8-18-19 Sermon Notes
“Crazy?” – 2 Corinthians 5:11-15
Last week (week 11 of the thirteen-week series “The Real Deal”) focused on pleasing Jesus. This week, we will focus on what it means to be “out of our mind” for Jesus.
Introduction
Have you ever seen a vehicle with a bumper sticker proclaiming Jesus as Lord? What do you think most people think when they see something like that?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-15
2 Corinthians 5:11-15 New International Version (NIV)
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 “Since, 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. 12 We 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. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 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.”
Message
Let’s begin with the fear factor in verse 11. “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord,….” The fear mentioned in this verse means reverence and respect which is the basis for Paul and his companions’ reason why they tried to persuade others to become followers of Jesus.
At the end of verse 11, “What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.” Here Paul is making it clear that God knows who they are and he is hoping that the Corinthians also know that it is obvious that they do not have any hidden agendas. “What they see is what they get.” After all, Paul and his companions had founded the Corinthian church and he had lived among them for a year and one-half.
Paul then takes issue in verse 12 with those who were taking pride in their outward appearance “rather than in what is in the heart.” He is simply saying, ‘Here I am, look at my heart.’
And now verse 13, “If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” It is likely that those who opposed Paul’s work and challenged his authority in the church had accused him of exaggerating or even being insane when he testified of such this encounter with Christ (Acts 9) or the terrible hardships that he had endured. Even at the possibility of people thinking he was crazy. Paul did not deny or renounce any of his testimony. In fact, he joyfully endured everything as a necessary part of fulfilling the cause of Christ. Yet, there was nothing outrageous about his ministry and message to the Corinthians. He had been completely sober-minded and plain-spoken to them, and he had avoided any hint of sensationalism or exaggeration.
Paul concludes this part of his letter with “14 For Christ’s love compels us because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 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.”
Let’s focus on Christ’s love as the compelling reason for Paul’s willingness to spread the Gospel in the face of tremendous opposition. Obviously, Paul’s encounter with Jesus had a profound effect on him to to the point that he could not help but spread the Gospel. This brings to mind a song entitled “I’ll live for Him because He died for me.”
Concluding Remarks and Application
The question for us as Christ-followers is “Are we compelled to be crazy for Him?” How could we not be “crazy for Him” if we remember what He has done for us and that he can do the same for the others that are placed in our lives? And what might that ‘craziness look like? Perhaps the following would be indicative of our compulsion to share Jesus with others.
Consistent – Walking the talk day in and day out
Persistent – Not giving up when there is apathy or rejection by others
Focused – Setting our priorities to point others toward Jesus
So let’s be ‘insane for Jesus’ in a good way! Just stay consistent, persistent and focused with the help of the Holy Spirit.