13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Cor 5:13-21
Q & A：
- Is death a question mark, full stop or exclamation mark to you and why? Explain the who will experience spiritual death after the physical death, and what is the way not to be separated from God for eternity? (Heb 9:27; Jam 2:26a; 1 Cor 5:56)
- Explain how you usually react to the conscience in your heart and what one needs to do to have salvation and be reconciled to God. Knowing that there is nothing we can do for the person once the spirit of man departs or cries out from hell, are you compelled in your heart to want to share the gospel to anyone you know, be your colleagues, family relatives, or neighbors? (2 Cor 5:18-21; Gal 3:13; Matt 28:19-20; Luke 16:26-31)
- What does it mean that “those who live should live no longer for themselves” and are you currently at the stage of asking what God can do for you or rather how you can make your life count for the Lord? Explain the different types of unbelievers (response pyramid) that are in your surroundings and how can you be more sensitive and intentional about sharing the gospel with them. (2 Cor 5:15, 17)