Today In The Word-Moody Bible Institute The Compelling Love of Christ Read 2 Corinthians 5:11–15 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all. 2 Corinthians 5:14 In A.D. 452, Attila the Hun advanced on Rome. As the people quailed and the emperor hesitated, one man stepped forward: an unarmed pastor named Leo met the barbarian Attila. Risking his own life, Leo took forward the peace of Christ and negotiated Rome’s safety. What would compel a man to such sacrificial risk-taking? Perhaps Leo understood today’s Scripture about the motivating purpose of gospel ministry. The goal in proclaiming the gospel is not to commend ourselves to the world. In fact, the world might find us “out of our mind” (v. 13). But as Paul says, our focus should be not on what is seen but “what is in the heart” (v. 12). Gospel ministry does not make sense to the wisdom of the world; something hidden deep within us must be the driving force. So what is that hidden driving force? Paul is clear: “Christ’s love compels us” (v. 14, ESV). Interpreters don’t all agree about what this means. One option is to see this as our love for Christ which motivates us. Because we love Him, we serve Him. Another option, which seems better supported by the remaining context, is the idea that Christ’s love for us is so powerful that we are motivated to take that love to the world. Notice that twice Paul emphasizes that “Christ died for all.” It was Christ’s sacrificial action that becomes the motivator here. Grounded in that knowledge, Paul explains that “those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (v. 15). What would motivate anyone to risk reputation, safety, even life, to take the message of Christ to the world? Only someone captured by the compelling love of Christ. Around the world today, countless Christians are compelled by Christ’s love to take the message of Christ’s salvation to their neighbors. Many suffer severely for it. Would you commit each day this week to pray for those who suffer for Christ? Also pray for those who hear the gospel, that they would respond to the compelling love of Christ in faith.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 13:40:05 +0000
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