The Gospel Centered Life (2)

The Benefit of the Gospel

2Cor. 5:17-20.

Some may be here thinking why isnt he preaching on Independence day?

Well I am, Im preaching on the benefits of the Gospel which can be said this way, the benefits of freedom.

Not physical but spiritual.

I thank God that I live in the freest nation on earth, and thankful for all the sacrifices that have been made, to give us the great UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

but living in the USA might give you physical freedom, but it does nothing for you spiritually

When this life is over you will die, and when you die it wont matter where you lived, it will only matter who lived in you

If you are here this morning and have never felt what true spiritual freedom is like, I beg you come to the cross right now and place your faith in Christ and Christ alone.

For He is the only one that can give you true freedom.

There is no greater transformation known to man than the change that occurs when a soul comes into saving union with Jesus Christ.

There is no greater freedom then that which is found in Christ.

In a world that is constantly searching for identity, purpose, and peace, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers a complete and eternal answer.

The gospel is not just a message we believe to be saved—it is the very foundation upon which we build our lives.

Paul’s words in this passage are both powerful and personal.

He speaks of a new creation,

a divine work that reorders a person’s past, present, and future.

Through the gospel, we receive more than just forgiveness—

we receive a new nature,

a new mission,

and a new relationship with God.

And the benefits of living a gospel-centered life goes far beyond the moment of conversion; they impact every area of our lives

—our identity, our purpose, and our relationships.

A gospel-centered life is not about religious performance or spiritual achievement.

It is about living in light of what Christ has done, allowing His love to compel us,

His peace to rule us,

and His mission to send us.

In this passage, Paul shows us that when the gospel is received by faith everything changes.

We are made new, we are reconciled to God, and we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.

Last week, we began this series I have titled A Gospel-Centered Life.

We looked at the basis of a Gospel centered life

We saw the importance of the Gospel in our lives and the instruction we receive from the gospel in how we are to live our lives

This whole series is ment to examine how the message of the gospel should shape every aspect of our daily walk.

There are some believers that underestimate the ongoing power of the Gospel in their life

Scripture shows us that the Gospel is not just the beginning of the Christian life

it’s the foundation for every moment thereafter.

But before anyone can live a life centered on the Gospel, they must first understand and embrace what the Gospel is.

As we saw in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, Paul gives us a clear summary:

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

This is the foundation of our faith: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Everyone hearing this message falls into one of two groups

—those who have trusted Christ for salvation and those who have not. which one are you in?

Today, as we open the Word of God, let us examine today, the benefits that flow from a gospel-centered life.

May we be reminded that this gospel is not just a message we proclaim, but a reality we are called to embody.

may our hearts be stirred to live fully and faithfully for the One who gave Himself for us.

I. The Benefit of a Transformed Identity

(v. 17)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

What a benefit we have. Therefore if any man be in Christ.

“Be in” - those two words carry so much weight.

If I was to go down here to this new shooting club and get a membership, I would be endowed with certain benefits. why, because I am in the membership of the club.

As a citizen of these great United states of America, I have benefits that forigeners are not supposed to have, why because I was born “in” the united states.

When you are in something you receive benefits that those that are not in, cant get.

The first benefit is a transformed identity

Paul says He is a…

“A new creature”

The gospel brings a radical inward transformation, not just a behavior adjustment.

We are not remodeled sinners—we are recreated saints.

This is not a change we produce—it is the work of the Holy Spirit.

This phrase appears over 150 times in the NT and speaks of union with Jesus.

if something is made new that means it is not what it use to be

Our behavior should be different

Being made a new creature Not only changes your behavior,

it changes your position before God.

Identity is no longer based on past sin, human performance, or self-image—we are in Christ.

“The life we now live, we live by the faith of the son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us.”

We are in a very defining relationship

There is no room for another

If we are in Christ that means we are not in the world.

Our union with Christ separated us from the world

We are His and He is ours.

Paul continues...

“Old things are passed away behold all things become new

—our guilt, shame, and condemnation are gone.

Romans 8:1—“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”

The cross rewrites our story.

“Creature” (Greek ktisis) implies something freshly created—a divine work.

Regeneration isn’t moral reformation—it’s spiritual resurrection (John 3:3; Titus 3:5).

The believer is not the same person spiritually, mentally, or directionally.

The old nature (Eph. 4:22), old ways, old guilt, and old worldview are no longer dominant.

We no longer live in fear, shame, or slavery to sin.

New desires (Psalm 40:8 “I delight to do thy will, O my God: Yea, thy law is within my heart.”

new affections (Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

new purpose (Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

We see life, people, and God differently

—through a gospel lens.

Application: Have you embraced this new identity, or are you still living like the old man?

A gospel-centered life starts with knowing who you are in Christ.

Don’t dwell in your past.

Your old life is dead and gone—God has made you new. Stop revisiting graves that Christ has already emptied.

Walk in newness of life.

Let your thoughts, speech, relationships, and habits reflect your new nature in Christ.

Remind yourself daily:

“I am a new creature in Christ.” Let this identity inform your purpose and direction. Confess and renew your mind daily with truth (Romans 12:1–2).

II. The Benefit of a Reconciled Relationship

(v. 18–19)

“All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ…”

Sin separated us from a holy God, but the gospel bridges that gap.

Reconciliation: bringing two estranged parties into harmony.

Reconciliation means God is no longer our judge but our Father.

We have been brought into a state of favor with God.

Romans 5:10—“When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son…”

God took the initiative to restore the broken relationship through Christ.

We were enemies, but now we have peace with God.

We were alienated (Col. 1:21), enemies (Rom. 5:10), but now made friends through Christ.

God was the offended party—and He took the initiative through the cross (Isa. 53:5–6)

We did not earn reconciliation; “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself.”

It was His initiative, His love, and His Son that brought peace.

“Not imputing their trespasses unto them”

—God does not hold our sins against us.

This is justification: being declared righteous by faith.

Application: A gospel-centered life rejoices in peace with God.

You don’t have to work to earn God’s favor—you live from it.

Share the message of reconciliation in everyday life—at home, at work, with friends.

Be a living example of grace and peace.

View your life as a platform for gospel ministry.

III. The Benefit of a Renewed Mission

(v. 18b, 20)

“…and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation… Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…”

a. A Renewed Calling

to Ministry v.18b

“Given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Every believer has a calling to share the gospel.

Every believer is a minister—not just pastors or missionaries.

The "ministry of reconciliation" is the active task of sharing the gospel so others may be reconciled.

We are not passive recipients—we are active participants.

—in telling others the good news of peace with God.

Every gospel-centered life is a missionary life.

a. A Renewed Calling

b. A Renewed Commission

as Ambassadors

An ambassador represents a nation and president or kingdom and a king

—we represent Christ and His kingdom.

We speak not our own words, but His message: “Be ye reconciled to God.”

This is both a privilege and a sober responsibility.

God speaks through us

—our words are vessels for His message.

Ambassador Mike Huckabee - has a responsibility and the privilege to be our spokesman to Isreal.

He is just the vessel that POTUS uses to relay his message to the people of Isreal

a. A Renewed Calling

b. A Renewed Commission

c. A Renewed Compassion

Paul says, “we pray you in Christ’s stead”

—as if Jesus Himself is pleading through us.

Evangelism is not about pressure, but about passion

The word “Pray you" = plead, urge with compassion and seriousness.

—pleading with souls to be reconciled to God.

We are standing in Christ’s place, urging people to receive His grace.

This is the heart of our message: turn to God through faith in Christ.

The gospel is an invitation to peace, not a threat of punishment.

Application: Are you carrying the gospel message in your daily life?

A gospel-centered life is not just about enjoying salvation, but about sharing it.

Live as an ambassador.

You are not a citizen of this world—you represent a heavenly kingdom. Let your words and actions reflect your King.

Speak boldly, yet lovingly.

Your life should be a living appeal: “Be ye reconciled to God.” Don’t be silent about the gospel.

Take your commission seriously.

Whether at work, in the store, or with family—every Christian is on mission. There are no “off days” in your ambassadorship.

Conclusion:

The gospel changes everything.

It gives us:

A new identity—we are no longer what we were.

A new relationship—we are no longer enemies of God but His children.

A new purpose—we are no longer aimless but ambassadors.

If you are in Christ, live like a new creature.

Rest in your reconciliation.

And rise to your calling.

Let the gospel be the center from which everything else flows.

Invitation: If you’ve never been reconciled to God through Christ, today is the day. The call of verse 20 still rings out: “Be ye reconciled to God.” Turn from your sin and trust the Savior.

Let the gospel make you new.