Why Do We Share Our Faith?

Why Am I Encouraged to Share My Faith?

—READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-21—

Why Do We Share Our Faith?

Love's COMPELLING Call

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 NLT

Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary II. Paul’s Explanation of His Apostolic Ministry (1:12–7:16)

Paul is compelled by the love of Christ for sinners. Since Christ died for all people (a reference to unlimited atonement), then all died—that is, the penalty for all sin has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice (5:14). Thus, the barrier between God and people has been removed, and Paul wants all people to hear, believe, and receive that good news of forgiveness of sins and reconciliation to God.

Paul for Everyone: 2 Corinthians The Messiah’s Love Makes Us Press on (2 Corinthians 5:11–15)

The gospel is not just a mechanism for getting people saved. It is the announcement of a love that has changed the world, a love that therefore takes the people who find themselves loved like this and sends them off to live and work in a totally new way.

Perhaps you could highlight how the love of Christ compels us by its immeasurable depth and sacrificial nature. It is not merely an emotional response but a profound commitment, urging us to persuade others of His great love. As the love of Christ guided Paul, it strengthens us to share this love, overcoming our hesitations. Emphasize the change from living self-centered lives to Christ-centered lives, demonstrating real-life application of selflessness.

ILLUSTRATION: When I was a teenager, I went through a rough patch and felt utterly lost. One day, a stranger shared their faith with me, telling me how Christ transformed their life. In that moment, I felt seen and understood. Their words ignited a spark of hope in me. Sharing our faith is like passing a torch; when we light someone else's flame, we illuminate their path out of darkness with the love of Christ.

The Heart of Your CALLING

2 Corinthians 5:16–17 NLT

So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary II. Paul’s Explanation of His Apostolic Ministry (1:12–7:16)

You are no longer who you once were: the old has passed away. Therefore, you are called to live in accordance with your new identity.

APPLICATION: When you feel pressured to conform to your peers' views, remember that your calling is to share Christ's love authentically. Start small by inviting a friend to a local church event or youth group meeting. Share a social media post about what faith means to you, including a relevant scripture. Engage in school clubs or community service with an attitude of kindness and compassion, showing your peers a reflection of Christ through your actions. This could be a stepping stone to deeper conversations about your faith.

You Are an AMBASSADOR With a Mission

2 Corinthians 5:18–21 NLT

And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary II. Paul’s Explanation of His Apostolic Ministry (1:12–7:16)

An ambassador is an officially designated representative who is authorized to speak in a foreign land on behalf of the country by which he was sent. Therefore, we must speak faithfully for the one who sent us.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary II. Paul’s Explanation of His Apostolic Ministry (1:12–7:16)

Our job as his ambassadors is to carry out that mission and proclaim that message to the world.

reconcile means to fix a broken relationship, to make a peace offering, or to be readmitted to the presence and favour of a ruler after one has rebelled against said ruler.

Paul for Everyone: 2 Corinthians New Creation, New Ministry (2 Corinthians 5:16–6:2)

The great symphony of reconciliation composed on Calvary needed to be copied out into orchestral parts for all the world to play

APPLICATION: As an ambassador at work, you may encounter colleagues who seem isolated or stressed. Maybe a co-worker has been facing personal or professional challenges. Take a moment to extend kindness—perhaps bring them a coffee and ask how they’re doing. Share a brief story of how your faith has helped you during hard times. This personal connection not only opens the door for deeper conversations about faith but demonstrates the love of Christ in action. Remember that genuine concern can be a powerful testimony.

CONCLUSION

So why do we encourage you to share your faith? Because people need Jesus. Someone cared enough for you to step out of their comfort zone, they cared enough for you to violate what society told them to share the message of reconciliation!

I want to ask you to think of the one who introduced you to Jesus.

Are you glad they did it? Honour both their work and Jesus by going and doing the same!