Question
Sermon on 2 chronicles chapter 19 verse 4-11 and 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 11-21
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**Sermon Title: "A Call to Righteousness and Reconciliation"**
**Introduction:**
Beloved, today we gather to reflect on two profound passages of Scripture: 2 Chronicles 19:4-11 and 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. These passages, though from different contexts and times, share a common thread—the call to live righteously and to engage in the ministry of reconciliation.
**I. Understanding the Context (2 Chronicles 19:4-11)**
In 2 Chronicles, we see King Jehoshaphat returning to Jerusalem after a battle, and upon his return, he is met with a commitment to reform. He promotes righteousness in his kingdom by sending out officials and Levites to teach the people the laws of God.
**A. The Importance of Righteousness:**
- Jehoshaphat’s example emphasizes the necessity of righteous leadership. He does not simply rule for the sake of power but seeks to align his governance with God’s commandments. Our society today needs leaders who fear God and seek to uphold justice and righteousness.
**B. Teaching and Judgment:**
- Jehoshaphat appoints judges, reminding them to judge not only with accuracy but to be faithful to God. He instructs them to fear the Lord: “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the Lord.”
- As we serve in our various capacities—be it as parents, educators, business owners, or within the church—we too are called to encapsulate this principle of divine judgment in our endeavors.
**C. The Role of Accountability:**
- Jehoshaphat emphasizes accountability in his administration. In teaching, there is a two-way street of responsibility: leaders are charged with imparting wisdom, while the people must also hold them accountable to this wisdom.
- This accountability reflects our relationship with the Lord; we are called to live in accordance with His teachings, and we are entrusted with the duty to hold one another accountable within the body of Christ.
**Transition:**
As we look at Jehoshaphat’s commitment to righteousness and reform, we can draw parallels to the message of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians.
**II. The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21)**
In this passage, Paul speaks powerfully about the weight of the Gospel and the task of reconciliation entrusted to us as believers.
**A. Motivated by Fear and Love:**
- Paul begins by expressing that knowing the fear of the Lord compels him to persuade others. It is both the reverence we have for God and the profound love He has shown us through Christ that drives us to share the message of reconciliation.
**B. The New Creation:**
- Paul underscores the transformative power of Christ. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” This is not merely a change in behavior; it is a complete renewal of identity. Our past does not define us; our new life in Christ does.
**C. Ambassadors for Christ:**
- Paul emphasizes that we are ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with a message that brings hope and healing. Each of us has a role to play in this ministry of reconciliation, whether through our words, actions, or the love we extend to others.
**D. The Gift of Reconciliation:**
- The passage culminates in the powerful truth that Christ, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so we might become the righteousness of God. This is a precious gift we are called to share. As we reconcile with God, we are equipped and empowered to reconcile with one another.
**Application:**
As you leave today, I encourage you to consider these truths:
1. **Examine Your Righteousness:**
- Just as Jehoshaphat called the people to align with God’s commands, we too must examine our lives. How do we reflect God’s righteousness in our actions? Are we living in a way that honors Him?
2. **Engage in the Ministry of Reconciliation:**
- Ask yourself, who in your life needs to hear the message of hope and reconciliation? How can you be an ambassador for Christ this week?
3. **Embrace Your Identity in Christ:**
- Remember that you are a new creation. Let go of past mistakes and embrace the new identity you have in Him. Live out of that identity and share it with others.
**Conclusion:**
Beloved, let us be inspired by the examples set forth in both 2 Chronicles and 2 Corinthians. As we strive for righteousness in our lives and actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation, we will reflect the heart of our Father and bring forth His Kingdom here on earth. May God empower us to walk in these truths, leading lives that glorify Him and bring others to the saving knowledge of Christ. Amen.
**Introduction:**
Beloved, today we gather to reflect on two profound passages of Scripture: 2 Chronicles 19:4-11 and 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. These passages, though from different contexts and times, share a common thread—the call to live righteously and to engage in the ministry of reconciliation.
**I. Understanding the Context (2 Chronicles 19:4-11)**
In 2 Chronicles, we see King Jehoshaphat returning to Jerusalem after a battle, and upon his return, he is met with a commitment to reform. He promotes righteousness in his kingdom by sending out officials and Levites to teach the people the laws of God.
**A. The Importance of Righteousness:**
- Jehoshaphat’s example emphasizes the necessity of righteous leadership. He does not simply rule for the sake of power but seeks to align his governance with God’s commandments. Our society today needs leaders who fear God and seek to uphold justice and righteousness.
**B. Teaching and Judgment:**
- Jehoshaphat appoints judges, reminding them to judge not only with accuracy but to be faithful to God. He instructs them to fear the Lord: “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the Lord.”
- As we serve in our various capacities—be it as parents, educators, business owners, or within the church—we too are called to encapsulate this principle of divine judgment in our endeavors.
**C. The Role of Accountability:**
- Jehoshaphat emphasizes accountability in his administration. In teaching, there is a two-way street of responsibility: leaders are charged with imparting wisdom, while the people must also hold them accountable to this wisdom.
- This accountability reflects our relationship with the Lord; we are called to live in accordance with His teachings, and we are entrusted with the duty to hold one another accountable within the body of Christ.
**Transition:**
As we look at Jehoshaphat’s commitment to righteousness and reform, we can draw parallels to the message of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians.
**II. The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21)**
In this passage, Paul speaks powerfully about the weight of the Gospel and the task of reconciliation entrusted to us as believers.
**A. Motivated by Fear and Love:**
- Paul begins by expressing that knowing the fear of the Lord compels him to persuade others. It is both the reverence we have for God and the profound love He has shown us through Christ that drives us to share the message of reconciliation.
**B. The New Creation:**
- Paul underscores the transformative power of Christ. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” This is not merely a change in behavior; it is a complete renewal of identity. Our past does not define us; our new life in Christ does.
**C. Ambassadors for Christ:**
- Paul emphasizes that we are ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with a message that brings hope and healing. Each of us has a role to play in this ministry of reconciliation, whether through our words, actions, or the love we extend to others.
**D. The Gift of Reconciliation:**
- The passage culminates in the powerful truth that Christ, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so we might become the righteousness of God. This is a precious gift we are called to share. As we reconcile with God, we are equipped and empowered to reconcile with one another.
**Application:**
As you leave today, I encourage you to consider these truths:
1. **Examine Your Righteousness:**
- Just as Jehoshaphat called the people to align with God’s commands, we too must examine our lives. How do we reflect God’s righteousness in our actions? Are we living in a way that honors Him?
2. **Engage in the Ministry of Reconciliation:**
- Ask yourself, who in your life needs to hear the message of hope and reconciliation? How can you be an ambassador for Christ this week?
3. **Embrace Your Identity in Christ:**
- Remember that you are a new creation. Let go of past mistakes and embrace the new identity you have in Him. Live out of that identity and share it with others.
**Conclusion:**
Beloved, let us be inspired by the examples set forth in both 2 Chronicles and 2 Corinthians. As we strive for righteousness in our lives and actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation, we will reflect the heart of our Father and bring forth His Kingdom here on earth. May God empower us to walk in these truths, leading lives that glorify Him and bring others to the saving knowledge of Christ. Amen.