Thursday Devo
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 5:20-21
20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Commentary:
5:18–20 reconciliation. An expression of the significance of God’s saving activity in Christ that is unique to Paul (see Rom. 5:10–11; 11:15; Eph. 2:16; Col. 1:20, 22). These verses outline (1) the basis of Paul’s apostolic ministry of the new covenant (Paul’s own reconciliation to God through Christ); (2) its consequence (his ministry and message of reconciliation to the world for Christ); (3) its essential content (the forgiveness of sins by virtue of Christ’s death); and (4) its call (on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God). ambassadors for Christ. Paul is sent as God’s prophetic minister of the new covenant (2 Cor. 3:4–6) to announce God’s “peace treaty” (cf. Isa. 53:5) with those who will trust in Christ to free them from the penalty and power of sin (2 Cor. 5:14–15; see Isa. 52:6–10; Rom. 10:15). “Be reconciled to God” is a summary of the gospel message Paul proclaims to unbelievers; it is a call to receive the reconciliation that God has wrought (Rom. 5:11).
Questions:
- The bid idea from Sunday was, "SHARE your STORY." Did you know that your story is the most powerful tool you have for being used by God? And it's yours for that very reason; to bring glory to God! It's like a fingerprint that is unique to you, and God wants you to use it as you are Christ's ambassador to all those around you. When was the last time you shared your story and told someone what God as done in your life?
- Brandon shared how to go about crafting your story. There are three main components: (1) Before Christ - Who were you before you met Jesus? How did you come to know you needed Jesus in your life? (2) Meeting Christ - What was your conversion experience like? (3) After Christ - What has God done in your life since? How are you different now than you were before? He then challenged everyone to write their story down. There is nothing unspiritual about writing out your story so that you are more prepared to share it! Take some time today and answer those questions about your story in order to form an outline of sorts. Then pray that God gives you an opportunity to share it in the next week!
Pray:
- That God would give you opportunities to share your story.
- That you would be ready and have the boldness to step through doors as they are opened.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
3. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? Since “all have sinned” and the “wages of sin is death,” Jesus had to die on the cross to pay the fine for my sin so I could be right with God.
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
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