God Reconciling All Nations Through Christians

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.