Through the Bible - Proverbs 21-22, 2 Corinthians 5:1- 6:13
Good morning,
For today's verse we'll again go to the passage from the New Testament portion of the read through the Bible plan above. Sometimes it is unfortunate where the chapters have been divided in the Bible, at least in the "flow" of reading and thought. 2 Cor. 6:1-2 go together with the previous passage about being reconciled to God. The thought and reminder of being "ambassadors for God" needs to be carried over.
We are to "put on Christ" to be ambassadors for him every day. Sometimes we put off witnessing for Christ, feeling that it is not the time. I know that I have been guilty of this. The passage reminds us that "now is the day of salvation". If we have the opportunity, don't put it off.
MacArthur writes, "There is a time in God's economy when He listens to sinners and responds to those who are repentant - and it was and is that time. However, there will also be an end to that time, which is why Paul's exhortation is so passionate."
Let us not pass up the opportunities that the day holds to be ambassadors for Christ.
2 Cor 6:1-3 Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us,
I heard your call in the nick of time;The day you needed me, I was there to help.
Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don't put it off; - The Message
or from the NKJV
2 Cor 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:
"In an acceptable time I have heard you,And in the day of salvation I have helped you."
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Going back to chapter 5:14-21 you will notice that
1) our motivation for life has become different (14,15) we have been loved and claimed
2) our vision for life has become different (16,17). We see people in a new way.
3) our relation to God has become different (18,19) Once we were at odds with God, now God has reconciled, brought us to Himself.
4) our relationto others has become different (20,21) Nobody ever approaches others in the way that we do. For we go to them as ambassadors for Christ, workers with God, God's persuaders, messengers from heaven. God making his appeal through us. ----- J. I. Packer
What opportunities will we have today to be "ambassadors for Christ"? May we look for them.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
2 Cor 5:12-6:3
Be Reconciled to God
12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
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.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Marks of the Ministry
6 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:
"In an acceptable time I have heard you,And in the day of salvation I have helped you."
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
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