Introduction
We must live wisely, not foolishly, because the days are evil. Therefore, our priority must be to remain in Christ in order to be fruitful. The first and most important fruit that we must bear is love, first for God and then for others as well. Since we do not know when the Lord Jesus will return, we must be watchful and faithful in the meantime. To do so effectively, we must be grateful, take initiative, be diligent, and guard our hearts.
Now, God is calling us to work with Him (not for Him) in transforming the world. This is the most exciting work of all! We must use our time, talents, and treasures to work with Him. How can we do this? 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 shows us how.
Three Mindsets of Working with God today
1. Right Motivation (2 Corinthians 5:11-15).
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
The fear of the Lord profoundly motivates Paul and his companions to diligently carry out the important work of the Lord (vv. 11-13). In addition, Christ’s love also compels them to act with purpose and dedication (v. 14). As a result, he and his companions have made a conscious decision to no longer live for themselves, but rather for Him who died and was resurrected on their behalf (v. 15). In the same way, our hearts must be stirred and inspired by a deep reverence for God and overwhelming gratitude for Christ’s love that transforms our lives. It is essential that we reflect on this love and allow it to influence our daily actions and choices.
2. Right Message (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Formerly, Paul and his companions viewed people, even Christ, from a worldly point of view. But not anymore. (v. 16) Now, in union with Christ, they are experiencing the foretaste of the new creation (v. 17). God has reconciled them with Himself and has given them the message of reconciliation (vv. 18-19). They are now Christ’s ambassadors persuading others to be reconciled with God through faith in Christ (vv. 20-21) In the same way, we have experienced reconciliation with God. We must now proclaim this same message to all.
3. Right Mandate (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).
1 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Having the right motivation and the right message, and as co-workers with God, Paul and his companions now earnestly urge the Corinthians not to receive God’s grace in vain, as stated in 2 Corinthians 6:1. He reminds them emphatically that now is the time to respond wholeheartedly to God’s grace in faith and commitment. In the same way, we are called to go forth and make disciples of all nations, sharing the good news of the Gospel, and to do so with a sense of urgency, recognizing that there is no time to waste—this task must not be postponed for tomorrow but should be embraced and undertaken today! It is essential that we understand the significance of this calling and act upon it with diligence and passion. This is our mandate.
Conclusion
We must have the right motivation, the right message, and the right mandate to work with God in the world today. Remember this: “Working with God today is the most exciting work of all.” Time is of the essence. When the Lord Jesus returns, we want Him to say to us, “Well done, my good and faithful servants!”
Discussion Questions
1. How does your understanding of Christ's love motivate you to live for Him rather than for yourself in your daily life?
2. In what ways can you actively share the message of reconciliation with others around you, reflecting on your own experience of being reconciled with God?
3. Are you responding wholeheartedly to God's grace in your life, and how can you ensure that you are not taking this grace for granted as you pursue your calling?