14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
v 14 – What does Paul mean by “the love of Christ controls us”? How do we get to the point where we can say the same thing? The NIV uses the word “compels” instead of controls. In what way is the love of Christ compelling?
v 15 – Rate yourself on the following scale then explain why chose the rating that you did.
v 16 – What does Paul mean by “we regard no one according to the flesh”? In what ways do we commonly view people according to the flesh?
v 17 – Since becoming a Christian, what tangible ways can you point to in your life that confirm that you are a “new creation”?
v 18 – Why does Paul describe his calling as a “ministry of reconciliation”? Is this a calling that is unique to Paul or is it a universal calling to all believers? Explain your answer?
Define reconciliation from a gospel perspective (click HERE)
v 20 – Paul refers to himself as an ambassador. What role does an ambassador have? (click HERE)
Remember that Paul is writing this letter to the church in Corinth. Why would he implore them to “be reconciled to God.”
In what ways do you, as a believer, need to be reconciled to God?
v 21 – Ponder together what God did “for our sake”.
This is a great passage to learn how to “pray Scripture.” Take one or two of the verses and turn them into personal prayers. For an example of how to do this click HERE.
What personal and practical applications can you make from this passage?