2 Corinthians 5:11 – 6:2

Rolling up our sleeves

Overview

• Our motivation in sharing the gospel

• Our conduct in sharing the gospel

• Our view of people in the light of the gospel

• Our task in the light of the gospel

• Paul’s gospel appeal

• So what?

Motivation to share the gospel

• The knowledge of the fear of the Lord– Holiness, sin and certain judgement

• The love of Christ compels us– We are convinced of the truth of the message – Jesus died; the perfect sacrifice for sinners– We were all dead in sin– The offer of salvation is there for all who will

receive it by faith– We live for Christ, not for ourselves

Conduct in gospel work

• Honesty, openness and transparency

• Confidence in the integrity of leaders

• Integrity is a matter of the heart

• Paul considered “out of his mind”

• The gospel presented logically & clearly

The gospel’s view of people

• The gospel corrects our view of people

• The gospel corrects our view of Jesus

• Christians ARE new creations– The old has gone, the new has come– This does not contradict sanctification

• All of this is from God– Saved and reconciled – Ministry of reconciliation

Our task in the gospel

• God has committed the message to us

• We are His ambassadors

• We should be passionate about the job!– I implore you…– Be reconciled to God– Jesus became sin for us– We become the righteousness of Christ

Paul’s gospel appeal

• Don’t waste this opportunity

• The time is short– The offer will not always be available

So what?• We need to be saved now!• Do we take the reality of judgement seriously?• Are we compelled by the love of Christ• Are we characterised by openness, honesty,

transparency & integrity?• Are we OK with being considered mad?• Are we laying out the gospel clearly? • Do we have God’s eyes and heart for people?• Are we living in the light of what we are?• Are we passionate about the ministry of reconciliation?