What happens if we stop reproducing?

We been speaking a lot of discipleship in our morning gatherings. In we want to speak of two keys issues.

The Motivation for Service… (vv11-15)

— 11 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. 12 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. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Paul’s awareness of his accountability to Christ (v. 10) and Christ’s shining example of self-sacrificing devotion (v. 14) motivate him in all his service.

Following in the steps of Paul, who tried to “persuade men” about the truth of the gospel, His pure motives in being known to God and his attempts at persuasion had affected their consciences.

The Messengers of Reconciliation… (v16ff.)

Let’s also see that is was “love” that compelled the Apostle to do all that he did for the Lord in no longer living for himself but for Christ (v14-15). .

The Messengers of Reconciliation… (v16ff.)

— 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 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. 20 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.

Although only God brought about reconciliation (5:18), he appeals to people through his co-workers, who are Christ’s ambassadors, to be reconciled to him (5:20).

What happens if animals stop reproducing? Or what happens if flowers stop producing pollen to spread?

First endangerment, then (if not reversed) extinction.

How about Christians? What happens if we never reproduce other Christians?

From creation in Genesis, God designed every healthy, living organism to multiply: “plants…trees…winged birds…livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth…[and] man” all “bear fruity…according to its kind”. ().

Healthy trees make new trees. Healthy birds make new birds. So do healthy Christian make new Christians.

God’s Church is a living organism: multiplication and reproduction are not just physical, but spiritual. If we never multiply (meaning, we never make disciples) we die! We go extinct!!!! What’s happening in the American church? We are endangered!!!

Our God is a God who’s on mission!

— 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

— 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

— 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

— 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Think of this statement of the Apostle Paul.

— 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 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. 20 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.

So Christ is at the center of the universe () and He’s reconciling all things to Himself. From Christ, 11 disciples were circled around Him (12 if you count Paul). If we have good records we could all trace our spiritual roots to the person who discipled you, to the person who discipled them, and someone else made a disciple of them, all the way back to the 12 and then to the SENT ONE Christ Himself who came on Mission from His Father!

— 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

He sends us to make disciples (reproduce), as he first sent someone to make a disciple of us, and some one else made a disciple of them and so forth, all the way back to Christ.