July 25, 2015
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:11-17
11Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!
Questions for Reflection:
What motivates Paul’s actions (according to verse 14)? How did Christ’s death and resurrection change the score for Paul? How did it change the way he views others? Paul concludes this section by saying that if we are in Christ, we are a “new creation.” Why is it important that the old is gone from your life? Why is it meaningful to know that you are given a new start? How was Paul being proactive in his discipleship?