Preparing for Sunday
The more prepared for something we are, the better our experience will be. I’ve said many times that our Sunday worship service is like the “icing on the cake.” When you’re living a life of worship during the week, Sunday morning is like that best part of the cake. The moist, icing part that you save & eat last when you have cake.
As you think toward our time gathered together as the Body this coming Sunday, read 2 Corinthians 5:1-21 each day to set your heart toward verse 21, the epic explanation of substitutionary atonement and the hope of reconciliation. This brief 15 word sentence reveals the core of the atonement, the very center of the gospel, and the most awesome truth in the Bible. How sinful men & women can have a relationship with God.
Below is a brief summary of the last three sermons and walks you through the 20 introductory verses to verse 21. Keep this handy as you read through the passage each day.
Face to Face – Verses 1-10
Wasps are evil in a fallen world.
Verse 1-4 - Groaning
We groan over sin while here in this world, in these dilapidated slums we call our bodies.
Verse 5 - Confidence
God chose you, saved you, and is preparing & sanctifying you. Be confident that He will one day glorify you.
Verses 6-8 - Anticipation
Face death cheerfully because leaving this world ushers you into the next, in God’s presence.
Verses 9-10 - Pleasing
Strive to please God in everything. God will judge your motives.
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Freedom & Constraint – Verses 11-15
Sometimes we do need to defend ourselves.
Verses 11-12 - Fearing God - Persuading Men
Fear is standing in Awe of God because of who He is (no fear = no salvation).
Who you are is obvious to those around you. Your life should persuade them of the truth of the transformation that salvation brings.
Verse 13 - Out of Our Minds
The gospel IS foolishness to those who are perishing. When you’re committed to Christ, you will be accused of all manner of things.
Verses 14-15 - For Whom did Christ Die?
Jesus came to save His people from their sins. The Father elected, the Son dies for those the Father chose, & the Spirit regenerates (applies salvation) to them. Jesus died for His elect, those whom God chose before the foundation of the world.
Jesus died for you - so go live for Him.
Ambassadors - Verses 16-20
Who we are is also our task.
Verse 16 - Paul’s Burden
Paul had a deep, abiding burden for the lost. To share the gospel with them and see them come to know Christ.
Verse 17 - Transformation!
You have been changed. Made brand new. What you are is not what you were. What a glorious thing it is to have been changed by God.
Verse 18 - Our Ministry
We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. Proclaiming the glorious message of reconciliation to the world.
Verse 19 - Clarifying Reconciliation
This is bringing together two who were formerly enemies. They’ve become friends. Forgiveness was part of the picture when God reconciled us to Himself.
Verse 20 - Our Assignment
We must take the message of the Gospel to a lost and dying world. We represent Jesus in this world and Gos is using us to call people to Himself. What a joyous privilege!
Coming up this Sunday (6/16).
Our Awesome Substitute - Verse 21
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
These 15 Greek words bring us ultimate hope and joy.
Meditate on Christ’s substitutionary death on your behalf as you prepare your heart for worship this coming Sunday! May the Lord richly bless us as we gather to exalt Him and edify one another this Sunday. I’m praying for each one of you.
Grace & Peace
Pastor Rob