Old Llantrisant Hill
Introduction
- Paul and Timothy are ambassadors
- How did a King proclaim a message in Biblical times?
- The role of an ambassador
- Ambassadors for Christ (v20)
- Paul and Timothy are proclaiming God’s message for us
- God speaking to you through us
- Speaking on behalf of Jesus Christ
- What a wonderful privilege for Paul and Timothy
- Every believer is an ambassador for Christ
- What is the message entrusted to Paul & Timothy and now to us?
- The message of reconciliation (v19)
- How our world needs reconciliation and peace
- The restoring of what has been ruined
- Example of reconciliation
- Paul is speaking about a far greater reconciliation – between God and sinners
- Explanation – a separation between God and humans
- At nature at war with God – explanation
- Because of Jesus Christ we can be reconciled to God
- We can bring change through the ministry of reconciliation
- How can people come to God?
The reconciliation is something God does for us (v18/19)
- Example of the ways reconciliation occurs
- A mediator
- Admission of trespass and asking for forgiveness/peace
- In our case – Christ the mediator
- He who was without sin – utterly blameless
- Reconciliation without request
- What grace, mercy and love
- God is for reconciliation
- We can do nothing to put the matter right
- He has acted to resolve the situation
- He invites us to "come"
- God’s heart is for peace
The reconciliation is something God has done for us in Christ (v18/19)
- This is why we make much/our sole focus is upon Jesus Christ
- Without Jesus there is no reconciliation
- God cannot just decide to have a relationship with us and forget our sin
- Our sin is serious and requires judgment
- God must settle the matter of our sin
The reconciliation is a work of God in Jesus at the cross (v21)
- Before reconciliation can occur, the broken issue needs to be settled
- This is true of our relationship with God
- The issue is our sin against God
- How can our sin ever be settled?
- God has been infinitely gracious to us and yet we have rejected this
- God secures our forgiveness by providing someone to take our place
- Who could do this?
- Someone who has never sinned against God
- There is only one person – God Himself becomes human [in Jesus Christ]
- God the Son became sin for us
- Sin placed upon the spotless Lamb of God
- What a gospel!
- God has a heart for the forgiveness of sinners
- God prepared to suffer for the forgiveness of sinners [in Christ]
- It is our privilege to tell others about Him
- We then become the righteousness of God
- We become blameless in His sight
Closing Remarks
- The Gospel is the only message that can bring positive change
- Do not have a guilty silence – declare the gospel
- If you do not Christ – come to Him today
- Do not "receive the grace of God in vain" (6:1)
- Now is the day of salvation (6:2)