Confidence and Motivation for the work of Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:1-6:2)

Songs – select songs to support the lesson
You laid aside your majesty
Gave up everything for me
Suffered at the hands of those you have created 

You took all my guilt and shame 
When you died and rose again
Now today you reign in heaven and earth exalted

chorus 
I really want to worship you, my Lord 
You have won my heart and I am yours
Forever and ever I will love you 
You are the only one who died for me 
Gave your life to set me free 
So I lift my voice to you in adoration

Sharing of the week’s life (optional – a few to share, 12 min)
What are some pressures or problems that you are facing that are similar to your colleagues or friends?

Quiet Contemplation (3 minutes)
Thank God for answered prayers and His work of grace in your life and of others in the past weeks.

Prayers (5 min)
Quietly or softly, pray individually the people in the Operation Andrew list and one people group in the Operation World book.  Pray in the Spirit for all those you are burdened for (Eph 6:18).

Read and notes key words in the selected passage (10 min)
Text: 2 Cor 5:1-6:2

confident (vv 6,8) – “being/be of good cheer” (John 16:33), full of courage (Heb 13:6)
appear/manifest/what is plain or transparent (vv10, 11, Gal 5:19; Eph 5:13; Heb 4:13; 1 Tim 3;16) – cf “manifest” in John 3:21;14:21; 1 Jn 2:19; 3:10.

Structure
Vv 5:1-10        Always confident and secure in the life of faith
Vv 11-15         A life of integrity, conviction and gratitude
Vv 16-6:2        As Christ’s ambassadors with a message of reconciliation

Discussion questions (40 min)
Q1       a) What are things in the future that will be different from those who are not reconciled to God?

b) Will there be a difference in the future outcome of obedient and disobedient Christians? (5:10; cf 1 Cor 3:12-15). 

c) Why should Christians be “always confident”? (2 Cor 5:6,7,8 cf Jn 16:33; Matt 14:27; Heb 13:6; 11:1,6)

Q2       a) What is the goal in trying to convince or persuade men if it is God the Holy Spirit who convicts men of sin and God who coverts the sinner and gives new birth? (vv 10-11 cf  Jn 1:12,13; John 16:8; Acts 28:23,24)

b)      - Is it necessary to be fully convinced of the all truths of God before a person believes the gospel of Jesus Christ? 

- Were you fully convinced when you first believe in Jesus Christ?
                (2 Cor 5:11; see also 1 Cor 2:4; Acts 1:3; 18:4; Rom 4:21; 2 Tim 1:12; 3:14).

      - What could motivate a person to believe in the gospel and be forever grateful? 

Q3      Why is the message or word of reconciliation so important and urgent? (5:16-6:2)

Personal Challenge and Application (10 min)
1.    Consider ways and means of bringing the message of reconciliation to those who are estranged or straying from God (2 Cor 5:18-6:1). 
2.    Consider how you can “live by faith and not by sight” and always with confidence (5:6,7) in the coming weeks. 
3.    Remind yourselves of the “little or big” work of faith and “routine” labour of love that you have been doing or can do at your place of work, your home and community in the coming days. Are these acts of spiritual worship to God? (1 Thess 1:3; 2 Thess 1:11; Rom 12:1-3; Col 3:23).