This article is the second in a series about the Ministry of Reconciliation. You can find the others here.
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.
2 Corinthians 5:11a
We’ll pull the points directly out of the passage here. POINT #1 - We persuade others v11-13. This point comes after Paul’s acknowledgment of the fear of the Lord in regards to His infinite power and the impending judgement for all.
First of all, in the context of this passage, Paul is defending himself to the Corinthians, but not by listing out all the aspects of his credibility (at least not this time), but by pointing out that their consciences should recognize the credibility of Paul and his message. The truth of that claim is ultimately determined by God through the power of the Spirit in Paul and in his words to the church.
This debate was not for the sake of Paul, but for the sake of the Gospel message he was preaching. The other “ministers” that were trying to discredit Paul were focusing on external appearances and being flashy and arrogant, in contrast Paul focused on the internal work of the Spirit to authenticate his ministry. Earlier in this second letter he pointed out that his credibility was already written on their hearts. 2 Cor. 3:3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
This is a continuation of the lesson he already taught them in the first letter, that God chooses to use lowly things so that the one who boasts, boasts in the Lord only. The work that Paul has done is clearly focused on the work the Spirit does in people's hearts and not how well Paul performs or the applause he receives. This is a common point Paul makes, that his concern is for God's will, not man's approval (Gal. 1:10). This is consistent with Jesus' teaching through the Lord's Prayer, and James' sentiment in James 4:4, among many other areas in OT and NT. When using an eternal lens, it’s not about our will or the world’s approval of us that counts for anything, but us bowing to God’s will and seeking His approval as we join His mission.
What Paul is wanting them to be able to understand and to do when answering Paul's critics, is to point to the work of the Lord in people’s lives and take pride in the evidence of life change, not on their outward appearance, but on their inward heart change. This reflects the words of the Lord to Samuel (1 Sam. 16:7) in regards to the young David being the new anointed king.
Similarly we know that “faith without works is dead” from James’ letter, and we can see Paul pointing that out here by using the evidence of spiritual work that had been done to prove his faith in the Gospel, and the Corinthians faith in accepting the Gospel message he brought them.
V13 can be hard to understand out of context when we’re just hopping in to look at this one section. He could be referring to his harsh tone he had to take in the first letter, where he was calling out all their sin and divisions in their church. He could also be referring to his reputation of being seen as crazy or extreme due to his apparent disregard for himself. Being beaten, shipwrecked, marooned, etc. he was even dedicated enough to walk back into a city that had just stoned him and drug him out of town (Acts 14:19-20).
“Does our attitude and actions reflect Paul’s when it comes to sharing the Gospel with those who God has sovereignly placed in our circles?”
Whether the Corinthian church considered him insane or not, Paul points out that his attitude and actions are selfless “it is for you.” Unlike the other “ministers” attempting to detract from Paul’s work, Paul’s passionate, consistent efforts to spread the Gospel generally left him in hot water wherever he was. Again, Gal. 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” This is Paul’s way of working out the Greatest Commandment of loving God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving his neighbor as himself. Whether or not he looks out of his mind or not, he endures the ridicule, because of his love for them.
Does our attitude and actions reflect Paul’s when it comes to sharing the Gospel with those who God has sovereignly placed in our circles? Do we not only endure ridicule on account of the Gospel, but do we willingly walk back into situations and relationships we know are adverse to us as believers? Do we even willingly and lovingly speak the Gospel into situations or lives that are at odds with their Creator? Not just once, like a one-and-done and retreat, never to engage again, but regularly, faithfully, and humbly? That is the reaction we see from Paul, going back to v10-11, because of his reverent fear of the Lord that he will consistently preach the Gospel message regardless of opposition he faced. It made him seem crazy. Do we seem crazy in how we “work out our salvation in fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12) or do we seem safe, looking out for our interests first and foremost (Phil 2:3-4)?
How can we get this way, like Paul? POINT #2 - The love of Christ Compels/Controls us v14-15. Paul can radically and selflessly live for the Gospel because of Christ’s radical love and being willing to die for a sinner like Paul. Jesus willingly became incarnate and was obedient to the point of death on a cross on our behalf (Phil. 2:6-8). So now on the other side of saving faith redeeming him, Paul can radically serve Christ with selfless abandon out of love for the lost and for the church. 1 John 3:16 -
““By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” ”
What we’re getting from Paul’s heart in v14-15 is perspective. Paul’s perspective on life and hardships and his priorities shifted when he met the risen suffering servant King Jesus. Jesus demonstrated obedience to God’s sacrificial love by dying for sinners, the enemies of righteousness. Therefore, as believers, it’s a privilege to serve him during our brief time here in light of eternity with Him. It’s our proper response to being given new spiritual life in Him. A life that is now empowered by His Holy Spirit in and through us, compelling us to preach the Gospel in spite of opposition or hardship.
This life marked by obedience, compelling one to live a life as a reflection of Christ’s obedience, is for all who would believe. There’s no distinction or specific class, gender, skill, etc. that exempts some and compels others to live in radical obedience to Christ in taking up the ministry of reconciliation in spreading the Gospel. There’s only 2 kinds of people, those who have new life in Christ, and those who live in self-centered darkness. V14-15 can be summarized as our response to believing the Gospel, compelling us to fulfill the Great Commandment, to love God and love people, by spreading the message of the Gospel, which these verses spell out.
