Embracing Our Mission: Reconciliation Through Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, focusing on the profound message of reconciliation and the incredible love of God. We began by reflecting on the importance of understanding our role as Christ's ambassadors, emphasizing that our mission is to be reconciled to God and to help others find that same reconciliation. The passage highlights that God made Jesus, who had no sin, to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. This is a powerful reminder of the sacrificial love of Jesus and the immense cost of our salvation.
We explored the historical context of Paul's letters to the Corinthians, noting that 2 Corinthians is a letter of comfort following a period of repentance within the Corinthian church. Paul uses this opportunity to remind the Corinthians—and us—of the core of the gospel message. This message is not just about personal salvation but also about our collective mission as a church to spread the good news.
We discussed the concept of imputation, where our sins were transferred to Christ, and His righteousness was transferred to us. This divine exchange is the heart of the gospel and underscores the justice and mercy of God. We also touched on the importance of being prepared to give an account of our faith, especially in a world that is increasingly difficult to evangelize.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging us to live out our mission with gratitude for the unmerited grace we've received. We were reminded that our ultimate goal is not just to bring people to church but to lead them to salvation through Christ. This is our God-given mission, and we must be ready to proclaim Christ crucified and risen, bringing hope to a hopeless world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of Christ's Ambassadors: As Christ's ambassadors, we are called to be reconciled to God and to help others find that same reconciliation. This involves understanding the depth of our salvation and the immense cost at which it was bought. Our mission is to spread this message of reconciliation, emphasizing that God made Jesus, who had no sin, to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. [34:46]
2. Historical Context and Comfort: Paul's second letter to the Corinthians serves as a letter of comfort following a period of repentance. This context is crucial as it shows that the message of reconciliation is not just for personal salvation but also for the collective mission of the church. Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—of the gospel's core purpose, which is to bring comfort and refocus our mission on spreading the good news. [39:06]
3. The Concept of Imputation: The idea of imputation is central to understanding the gospel. Our sins were transferred to Christ, and His righteousness was transferred to us. This divine exchange highlights both the justice and mercy of God. It is a profound reminder that our salvation is not based on our righteousness but on Christ's righteousness imputed to us. [52:42]
4. Preparedness in Evangelism: Being prepared to give an account of our faith is essential, especially in a world that is increasingly difficult to evangelize. This means understanding the depth of the gospel and being ready to explain why we believe what we believe. Our mission is to see people saved, and we must be prepared to answer questions about our faith with clarity and conviction. [41:15]
5. Living Out Our Mission: Our ultimate goal is not just to bring people to church but to lead them to salvation through Christ. This involves living out our mission with gratitude for the unmerited grace we've received. We are called to proclaim Christ crucified and risen, bringing hope to a hopeless world. This is our God-given mission, and we must be ready to fulfill it with passion and dedication. [09:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:33] - Introduction and Personal Background
[33:51] - Family and Theology
[34:46] - Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
[36:11] - Prayer for Understanding
[37:04] - Familiarity with the Gospel
[37:58] - The Love of God
[38:33] - Historical Context of 2 Corinthians
[39:06] - Paul's Letter of Comfort
[40:16] - The Heart of the Gospel
[41:15] - Preparedness in Evangelism
[42:15] - The Importance of Knowing Our Message
[43:11] - The Dilemma of Sin
[45:11] - The Holiness of God
[47:11] - The Justice of God
[49:16] - The Story of Uzzah
[50:13] - God's Mercy and Justice
[51:13] - The Singular Way to the Father
[52:42] - The Concept of Imputation
[54:18] - Jesus' Sinless Life
[56:19] - The Fulfillment of Prophecy
[57:53] - The Crucifixion of Christ
[01:00:25] - The Divine Nature of Christ
[01:02:26] - The Magnificent Display of God's Love
[01:04:30] - The Tearing of the Temple Curtain
[01:05:00] - The Imputation of Righteousness
[01:06:01] - The Death of Sin Through Christ
[01:07:04] - The Call to Repentance
[01:09:03] - The Mission of Reconciliation
[01:10:04] - The Eternal Consequences of Sin
[01:11:04] - The Hope of Resurrection
[01:12:13] - Prayer for Strength and Guidance
[01:18:29] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
#### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to be Christ's ambassadors according to 2 Corinthians 5:20-21? [34:46]
2. How does Paul describe the divine exchange that took place through Jesus in 2 Corinthians 5:21? [34:46]
3. What historical context does Paul provide in 2 Corinthians to comfort the Corinthians after their repentance? [39:06]
4. What is the significance of the concept of imputation as explained in the sermon? [52:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our role as Christ's ambassadors change the way we interact with others? [34:46]
2. Why is the concept of imputation central to the gospel message, and how does it reflect both God's justice and mercy? [52:42]
3. In what ways does the historical context of 2 Corinthians enhance our understanding of Paul's message of reconciliation? [39:06]
4. How can being prepared to give an account of our faith help us in our mission to evangelize in a challenging world? [41:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your role as Christ's ambassador. How can you actively seek to reconcile others to God in your daily life? [34:46]
2. The sermon emphasized the immense cost of our salvation. How does this understanding impact your gratitude and daily walk with Christ? [34:46]
3. Think about a time when you had to explain your faith to someone. How did you prepare for that conversation, and what could you do differently next time to be more effective? [41:15]
4. The concept of imputation means that Christ's righteousness is credited to us. How does this truth affect your view of yourself and your relationship with God? [52:42]
5. The sermon called us to live out our mission with gratitude for the grace we've received. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate this gratitude in your community? [09:03]
6. How can you better prepare yourself to answer questions about your faith, especially in a world that is increasingly difficult to evangelize? [41:15]
7. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of reconciliation. What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [34:46]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Role of Christ's Ambassadors
As Christ's ambassadors, we are called to be reconciled to God and to help others find that same reconciliation. This involves understanding the depth of our salvation and the immense cost at which it was bought. Our mission is to spread this message of reconciliation, emphasizing that God made Jesus, who had no sin, to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. This profound truth should shape our identity and purpose as believers, driving us to live out our faith with intentionality and compassion. [34:46]
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who needs to hear the message of reconciliation. How can you intentionally share this message with them this week?
### Day 2: Historical Context and Comfort
Paul's second letter to the Corinthians serves as a letter of comfort following a period of repentance. This context is crucial as it shows that the message of reconciliation is not just for personal salvation but also for the collective mission of the church. Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—of the gospel's core purpose, which is to bring comfort and refocus our mission on spreading the good news. Understanding this historical context helps us appreciate the depth of Paul's message and the importance of unity and collective mission within the church. [39:06]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's comfort. How can you use that experience to comfort someone else in your church community this week?
### Day 3: The Concept of Imputation
The idea of imputation is central to understanding the gospel. Our sins were transferred to Christ, and His righteousness was transferred to us. This divine exchange highlights both the justice and mercy of God. It is a profound reminder that our salvation is not based on our righteousness but on Christ's righteousness imputed to us. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and a more profound sense of humility and gratitude in our daily walk with Him. [52:42]
Isaiah 53:5-6 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Reflection: How does the concept of imputation change your understanding of grace? Spend time in prayer, thanking God for the righteousness of Christ that has been imputed to you.
### Day 4: Preparedness in Evangelism
Being prepared to give an account of our faith is essential, especially in a world that is increasingly difficult to evangelize. This means understanding the depth of the gospel and being ready to explain why we believe what we believe. Our mission is to see people saved, and we must be prepared to answer questions about our faith with clarity and conviction. This preparedness involves continuous learning, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide our conversations and interactions with others. [41:15]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Identify one area of your faith that you feel less confident in explaining. How can you study and prepare to better articulate this aspect of your faith to others?
### Day 5: Living Out Our Mission
Our ultimate goal is not just to bring people to church but to lead them to salvation through Christ. This involves living out our mission with gratitude for the unmerited grace we've received. We are called to proclaim Christ crucified and risen, bringing hope to a hopeless world. This is our God-given mission, and we must be ready to fulfill it with passion and dedication. Living out this mission requires us to be intentional in our daily lives, seeking opportunities to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ's love through our actions. [09:03]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to live out your mission of leading others to Christ? How can you incorporate this step into your daily routine?
Quotes
1. "Because you folks as a congregation have blessed our family so much in the two years that we've been here. Both by welcoming us in and just all the lunch invitations we received. And then not to mention that graceful meal train you did when our boys were born. Any opportunity that we get to give back and show our gratitude is an opportunity we're more than happy to do. So I'm happy that I get to be here and give back to all of you for the grace you've shown our family." [32:33] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Father glorifies the Son, the Son glorifies the Father, and the Holy Spirit glorifies them both." [34:46] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He is after all the God of the universe. The cosmos are his creation. And his alone. And yet, we see the love of God on full display. In these two verses. And it enacts a plan the Father had decided upon. Long before the heavens and the earth were created." [37:58] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And by comforting them. He is reminding them to turn their focus. Not on the past anymore. But to turn it back to the reason. Why they as a church exist. The mission that God has given to them. And he does that. By reminding them of their salvation." [39:44] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And to proclaim Christ. And to speak to our culture. And what is becoming. A very hard world to evangelize in. It might be a good time for us. To review. Our salvation. And simply what it cost God. To even offer. That salvation to us. Because after all. We were bought at a price." [40:46] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Because God is holy and we're sinful. There needs to be a way to righteousness. And that means a righteousness. That is not our own. Because we're not going to be able to pull it off. If we even try our hardest. Like it's not going to happen. Trust me I've tried." [53:16] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God imputed our sin onto Christ. So that it could be atoned for. Once and for all. By God the son. On the cross. It is truly the most magnificent display. Of God's love. In history. And I truly believe that it is at the cross. That God is fully revealed. Where you see every attribute of God. On full display. In that moment." [01:02:26] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The moment Christ died. His righteousness. The righteousness of Christ was imputed. On to us. On to those. Who have faith in Christ. Those who believe in Christ. Those who have repented. God imputed our sin. On to Christ. So that he could take Christ's righteousness. And impute it on to us. We now have access to the father. Because of that." [01:05:00] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If you are assured in your heart. That Christ's work has atoned for your sins. Then let this be the drive in your mission. The sheer gratitude. For the unmerited. Undeserved grace of God. That has been shown to you. And will be shown to all of those. Who cry for his name. To those who. Come to his feet and say. Lord forgive me." [01:09:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "There are many in this world. Who do not have hope. And it's our God given mission. To be ambassadors of Christ. To proclaim the reconciliation. That has been bought for us. To bring hope to the hopeless. And if you don't know him. Then I would ask. That if you feel the work of the spirit in your heart. And you feel that regeneration. That you come to Christ." [01:09:34] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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