leading us to live with integrity and transparency before God.
A.W. Tozer - "A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself."
Application and Call to Action:
These passages highlight the foundational importance of the fear of the Lord in acquiring wisdom, living in alignment with His will, and embracing the transformative power of Christ's love. They call us to self-awareness, humility, and a life devoted to honouring God in all things.
Understanding and embracing the fear of the Lord and the transformative power of Christ's love compels us to live as witnesses of His grace and truth. Let us:
Cultivate a deep reverence for God in our hearts and lives.
Be bold in sharing the gospel with others, motivated by Christ's love.
Live transparently before God and others, seeking His will and guidance in all things.
May the love of Christ compel us to be transformed agents of His truth and grace in a world that desperately needs His light.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the transforming power of Your love. May we be compelled by Your truth to live boldly and faithfully for You. Empower us to share Your gospel with courage and conviction. In Jesus' name, amen.
This sermon challenges us to live with a profound sense of the fear of the Lord and a deep understanding of Christ's love, compelling us to be transformed and transformative witnesses in the world.
