COMPELLED BY CHRIST'S LOVE
Key verse: 14
NIV
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord,(A) we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.(B) 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again,(C) but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us,(D) so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,”(E) as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.(F) 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves(G) but for him who died for them(H) and was raised again.
Cross references
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 : Job 23:15; Heb 10:31; 12:29; Jude 23
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 : 2Co 4:2
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 : S 2Co 3:1
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 : 2Co 1:14
- 2 Corinthians 5:13 : 2Co 11:1, 16, 17; 12:11
- 2 Corinthians 5:14 : Ro 6:6, 7; Gal 2:20; Col 3:3
- 2 Corinthians 5:15 : Ro 14:7-9
- 2 Corinthians 5:15 : Ro 4:25
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 Therefore, knowing (A)the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But (B)what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 (C)We are not commending ourselves to you again but (D)giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we (E)are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ (F)controls us, because we have concluded this: that (G)one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, (H)that those who live might no longer live for themselves but (I)for him who for their sake died and was raised.
Read full chapterCross references
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 : [Job 31:23; Acts 9:31; Heb. 10:31; Jude 23]
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 : ch. 4:2
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 : See ch. 3:1
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 : [ch. 1:14]
- 2 Corinthians 5:13 : ch. 11:1, 16, 17; 12:6, 11
- 2 Corinthians 5:14 : Acts 18:5
- 2 Corinthians 5:14 : Rom. 5:15
- 2 Corinthians 5:15 : [Rom. 6:11, 12]; See Rom. 14:7
- 2 Corinthians 5:15 : [ch. 12:10]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Because we fear God (11-13)
Since we must all appear before Christ's judgment seat, we must live with a holy fear of God. This fear drives all other fears from our hearts. If we fear and love God, we live before him, not before men. Because we fear God, we sometimes do things that look foolish to men. But God's people must not judge by outward appearance, but by what is in the heart. God's servant doesn't expect fellow believers always to understand his actions. But they must know that his motives are not selfish. He is trying to please God and build up God's flock.
2. Because of Christ's love (14-15)
Christ's life poured out for sinful humanity looks like a foolish waste. But because he died for us, we have life. We can no longer live selfish lives. We must live for him who loved us and died for us. Christ's love compels us to share his gospel with the people for whom he died.
Prayer: Lord, you loved me enough to die for me. Your love compels me to repent of my selfishness and live for you and for others.
One Word: Christ's love compels me
