11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Because we will stand before the Lord and give an account for how we have lived (2 Cor 5:10), that motivates Paul to live in the fear of the Lord, in reverence for Him and to persuade others to do the same. Paul has met opposition to his ministry and offers a defense for his motives. What he has done has been done before God and not done out of concern for his reputation. He is not driven by their approval but they are witnesses to his integrity in ministry and could provide an answer to those who were overly concerned about outward appearance rather than the motives of the heart. If he could be accused of being out of his mind, then he would gladly accept that for God’s glory. But, if he is of sound mind, then it is for their benefit. Paul was driven by the love of Christ, no matter what his opponents thought of him or accused him of. Christ died for all, not only to save us but so that believers could live their lives for Him. We should deny ourselves and live lives dedicated to Christ (Luke 9:23; Rom 12:1-2).
Who are you living for? Are you living for your own glory, for approval by those around you? Or are you denying yourself, prepared to be seen as foolish by those around you, in order to glorify Christ?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Two Letters: 2 John and 3 JohnÂ