Abundant Transformation

INTRODUCTION

2 Corinthians 5:14–21 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. 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.

3 Motivations Which Drive Abundant New Life Transformation

1) We Are a New Person! (v.14-17)

We are no longer controlled by the flesh

We are no longer controlled by worldly influences

We no longer regard ourselves according to the flesh

I am no longer the center of my universe

I am no longer held to past shame and regrets

I am no longer defined by this world

I am a new Creation, who is developing new understandings of life and discovering a new identity.

We are now controlled by the love of Christ

Galatians 2:20 “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.”

We are now enabled to live by faith.

2) We Have a New Perspective! (v.16-17)

We no longer regard anyone according to the flesh

We no longer see people apathetically

We no longer see people as our fulfillment and validation

We now see people as God’s Creation to be valued

We now see people as endangered or endeared

We no longer regard Christ according to the flesh

We no longer view Christ apathetically

We no longer view Christ for self-centered reasons.

We don’t follow Christ for His blessings…we follow Him for Him.

We don’t trivialize Jesus, we trust Him wholeheartedly.

We view Christ as the King over all things.

We view Christ as King over all of me!

We view all of life and every aspect of it through a new and perfect perspective!

3) We Have a New Purpose! (v. 20-21)

Be Reconciled to God

Represent Christ

Be Righteous

Call to Respond

Are you regarding yourself, others, or Christ in regards to the flesh?

Are you allowing Jesus to make all things new in your life?

Are you walking in the New Life that Christ gives?

Are you viewing the world through His perspective?

What step does Jesus want you to take right now after hearing His Word preached this morning?

THOUGHTS FOR LATER…

Read Romans 12. What does it mean for you to be living sacrifice?

What does it mean to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind”?

What evidences does Romans 12 give as evidence of your transformation?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-7:1. What are some principles you can learn about being a new creation from these texts?

Write down your overall thoughts about these passages.

What stuck out to you the most?

What are some things God wants you to shift focus on in your life?

What is the one thing God wants you to focus on right now?