Motivations for Christians 2 Cor. 5:9-15

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 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.

Introduction: Motivations for Christians Emphasis this year: “At the Cross . . . Emphasis the month: . . . I Find Motivation” Looking at the “we” verses in our text What motivated Paul (and motivates us)?

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 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.

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 2 Cor. 5:9

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life If I won the lottery, “I would . . .” The motivation of the world—1 John 2:15-17 Motivation of Jesus: Heb. 10:5-7; John 5:29

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 2 Cor. 5:9 5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, You had no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold I have come—in the volume of the book it is written of Me—to do Your will, O God.' “ Heb. 10:5-7 John 5 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." John 8:29

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life If I won the lottery, “I would . . .” The motivation of the world—1 John 2:15 Motivation of Jesus: Heb. 10:5-7; John 5:29 Motivation of Paul—”To be well pleasing . . .”

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 2 Cor. 5:9

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life If I won the lottery, “I would . . .” The motivation of the world—1 John 2:15 Motivation of Jesus: Heb. 10:5-7; John 5:29 Motivation of Paul—”To be well pleasing . . .” What is your purpose in life?

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life Motivation to remember His just reward

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Cor. 5:9-10

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life Motivation to remember His just reward Judgment Day is coming Two views of that day Every secret thing will be remembered The only “praise” that matters is His

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life Motivation to remember His just reward Motivation to remember His terror

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 2 Cor. 5:9-11

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life Motivation to remember His just reward Motivation to remember His terror Judgment day will show His just anger Remember the flood Remember Sodom and Gomorrah Remember the great tribulation of Matt. 24 It could happen to any of us!

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life Motivation to remember His just reward Motivation to remember His terror Motivation to persuade men

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 2 Cor. 5:9-11

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life Motivation to remember His just reward Motivation to remember His terror Motivation to persuade men We have been entrusted with the gospel—v. 19 The “talent” of gospel given to us—Matt. 25 Who do you know, what can you do?

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life Motivation to remember His just reward Motivation to remember His terror Motivation to persuade men Motivation to be compelled by His love

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. . . . 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. 2 Cor. 5:9-11; 14-15

Motivations for Christians--2 Cor. 5 Motivation to have a purpose in life Motivation to remember His just reward Motivation to remember His terror Motivation to persuade men Motivation to be compelled by His love Stand at the foot of the cross Most everyone was NOT motivated The cross compels us to act!

Respond to the Cross—Today Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Believe John 3:16 Repent Acts 17:30 Confess Faith Rom. 10:10 Be Baptized Into Him Gal. 3:27 Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Be Faithful until death Rev. 2:10