USAC CONVOCATION BIBLE STUDY LESSON
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
2 Corinthians 5:11-16; Matthew 16:24-28
Christ’s Extreme Sacrifice Calls for Our Extreme Commitment
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all
dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto
him which died for them, and rose again.” – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (KJV)
(5:11-16) Introduction: What is it that drives and compels a person to minister? What is it that constrains
a person to enter into a ministry? When ministers are attacked and criticized and opposed so much, what is
it that makes them continue or stay in the ministry? When ministers have to deal with so many problems
and are so troubled and pressured, what is it that forces them to stay in the ministry? This passage discusses
the compelling motives of the minister.
The fear if the Lord compels the minister (v. 11).
The testimony of a genuine heart compels the minister (v. 12).
The glory of God and needs of the people compel the minister (v. 13)
The love of Christ compels the minister (v. 14-16)
1. (5:11) Fear—Reverence—Witness: the fear of the Lord compels the minister. The word
“terror” (phobon) means fear, reverence, standing in awe of the Lord. It does not mean the kind of terror or
fear that shrinks back from God. Paul knows he is to face the judgement seat of Christ (v.10); therefore he
fears the Lord: Holds him in the highest regard and respect, reverences Him, stands in awe of His high and
exalted position.
The judgement of Christ compels Paul—compels him to persuade men: of the truth of the gospel.
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God
in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks” (Acts 18:4).
“And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded
and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of
Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning til evening”(Acts 28:23). of the judgement of God.
“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in
his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel”
(Romans 2:16).
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead by
his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). of the death of Christ for all men.
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him
which died for them, and rose again” ( 2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”
(Romans 5:8). of the desperate need for reconciliation to God.
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s
stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). of his own sincerity and integrity in the ministry.
“For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may
have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance and not in heart” (2 Corinthians 5:12).
Note a crucial point: Paul says that God knows what kind of person he is. The minister’s life is inspected
by God; it is manifested, perfectly known to God. God knows his faithfulness…
That he labors to be accepted, that is, to please God and God alone (1 Corinthians 5:9).
That he “faints not” in the ministry (1 Corinthians 4:1).
That he preaches not himself, but Christ Jesus the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:5).
That he always bears ‘the dying of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 4:10).
That he does all things for the sake of the ministry (1 Corinthians 4:15).
Paul hopes that the Corinthians are convinced of his faithfulness and have no question about it. Others may
oppose, question, criticize, and defame him; but he trusted that they knew his sincerity and commitment to
Christ and the ministry.
Thought 1. Every minister should fear the judgement of Christ—fear it to such a degree that
he is stirred to walk faithfully before God: persuading men and living a life of integrity and commitment
to Christ and the ministry.
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into
the ministry” (1 Timothy.1:12).
“Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I
suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:11-12).
“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass
the time of your sojourning here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17).
“…be not high minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not
thee. Behold therefore the goodness of the severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee,
goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou shalt also be cut off” (Romans 11:20-22).
Questions:
1. Which of the four points compels you to minister and why?
2. Is your compelling to minister genuinely stimulated through reverential fear of the judgment of God or
is out of your “Christian” duty (obligation)?
3. Is God held in the highest regard in your life, if so how?
4. What is your driving force that causes you to minister?
5. If your life is viewed by others, will they find the attributes to be the same as Paul’s sincerity and
integrity?
6. Do you consider that you will have to give an account of your stewardship to Christ in regards to your
commitment?