Christ's Love Compels Us

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:12-15

INTRODUCTION:
      Love is a very compelling force. We will do much because we love someone or someone loves us. We would even put our lives on the line for our families. Christ's love for us is also very compelling. It should lead us to believe and behave like a Christian.

Observe Christ's effect on the Apostle Paul.

  1. Christ's Love Compelled Paul to Believe Like a Christian.

    1. What Did Paul Believe About Christianity?
      1. He believed Christianity was exclusive. He did not believe that Christianity was just one religion among many other religions. He believed faith in Christ as one's personal Savior and Lord was the only way. Why did he believe this?
        1. He believed that its Author was living (Rom. 10:9)
        2. He believed that its Author was Lord (Rom. 14:9)

      2. He believed salvation was essential (Rom. 10: 1-3). No people were more religious than the Jews. And yet, Paul's "heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved" (v.1). Receiving Christ as Lord and Savior was essential and the love of Christ compelled Paul to believe this.

      3. He believed it was expensive.
        1. He believed salvation cost Christ His all.
        2. He believed that service to Christ should cost Christians their all.

        To Paul, Christianity was exclusive, essential and expensive. The love of Christ compelled him to believe like a Christian.

      4. He believed salvation was eternal (Rom. 8:1, 2 Tim. 1:12).
        1. The love of Christ compelled Paul to believe he was secure in the position of his salvation (Rom. 8:1).
        2. The love of Christ compelled Paul to believe he was secure in the person of his salvation (2 Tim. 1:12).

      5. He believed salvation was evangelistic.
        1. He believed all should witness with their lives
        2. He believed all should witness with their lips.

    2. What Did Paul Believe about Christians?
      1. He believed that all should be dead to self and sin. To Paul one did not become a Christian merely by expressing a decision, but by experiencing a death. They were to die to self and be alive unto God.
      2. He believed that all should be dedicated to the Savior & service. The body becomes the place where the Spirit dwells and the Savior glorified. Death to self and sin automatically leads to dedication to the Savior and service. This is what Paul believed about Christians.

  2. Christ's love Compelled Paul to Behave Like a Christian.

    What Paul believed about Christianity and Christians greatly influenced how he behaved as a Christian.

    1. He Lived a Life that was Dead to Self
      1. Christ was Paul's life (Phil. 1:21)
      2. Christ was Paul's Lord (Acts 9:5-6)

    2. He lived a life dedicated to service
      1. A life of loving service
        1. He gladly sacrificed possessions
        2. He gladly sacrificed wrong pleasures
        3. He gladly suffered awful pain
      2. A life of lasting service
        1. It was completely lived for Christ
        2. It will continue to live for Christ

CONCLUSION:
If we were being tried as a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us? Does Christ's love compel us to keep His word? Do we believe and behave like Christians?

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