Are You Motivated by Christ?

PRAY OVER THIS

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. …Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:13, 17-18

 

READ THIS

If we want to bring people to Jesus, the apostle Paul offers six mighty motivations in 2 Corinthians 5. Today, we are looking at numbers four through six.

We are motivated by our compassion (2 Corinthians 5:13). What motivates me is not my love for people; it is my love for Jesus. Yes, I love people, but the chief motivation of my life is His love for me and, therefore, His love through me.

We remember our confidence (2 Corinthians 5:17). As Christians, we are confident that when we lead a soul to Christ, he will become a new creature. Every person is a potential brother or sister in the faith.

Finally, we read of the soul winner’s commission (2 Corinthians 5:18). We are saved to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We are ambassadors of the King of kings, appointed and anointed by God Himself.

CONSIDER THIS

How has Christ’s love for you stirred up your love for others?

How does the confidence God has provided us to bring people to Him help you pursue the commission He has given?

DO THIS

Write down the one step you can take this week to pursue the commission of Christ, walking in the confidence and compassion that He gives?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Pursue Others as God Pursued You

BIBLE MEDITATION

“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

 

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

The Lord Jesus said, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault” (Matthew 18:15). You say, “He’s the one that did wrong. If he wants forgiveness let him come and ask for it.” But Jesus said, “No, you go to him.” Whether you are in the right or whether you are in the wrong, as a child of God, you are to go to that individual. Isn’t that what God did in the Garden of Eden? Adam and Eve sinned against God and the Bible tells us that God came looking for them: “Adam, where are you?” (See Genesis 3.) That was not the voice of a detective. That was the voice of God, who pursues us to forgive us.

ACTION POINT

Stop right now and ask God to show you if you have an unforgiving spirit toward someone. Then, in His power and strength, grant forgiveness. It’s going to be impossible in your strength, but remember, God does the impossible.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers