Lesson 6
WE ARE CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2
Key Verse: 5:20
A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST (5:11-17)
Note some of the Corinthians’ criticisms of Paul (1:16,17,23; 4:2; 10:10; 12:11,16). How did Paul respond to these criticisms, and with what motive? (10,11) How might they have misunderstood him, and what was his real intention? (12) Who were those taking pride in what is seen? (11:12,13)
How did some misunderstand Paul’s intense love for God and for the Corinthians? (13) Read verses 14,15. What compelled Paul to love them so much? How did Christ show his love for us? How should we live from now on?
Read verses 16-17. How did receiving God’s love change Paul’s view of Christ and others? What happens to those who are in Christ? What does “the old has gone, the new has come” mean? (Jn5:24; Col1:13; Ro6:4) How should we now view ourselves and others?
BE RECONCILED TO GOD (5:18-6:2)
Read verse 18. Who made our change possible, and how? What has God done through Christ, and what ministry and message has he committed to us? (18b-19) Think about how glorious this commissioning is.
When we accept this, what new identity do we have? (20a) What attitude should we have as Christ’s ambassador? What appeal is God making through us? (20b) How would their being reconciled to God resolve their broken relationship with Paul? What principle can we find here?
What did the Holy Son of God do for our reconciliation? (21a; Isa53:4-6) How does this show the greatness of God’s love? What happens to us when we accept this? (21b)
Read 6:1,2. In light of this reconciliation, what was Paul’s final appeal? How should we respond to God’s gracious invitation? What happens if we do not?