 February 17, 1999
FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
What version of the Bible
do people see in you?
___ 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
___By Doug Riggs
___Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Bedford
___I am amazed at how many people inside and outside the church have no Bible knowledge at all. Some never have heard the basic stories I grew up with as a child. We indeed live in a changing time. As our society becomes increasingly secular, the old truth looms even larger: "You  may be the only Bible someone ever reads." If we are going to impact the world for Christ, we must exercise faithful service.
___ Serve sincerely (2 Corin-thians 5:11-13). Paul faced criticism in Corinth. He responded to unkind words (v. 13) by allowing his sincere service to answer ridicule. Most people have had the displeasure of false accusations cast against them.
___Paul's example demonstrates that sincere action counters false accusation. The best defense against a lie is to live in such a way that no one would believe the lie. Reputation follows character (v. 11). Never-theless, Paul reminded his friends once again that they had cause to place their confidence in him as they answered those with doubts (v. 12).
___ Serve with love (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). The compelling force behind Paul's ministry was love. The issue was not his love for Jesus, but rather Christ's love for him. Jesus demonstrates love far beyond anything humanly possible. When believers truly understand the meaning of Jesus' death (that he died in place of all), his incredible love compels us to live for him.
___This truth nullifies the accusation that the theology of "once saved, always saved" allows a person to live any way he/she wants after salvation. Christ's love demands our devotion, directs our service and diminishes our selfishness.
___ Serve with new outlook. (2 Corinthians 5:16-17). The familiar prohibition says, "Don't judge a book by its cover." However, our society is fond of emphasizing external appearances. We often evaluate others merely by what we see on the outside. Paul even used those worldly standards to evaluate Jesus at one point in time (v. 16). The correct approach is to acknowledge each believer as a completely new creation of God (v. 17) and to see the potential of every person who is yet to make that commitment. Biblical examples of this truth include David (1 Samuel 16), Peter (John 1:42), Moses (Exodus 3), and Paul (Acts 9). Modern examples live all around us.
___ Serve as God's representative (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Serving as the personal emissary of a great earthly leader holds honor and great responsibility. How much more so is the task of representing God himself! God has committed to us the message that a sinless man took all the sins of the world (past, present and future) upon himself so that others could be reconciled to God (vv. 19, 21). No wonder Paul implored others to receive the gift (v. 20)!
___We have the greatest message, the greatest commission and the greatest privilege to help others find friendship with God again.
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