Scripture:
II Corinthians 5:16-19 NKJV
[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.
Observation:
The bible is an absolutely amazing book it speaks to you right where you are. Over the years of reading it, I can see how the scripture that was chosen this morning has come to life in me, so let’s get started. This is part of Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. I think that was way off base when the first letter was written. It was full of sexual misconduct, and sin was running ramped. Lawsuits and arguments were a daily thing. There was a lack of anyone showing the same grace that they had been shown by Christ Jesus. When Paul heard about this, he knew that something had to be done. So he started writing them letters to correct the things that were not appropriate and teach them what it looked like to live a life that has been reconciled to GOD through Christ Jesus. That’s where we pick up here in chapter 5 of the second letter. Paul is doing his best to explain to the Corinthians that grace is what creates a new creation. Verse 16 says, “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Looking deeper into the person, we have to leave room for the transformation process to take place. Just like the process that took place when Jesus put HIS flesh to death. That same process needs to take place in us. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The process of putting our flesh to death has begun. Learning to live according to the Holy Spirit can be a painstaking process. However, the word behold would lead me to believe that it’s somewhat surprising how quickly it can happen. The word reconciliation is an important part of this, so I looked it up… it’s moving from a place of separation and brokenness to a place of healing and wholeness through Christ Jesus. In Greek, the word is KATALLAGE, which means adjustment of a difference. In the Hebrew, the word is KAPHAR, which means to cover or atone. So what I get out of this is that christ atones for us while the process takes place in our lives. I find the breakdown of verse 18 to be something like this. The Holy Spirit goes to work, removing all the things that are not of GOD. The process began with the cross and was completed when HE said it was finished. The empty tomb is proof that the job was complete. Verse 19 tells us that GOD has made the adjustment and has begun the reconciliation process by sanctification setting us apart.
Application:
I was having a conversation with a brother of mine named Anthony last night. It was about who I used to be. Ww talked about tattoos and a lifestyle that I once embraced, like a badge of honor. A lifestyle of hate and discontentment. As the conversation drew to an end. I became very grateful. The person I once was is not who I am today. The process of washing away all that hate has not been something that has happened overnight. Although that would have been a lot easier. Once I made Jesus Christ, my LORD. My heart started to change things that once we’re OK suddenly became very uncomfortable for me and I knew that they just couldn’t be a part of my life anymore. The tattoos that promoted hate had to go. My desires became GOD’S love. I just could not remain that ugly hateful person. GOD is love, and those who know GOD know love. The bottom line is that we were all made by HIM. It took years of renewing my mind with GOD’S word to remove some of the conditioning of the world. But today, I stand here a new man. Reconciled to GOD through Christ Jesus. The process is not over. I believe there is a constant refining. A steady moving forward. But I also know that HE will not start something that HE does not finish. My encouragement to you this morning is if HE can change a hatefilled man like me, HE will do the same for you. GOD is love, and those who love know GOD. that’s how the world can see the difference. We love because HE first loved us.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the new heart you have given me. I know I’m not the man I should be, but I am so grateful that I’m not the man I used to be. You have made all things new, and I don’t believe that you are done yet. Help us to show others what you have done in us. Continue to change us. We want more of you and less of us. Let your light shine in us that others may see and give you glory. Our lives are to be used by you. They are not our own. You have bought them with a price. Use us in a mighty way. It’s in Christ Jesus’ name. I pray, amen.