GOD RECONCILING ALL NATIONS
THROUGH CHRISTIANS
2
Corinthians 5:17-21
Reconciled: Tuesday
July 17, 2012
God blesses his people with
extravagant grace so that they might extend his extravagant glory to all
peoples on the earth. – David Platt
·
God
creates, blesses, and saves each of us for a radically global purpose.
o
The
love of Christ compels us.
o
The
Spirit of Christ empowers us.
o
The
gospel of Christ motivates
us.
·
The
cross of Christ creates a new way of living. (v. 17)
·
God
is the one who takes the initiative to reconcile us. It is his work, not ours.
(v. 18)
o
The
unreached globe should fuel gospel urgency.
o
God
has called all believers to proclaim the gospel of reconciliation to others.
(v. 18)
§
If
we do not go, the lost will never hear.
(Romans 10)
§
Without
Christ, millions will perish without hope.
o
The
Great Commission is not an option for believers. (Matthew 28:18-20)
§
It
is not a special calling for
a few Christians.
§
It
is a divine command for all
the saints.
·
God
has reconciled the world through Christ by not counting our sins against us.
(19)
o
The
ultimate object of missions is a crucified savior.
o
The
ultimate goal of missions is global worship.
o The ultimate end of missions is
God’s glory. (Rev. 5:8-13)
·
As
ambassadors for Christ, we speak on behalf of God to the world. (v. 20)
o
An
ambassador is a representative who speaks on behalf of a greater authority.
o
We
are divine diplomats who are sent to offer peace to the nations.
§
The
world has rebelled against the Sovereign King and deserves his wrath.
§
The
King offers peace through the death of His Son and extends grace.
§
We
must lovingly plead for others to be reconciled to God.
·
We
are not responsible for the results.
·
We
are only called to be faithful
to preach.
·
When
we preach the gospel, we speak with the authority of God Himself.
·
Why should we give our lives to
missions for the sake of the gospel?
o Because Jesus has commanded us to
go. If we say we love Him, we will seek to obey Him.
o
We
should seek to save others because God first sought to save us through Christ.
o
Because
Christ has died to purchase the salvation of a great multitude of people.
o
We
desire for God’s glory to be known throughout the entire world.
·
How should we respond to this
great task?
o
Pray confidently for the spread of
the gospel to all people groups.
o
Give sacrificially to support those
who are serving in missions.
o
Go intentionally to share the
gospel where Jesus is not known.
o Die willingly. Be ready to risk your
reputation and even your life for the sake of all nations.
