2 Corinthians 5v11-15
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that One has died for all, therefore all have died; 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. (ESV)
Ministers of Reconciliation are people who strive to bring God’s people together. They are conscious of certain things for which they have made a commitment, requiring changes to their characters. They are controlled not by someone of this world but by Jesus Christ.
Consider these aspects of the Ministers of Reconciliation:
- Their Fear of the Lord (v11)
They have reverence and deep respect for God’s authority, holiness and power which leads to obedience. - Their commitment
To persuade “others” just like they do. Their conscience drives their commitment. Who are these “others”? It is those who are totally fallen and lost in sin – who do not know the fear of the Lord. Believing ministers pursue the lost with authenticity and courage (see 2 Cor. 12v7). - Their Character
Their conduct is authentic and consistent with the Word of God. God knows who and what we are. He knows the true intention and characters of believers. Paul contrasts outward appearances and the state of the heart. He points to the sincerity and authenticity of the believers. They are not governed by the flesh. - Their Control (v14)
They are controlled by the most glorious thing: the Love of Christ. What brought Him to this? One has died for all – therefore all have died. The beginning of being a Christian is to die. The atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ. The wages of sin – eternal death – was fully paid for by Christ on Calvary.
Thomas Watson says: “Christ’s love is the wonder of angels and the admiration of saints. In His love we see Love in its most imminent degree. It is Love in its highest orb. It is Love se to work under the greatest disadvantages.” That’s what controls the ministers of reconciliation. - Their Call (v15)
That those who live might no longer live for themselves but live for the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the chief aim of God.
This morning on Resurrection Sunday, we have a poignant reminder of the essence of Christian faith, and the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection in shaping the lives of His people.