Holy Spirit Provides Purpose (Malawi)

INTRODUCTION

ILLUSTRATION: Reconciliation- Joseph with his brothers.

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 ESV

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.- A greater purpose given to us by God.

we make lots of excuses

-not good enough

-not talented enough

We are Jars of Clay/ Tents

We can do it because of the Holy Spirit that is filling these Jars.

2 Truths Concerning Our Purpose

1. We Are Called 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.

2. We Are Called to Reconciliation (18-21)

2 Parts of Reconciliation

1. Our Reconciliation with God

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;

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)

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.

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

2. Others Reconciliation with God

We are to help those separted from God to become reconciled with God.

3 Titles Paul Gives Believers

These are titles given to all followers of Jesus Christ.

FIRST TITLE: 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

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.

SECOND TITLE: 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.

Ambassador is someone who represents or speaks for another person.

God making his appeal through us.

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

He could have found a different way. But he chose to use us.

THIRD TITLE: 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.

We must live with these new titles every day.

CONCLUSION

Have you been reconciled with God?

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