Study Questions for Group or Personal Use
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
English Standard Version (ESV)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.[a] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling[b] the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Questions:
1. This morning we heard the analogy of spiritual respiration, breathing in, which is going deep, and breathing out, which is reaching out. As a church that is known for breathing in, what are some of the ways FAC is breathing out? Be specific.
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:18, God reconciled us to himself though Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. If this verse applies to you, share your 2 minute testimony and your favorite account of your “ministry of reconciliation” (God making His appeal though us).
3. According to 2 Corinthians 5:19, what is the message of reconciliation which has been entrusted to us? Are you equipped to share who Jesus is and what He did and lead a person to a point of decision?
4. Consider your circle of accountability, the places you occupy and the people in those places.
a. What places do you occupy? Be specific.
b. Who is in those places?
c. Within whom is God at work in your circle of accountability? Be specific.