This past Sunday, I preached part 2 of Compelled by Love.  We are looking at Paul’s address to the church in Corinth.  They have attacked him and his character, and instead of responding to protect and preserve himself instead he points to Jesus. 

“For CHRIST’S LOVE COMPELS us, because WE ARE CONVINCED that one died for all and therefore all died.  And 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.” 2Corinthians 5:14-15

What convinces you?

• Saul was convinced he was right
• Paul was convinced by truth

What is true? (Orthodoxy)

• Saul was closed to the truth of Jesus
• Paul discovered we are all guilty of sin, and in need of a rescue.  He also discovered that Jesus died. [Atonement - he took our place] [Propitiation - he paid the penalty of sin]

So what do we do? (Orthopraxy)

• Saul lived for himself
• Paul lived for Him [Our practice of serving should reflect the power of the resurrection]  Jesus expressed God’s love through death on the cross.  We can express love by serving God in serving others.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2Corinthians 5:21

“But demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written : ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13

ARE YOU CONVINCED?  HOW WILL YOU RESPOND TO JESUS?