![Sermon Texts
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. 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. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for
God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ
controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died
for all, therefore all have died; 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.
2 Cor. 5.11-15
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from
following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will
lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
Ruth 1;16
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought
to lay down our lives for the brothers.
1 John 3:16
Reflection Questions
1. Paul refers to, “the fear of the Lord.” What does that mean? The phrase is particularly
common in the Psalms. Consider the following: Ps. 19:9, 22:23, 25:14, 33:8, 103:8.
2. The fear of the Lord appears to be the impetus behind Paul’s mission to “persuade
others.” Why might that be? Consider Ps. 111:10.
3. The fear of the Lord not the only driving force for Paul’s mission. He also refers to “the
love of Christ” as something that compels him. Is Paul compelled by Christ’s love for
him (responding in gratitude)? Is Paul compelled by Christ’s love for the Corinthians
(compassion)?
4. Who is the “all” for whom Christ died? Is it the Corinthians? Is it those who have
believed? Is it the whole world? Why? What other verses might shed light on this?
5. What does it mean to “know longer live for [yourself]?” What might it mean—at this
time in our life together—to place yourself second? Could it be that Christ’s love
compels you (us) to place others first, especially as it relates to denominational
discernment?
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, Divine Creator, true source of light and fountain of wisdom! Pour forth your brilliance
upon my dense intellect, dissipate the darkness which covers me, that of sin and of ignorance. Grant me
a penetrating mind to understand, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, the lucidity to
comprehend, and abundant grace in expressing myself. Guide the beginning of my work, direct its
progress, and bring it to successful completion. This I ask through Jesus Christ, true God and true man,
living and reigning with You and the Father, forever and ever.
Amen
Thomas Aquinas, d. 1274](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/gdsjan16-17-160118183049/85/Going-Deeper-Jan-16-17-1-320.jpg)
Going Deeper Jan 16-17
- 1. Sermon Texts 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. 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. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 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. 2 Cor. 5.11-15 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1;16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16 Reflection Questions 1. Paul refers to, “the fear of the Lord.” What does that mean? The phrase is particularly common in the Psalms. Consider the following: Ps. 19:9, 22:23, 25:14, 33:8, 103:8. 2. The fear of the Lord appears to be the impetus behind Paul’s mission to “persuade others.” Why might that be? Consider Ps. 111:10. 3. The fear of the Lord not the only driving force for Paul’s mission. He also refers to “the love of Christ” as something that compels him. Is Paul compelled by Christ’s love for him (responding in gratitude)? Is Paul compelled by Christ’s love for the Corinthians (compassion)? 4. Who is the “all” for whom Christ died? Is it the Corinthians? Is it those who have believed? Is it the whole world? Why? What other verses might shed light on this? 5. What does it mean to “know longer live for [yourself]?” What might it mean—at this time in our life together—to place yourself second? Could it be that Christ’s love compels you (us) to place others first, especially as it relates to denominational discernment? Prayer Come, Holy Spirit, Divine Creator, true source of light and fountain of wisdom! Pour forth your brilliance upon my dense intellect, dissipate the darkness which covers me, that of sin and of ignorance. Grant me a penetrating mind to understand, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, the lucidity to comprehend, and abundant grace in expressing myself. Guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to successful completion. This I ask through Jesus Christ, true God and true man, living and reigning with You and the Father, forever and ever. Amen Thomas Aquinas, d. 1274