Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:16–21 NKJV

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. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 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. 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. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Reconciliation - restoration of a relationship

Main Idea: God desires for every person to be reconciled to Him.

Key Question: How are we a part of the process of reconciliation?

1. We need a vision for reconciliation. (v. 16)

2 Corinthians 5:16 NKJV

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.

2. We need a change for reconciliation. (v. 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.

3. We have a ministry of reconciliation. (v. 18)

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,

4. We need a reconciler of reconciliation. (v. 18-19)

2 Corinthians 5:18–19 NKJV

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

All of God!

5. We have a tool for reconciliation. (v. 19)

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.

let’s not out grow or out strategize the word of God!

6. We need a passion for reconciliation. (v. 20)

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.

ambassadors — ROME — senatorial (peace) vs. imperial (enemy) provinces

plead

implore

7. We have a message of reconciliation. (v. 21)

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.