The Holy Spirit Provides Purpose

Holy Spirit Provides Purpose

Holy Spirit Provides Purpose

Reconciliation- Joseph with his brothers.

2 Corinthians 5:11–21 ESV

11 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. 12 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. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 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. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

We are all ministers.

we make lots of excuses

-not good enough

-not talented enough

We are Jars of Clay/ Tents

6 Truths Concerning Our Ministry

1- It is a Call to Persuade Others (11)

2 Corinthians 5:11 ESV

11 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.

This ministry-- used several times in section.

"The fear of the Lord" -- judgement of previous section.

God knows us. He knows all we have done

Known to us-- see self the way God sees you.

Love others enough to help them be prepared for judgment.

Persuade-- not something you should give up on easily

ILL-- talking someone out of jumping off a bridge.

Talking someone out of a trip to hell.

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

2- It is a Call to Testify (12-13)

2 Corinthians 5:12–13 ESV

12 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. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

Exotic christian experience or persuasive speech

Evangelism is about persuasive speech.

Testify about Truth.

Testify about what God has done in your heart.

vs 13- exotic christian experience is for God. "right mind" is for you

charismatic gifts are between you and God.

It takes rational mind to see others change.

1 Corinthians 14 Paul speaks of the need for rational talk over charismatic gifts.

1 Corinthians 14:6–9 ESV

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.

When Paul saw Jesus as flesh he persecuted him. His life was changed when he realized the eternal implications of what Christ did.

ILL-- Easiest way to witness= tell your story and end with John 3:16

3- It is a Call to Life and Death (14-15)

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 ESV

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 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.

How can Christ control us? = We die to self.

Galatians 2:20 ESV

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Jesus died so we can live. We cannot live until we die to self.

4- It is a Call to See the Spiritual (16)

2 Corinthians 5:16 ESV

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.

See people as spiritual not physical.

Don't see their disabilities.

Don't see their superior abilities.

Don't see their position.

See them as someone going to heaven or hell.

5- It is a Call to Change (17)

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

How do you know if you are saved?

Have you ever been changed?

How do you know if your friend or family member is saved?

Have they ever been changed.

You will know them by their fruit.

6- It is a Call to Reconciliation (18-21)

2 Corinthians 5:18–21 ESV

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Parts of Reconciliation

Our Reconciliation with God

Through Christ- because Christ paid for what separated us from God.

Through Christ- reconciled the world.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Christ died for all.

How God provided reconciliation (vs 21)

Christ put the weight of sin on his shoulders for us.

Others Reconciliation with God

3 Titles Paul Gives Believers

A- Ministers of Reconciliation (18-19)

Given Ministry of Reconciliation (18)

2 Corinthians 5:18 ESV

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

helping people restore their relationship with God.

2 Corinthians 5:19 ESV

19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

19 "counting"= imputation= banking term. It is not a debt any longer. Balance sheet says zero.

"wages of sin is death" but gift of God is...

Given Message of Reconciliation (19)

The Gospel

B- Ambassadors for Christ (20)

2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

God making his appeal through us.

It is the only way man will hear the good news.

He couldn't have found a different way. But he chose to use us.

C- Righteousness of God (21)

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Because we have been saved.

Because we have been changed.

It should be seen by those around us every day.

CONCLUSION

Have you been reconciled with God?

Are you living God's purpose for your life? (Ministry of Reconciliation)