Transformation Through Reconciliation

Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Introduction

We Must Hear Right To Do Right

False Teachers Tell Some Right But Mostly Wrong

They Teach For Themselves…

The Theme of 2 Corinthians is 2 Cor. 5.17

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Paul pours out his heart and defends the ministry and his ministry.

Paul was defending his ministry against so-called “super apostles”

2 Corinthians 11:5 NKJV

For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.

2 Corinthians 11:6 NKJV

Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

2 Corinthians 11:7 NKJV

Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?

2 Corinthians 10:10 NKJV

“For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”

2 Corinthians 11:12 NKJV

But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.

2 Corinthians 11:13 NKJV

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:14 NKJV

And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

2 Corinthians 11:15 NKJV

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Key Words In This Passage

Reconciliation: Katallasso

to restore someone to a favorable or friendly relations with another after a presumed wrong.

We view reconciliation as give and take. We view reconciliation as in 2 parties being wrong

When it pertains to God we are wrong and God is right!

And there are many times in the Church where someone is wrong and someone right!

And someone says reconcile even when a person is not wrong!

Paul was not seeking reconciliation with the Super apostles!

And he was telling the Church at Corinth they need to understand he was not concerned about reconciling himself to these “super apostles” because he had been reconciled to God!

And they had been reconciled to God through Christ also.

2 Corinthians 5:12 NKJV

For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.

2 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

2 Corinthians 5:11 NKJV

Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

2 Corinthians 5:12 NKJV

For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.

Reconciliation Is By The Word of God

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Reconciliation Is An Act Of Forgiveness

2 Corinthians 5:18 NKJV

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,

2 Corinthians 5:19 NKJV

that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

We Are Ambassadors Of Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Ambassador is someone in and alien culture representing the monarch!

Conclusion