The love of God compels us

2 Corinthians 5:11;14-21

Text V :14

“The sin of our times is the sin that believes in nothing,

Cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing,

Interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing,

Finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing and

Remains alive because there is nothing for which it is willing to die” (Dorothy Sayers)

Indifference and greed is the root of all evil.

The love of God compels us to be actively involved in spreading the Gospel, because He wants

every single person to know that He loves them.

What practical ways have you experienced God’s love this year/month/week?

To persuade means to convince someone through reasoning.

Your testimony is more powerful than a theological debate or argument.

Persuasion should not be forceful, but a subtle interchange of facts based on your personal

experience.  

God’s love compels us to…….. :

1. Live a new life(v17)

2 Reconcile people to Him (V18)

3. to be His ambassadors (20)

1.New life

·         Decide to love God with all your heart and be done with sin and bad habits

·         This does not imply sinless perfection (not possible in our mortal bodies)

·         Be sinless in character (integrity-speak the truth, let your yes be yes & no be no)

·         Be authentic-don’t pretend to be someone you are not (don’t fit in like a chameleon-when with believers you are one of them and with worldly people you are one of them)

·         This will place a huge burden on yourself and you will not enjoy life.

·         The more you do the right thing, the more natural it becomes.

·         No pretence is necessary

·         God’s Spirit will help you do the right thing.

2. Be reconciled to God

·         Don’t keep Him at a distance

·         He wants to be part of every facet of your life (ie-decision-making; health, social life, thought life, Career/work-life)

·         Be quick in repentance-confess any wrong doing then you will always feel free to communicate with Him.

·         As you walk with Jesus, you will draw others to Him too.

3. Be an ambassador

Represent Jesus wherever you are.

·         Give life where there is death

·         Hope where hopelessness

·         Peace where strife and anger

·         Joy where sorrow and pain

·         Build people, don’t break them down

2 Peter 1:3-God’s Spirit has given us everything for life and godliness/holiness.

Is it an impossible goal to achieve?

We have a Rolemodel in Jesus Christ.

Study His life through the Word

·         Jesus reconciled us to the Father

·         He gave us a brand new life

·         He was the Great Ambassador of the Father on earth

Was Jesus ever forceful in persuading people?

·         He persuaded mankind with His love by dying on the cross

·         He patiently taught the people

·         He showed compassion

Conclusion

The love of God compels us into action!!!

His love was revealed through action