November 6, 2005

THE CONSTRAINING LOVE OF CHRIST

2 Corinthians 5:11-15

 

   Paul wrote, "we must all appear (be made manifest) before the judgment seat of Christ..." where the deeds of all believers will be appraised and rewarded accordingly. He added, "Knowing therefore the fear (not terror) of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences" (2 Cor. 5:10-11). Paul's deeds and motives were under suspicion by the Corinthians. Yet he assured them that just as the truth about all Paul's service would be manifest at Christ's judgment seat, he wanted his life and service now to be just as transparent and open for them and others to see. His holy fear of displeasing the Lord, Whose slave he was, motivated him to be completely manifest, open and above-board, to those among whom he ministered.

   That being so, Paul assured them that "we commend not ourselves again to you." If they would honestly examine his life of service and the trials he had endured they could convince the gainsayers and join Paul's defense! He was truly giving them "somewhat to answer those who boast in appearances and not in the heart" (5:12).

   It was "the love of Christ" that constrained Paul in ministry, and he explained why that was so. He judged that, "if One died for all," His death proved "then were all dead (or all died)." He added that the Lord's purpose in dying for all, was "that they who live should not from this time forward live unto themselves, but unto Him Who died for them, and rose again" (5:14-15). Nothing else really mattered. Does it make sense that men under the sentence of death should go right on living as though everything is all right? No way!

   It was important that all his deeds and motives clearly stemmed from the love of Christ, which love was manifest for all to see. Only thus could he appeal to men's conscience, that is, to have their consciences agree with him. This was the only way to their hearts to encourage them to serve the Lord and live for Him, and not live for themselves. To live for self would be to take sides with those who "glory in appearances." If Paul seemed to be "beside himself," or crazy with ecstasy, that was toward God. Toward them he was sober.

 

Ivan L. Burgener