Gospel-Centered Multiplication

Jason M. Dickinson

Marked • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

2 Corinthians 5:14–20

Discipleship

Evangelism

Mission

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The gospel motivates us to move on mission.

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Introduction

ILLUST - Have you ever ask, “Why am I here?” One time I found myself in a birthing class. . .

Gospel-centered Worship

Identity - Who am I?

Gospel-centered Community

Belonging - Where do I belong?

Gospel-centered Service

Meaning - What is the meaning of life?

Gospel-centered Multiplication

Purpose - Why am I here?

2 Corinthians 5:14-20

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

Our motivation for multiplication is Christ. (14-15)

those who live no longer live for themselves but for him

His love (14-15a)

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all,

It is not the authority of Christ that controls us. It is not the holiness of Christ that controls us. It is not the power of Christ that controls us. It is his love.

Controls = “holding together” seized, hemmed in.

Christ’s love compels from behind, but it is the future accountability before God that also aids in our motivation.

6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.

11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

Our purpose (15b)

that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Because of his love we have a change of purpose.

Our means for multiplication is Christ in us. (16-17)

if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation

The death and resurrection of Jesus changes things:

Changes how we view things.

We see Jesus differently.

ILLUST - A cell phone company had a series of Super Bowl commercials themed “The Team That Wouldn’t Be Here” in which members of the NFL told personal stories of first responders who had saved their lives.

In one of the segments, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn recalls the night he was struck by a drunk driver and flew 50 feet into a parked car. He is telling the story to a group of first responders - firefighters, police officers EMTs.

As he is finishing his story a few of the first responders introduce themselves to Coach Lynn as those who had assisted him on the night of his accident.

There is a distinct change in the coach’s demeanor as he realizes he is in the presence of those who had saved his life.

There is a distinct difference in hearing about someone who saves lives and meeting the one who saved yours.

For those who have been saved from the wrath of God and an eternal death in hell, Jesus is NOT simply a good man, a wise teacher, a religious leader - He is Savior.

“The lifeblood of the gospel, however, courses from the central truth that in Christ God became one with the human race, that he died for all, and that his resurrection breaks the stranglehold of death.”

David E. Garland, 2 Corinthians, vol. 29, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 278.

Should we not have the same reaction when we think about our life before Christ and then realize again what Jesus has done for us.

I’m afraid the depth of the glory of salvation through the gospel of Jesus is lost as we:

minimize the grotesque nature of sin and rebellion against God.

preach a gospel defanged of the wrath of God.

If the wrath of God is not to be feared then the work of Christ is of little value and we would regard Jesus as a good religious man.

But, if we take some time to truly think about our condition had Jesus not gone to the cross, and then realize the glory of salvation, we will see Jesus differently.

Changes how we do things.

Brothers and sisters, you ARE a new creation.

You are currently participating in the beginnings of the new creation.

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

It is not a physical change, but a spiritual change.

Eternal death is gone

heart of stone is gone

Not only does Christ’s death change how we do things, it MUST change how we do things.

We are a new creation so that we might live differently now as we will live forever then. It is not so that we might gain a ticket now and simply wait for then.

ILLUST - The gospel is more like your car’s registration than your car’s insurance. Your registration states who owns the vehicle because you intend to use it. Your insurance is there not to be thought of or used until needed.

Because we are changed, we must live changed lives. We are marked to make a mark.

If we are not living out the changed life and participating in the new creation now than the only thing we have to offer others who don’t yet know Jesus is fire insurance.

Jesus wants you to participate in the JOY of the new creation, the FREEDOM of the new creation, the HOLINESS of the new creation, the LIFE of the new creation, the POWER of the new creation.

If we

We have the greatest power IN US:

Ephesians 1:18-20

that you may know . . . the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

You have the power that raises the dead with you right now. Why do we ask for such puny things?

ILLUST - Brooks taking vegetables at a harvest party with all sorts of sweets available.

Our mission for multiplication is Christ in the world. (18-20)

gave us the ministry of reconciliation

ILLUST - “Just OK Commercials”

Reconciled to reconcile (18-19)

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

We ARE Ambassadors (20)

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

There is NO option here. You ARE an ambassador.

“God calls you to Himself so you can be on mission with Him. What do we mean when we say a person is called? To many modern Christians, called means that one is to enter a Christian vocation. To God, called means that your life in Christ is your vocation no matter what you do to earn a living (; ).”

On Mission With God, Henry Blackaby and Avery Willis

We are commanded to

To make disciples is to multiply God’s glory as people come to accept the gospel and have their lives transformed, removing the stain of sin which is distorting the glory of God reflected in their lives.

God’s original purpose was to multiply God’s glory through the multiplication of his image bearers on the earth. Christ restores this purpose by commanding us to multiply disciples that display his glory by lives transformed by the gospel.

“Ambassador” = “a government representative, commissioned to serve in a foreign country for the purpose of accurately communicating the position and policies of the government he represents so that the people to whom he speaks will be brought into, and kept in a good relationship with, the government of the country he serves.” - Colin Smith

An ambassador needs to possess three things in order to be effective:

Love for the one whom he represents

Love for the ones to whom he is sent

A distinctiveness to reconcile the two.

An ambassador who neglects his loyalty begins to look and act like a resident of the culture in which he is placed and looses all effectiveness

We are accountable to the one who sent us for how we represent HIM in this land.

we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

We must hold loosely the things of this world, recognizing it is not our home.

Where do your loyalties lie? What kind of grip do you have on the things of this world? Can people recognize that your loyalties lie elsewhere?

As we serve in a foreign land, we must never forget our first loyalty lies with the one who sent us.

An ambassador who neglects his loyalty begins to look and act like a resident of the culture in which he is placed and looses all effectiveness

We are accountable to the one who sent us for how we represent HIM in this land.

we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

We must hold loosely the things of this world, recognizing it is not our home.

Where do your loyalties lie? What kind of grip do you have on the things of this world? Can people recognize that your loyalties lie elsewhere?

Go - Gospel Urgency

An ambassador is not effective if he remains in the embassy.

We are ineffective if we do not engage the culture around us. This does not mean that we accept all that the culture offers. Some things we accept, some things we redeem, all the while displaying Christ as his ambassador.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

We cannot fit all of Michiana within these four walls, but what is in these four walls can GO to all of Michiana in the name of Jesus.

Where are you intentionally engaged as an ambassador?

Do you spend more effort attempting to remove yourself from the lost or finding ways to engage the lost as an ambassador for Christ?

Gospel Urgency

In balance with the ambassador’s loyalty to the one who has sent him is the ambassador’s love for the ones to whom he is sent.

illust., - visiting a 3rd world nation as an American.

For the love of Christ controls us, (or “compels” us)

St. Joseph County

10% identify as Evangelical Protestant

34% say they have NO religious affiliation

Edwardsburg

5% identify as Evangelical Protestant

84% say they have NO religious affiliation

(2010 Census Bureau)

Scary stats

2 people die every second

approx. 5,500 people will die during the sermon

approx. 6,000 people will die during the sermon

If we assume about 32% Christian in world

More than 3700 in hell

3700 will die and enter a godless eternity while we talk about reaching them.

over 4,000,000 will die in February

about 3,000,000 possibly going to hell in February

How much money does it take to reach a person for Christ in the average SBC Church? So many factors could be thrown in to the equation here, but just some quick figuring in a few major population areas in Louisiana.

A sample of 66 churches in one city spent $40,845,337 in 2013.

The same 66 churches reported 503 baptisms in 2013.

So it took this group of 66 churches $81,203 to baptize one person.

(https://lanecorley.com/2015/04/21/how-much-does-it-cost-your-church-to-reach-one-person-for-christ/)

The ratio of baptisms to total members was one baptism for every 54 members. That simply means that it takes one whole year for 54 Southern Baptists to win one person to faith in Jesus Christ.

(Christian Index, https://christianindex.org/whatever-happened-to-evangelism/)

We have the message of reconciliation. We have the gospel. We have that which people need.

Yet the most dramatic divergence over time is on the statement, “Every Christian has a responsibility to share their faith.” In 1993, nine out of 10 Christians who had shared their faith agreed (89%). Today, just two-thirds say so (64%)—a 25-point drop.

(Barna, https://www.barna.com/research/sharing-faith-increasingly-optional-christians/)

Can you imagine an American ambassador serving in a country riddled with disease, charged with making a difference in the land in which he serves, yet never offering the vaccines he has stockpiled in the embassy? He is either disobedient or uncaring.

Tell - Gospel Fluency

However, the possession of the gospel will not transform lives if it is not also matched with a passion to share the gospel.

I’m convinced that we do NOT need more training and teaching to start the process.

God doesn’t need your skill or knowledge - he never did. He simply wants your willing heart looking for ways to share your story.

Sometimes

If you understand what Jesus did for you, you can share what Jesus can do for others.

What’s your story?

Jesus passes by man born blind

disciples ask who sinned

Jesus said neither - it is to display God’s work

This caused a stir - everyone knew this man was now changed

Pharisees get involved - did Jesus heal the “right” way? Could this be right if Jesus didn’t follow protocol?

They were more concerned about the particulars of the method rather than the man who was changed.

Pharisees question the man’s parents.

Parents defer to the man - it hadn’t happened to them - they couldn’t give a good theological answer.

John 9:25

25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

1 Peter 3:15

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

Sometimes we use our “lack of knowledge” as an excuse to cover our lack of obedience.

Sometimes we use the lack of evidence of our changed life as a reason we can’t share Jesus.

If you can’t point to evidence where Jesus has made a difference in your life - your a new creation, you need to ask whether you truly are a new creation.

Find a trusted brother or sister to walk you through, come forward - don’t wait.

I’m convinced there are those in churches today surrounded by those who were formerly blind. They hear them describe the trees and colors, and how to avoid the dangers in order to live a better life - the fruit of their new life. However, there are some who are still blind. They can describe the trees only because they hear it from others. They can differentiate colors because they hear others talk about it. They can avoid dangers in life and even live acting like they can see, but the honest truth is, they are NOT changed, they are living on others sight. When alone there is no evidence of a changed life.

Creation

Fall

Redemption

Restoration

Conclusion

On the Post-It:

Christ

Changed

Sent

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