Eternal Perspective: Our Motives
2 Corinthians 5:11-15
Pastor Miles
November 16, 2014
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are "out of our mind," as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
(2 Corinthians 5:11-15 NIV)
1. Because we have an eternal perspective we try to persuade others.
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others.
(2 Corinthians 5:11a NIV)
Persuade others:
- to follow Christ
- to come to the Christmas concert
2. God knows our hearts, even if other people think we are "out of our minds."
What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are "out of our mind," as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
(2 Corinthians 5:11b-13 NIV)
This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
(1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NIV)
3. We are motivated by the love of Christ.
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV)
Why does Christ's love compel us?
He died for all.
He gave up His rights and His life for all of us.
We have also given up our rights.
We've been bought with a price.
We now live for Him out of gratitude.
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
(Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV)
We love in response to His incredible love.
What are we doing to share His love to those we come into contact with?
Pray. Invest. Invite.
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