Graham continued the study of 2 Corinthians this morning, from 2 Cor 5:11.

Notes are below. As usual the material is made available so that any may use it, adapt it and preach it.

2 Corinthians Part 12 [ 29:34 ] Play in Popup | Download

Sermon 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Reconciliation

Intro
To be reconciled to God is to be at peace with Him. See the following scriptures regarding this peace:

Romans 1:7
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Ephesians 2:14-15
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,

Ephesians 2:17
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

Ephesians 6:15
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Colossians 1:20
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:13
Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

Hebrews 12:14
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no-one will see the Lord.

Hebrews 13:20, 21
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1) The Ministry of Reconciliation
A stranger can not perform the introductions for two people he/she does not know. I need to know the God I am introducing people to.

I need my own experience of God. See Matthew 6:6ff. Here we have two types of people compared, the one who connects with God, and the other who connects with his audience. There does seem to be some satisfaction from the hypocritical person connecting with others instead of God, “praise” and the feel-good that comes from that. However, it should not be compared with what is received from the authentic encounter with God.

The ministry of reconciliation is more than introducing two people. It is bringing together two parties that are in a broken relationship. Had I not claimed for myself the finished work of Jesus I would be separated from God.

The ministry of reconciliation is about bringing together, through proclaiming the good news, the one who has reached out on love to the one hasn’t can not reach. See Ephesians 2:1-12.

A reconciler takes seriously the challenge when breaking bread with another believer, to be reconciled with those in the “body of Christ”

2) The Love of the Reconciler v14
“Implore” v20
“Persuade” v11

Paul knows he speaks to a community of faith, some having been born again, some not, though all still part of a group that will hear his message.

Unless reconciled, one group will remain lost, not having peace with God.

Unless reconciled, the other group (though “saved”) will squander their years of opportunity. Years that were meant for relationship and years that were meant for service.

3) The Wonder of Being Reconciled
A believer can say, “I AM reconciled!” See Ephesians 2:13-22

It does not involve travel or expense on my part. Jesus made the journey and Jesus paid the price.

As someone with the ministry of reconciliation I have to realise it does not depend upon me. I must not give the impression it depends upon me. You do not need to buy my book or buy a DVD of me or give a donation  to “my” ministry.

Reconciliation is all about Jesus and His finished work on the cross.

A believer has his/her part but only as one who has this treasure in jars of clay (see 4:7).

Conclusion
Do you need to be reconciled again to God by repentance and be restored to service and relationship?

Do you need to be reconciled again to God by repentance and meet with Him for the first time?

Should you take up your ministry again, as a reconciler? Pray for the opportunities. Pray for those that God has given you a sense of responsibility for.

Start in your secret place and get alone with God.