Sermon Notes-" A New Creation"

February 15, 2015

Sermon Series: Redefined I Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

KLC 2015 Theme: Seeking His Kingdom

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." - Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

• The Corinthian church was established by the apostle Paul during his second mission trip (Acts 18). He spent at least 18 months with this church.

• 1 Corinthians addressed many of the .behavior and doctrinal issues that arose after his departure.

• In 2 Corinthians Paa I explains his actions since his absence and defends his ministry.

• In chapters 4-5 Paul explains how he is able to remain encouraged in ministry.

You can boast about us:

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. 2 Corinthians 5:11-12 (ESV)

10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up

higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,

and he who humbles himself will be exalted.'' Luke 14:10-11 (ESV)

Paul's Message: "In genuine fear of the Lord we persuade others to be Christ followers. You can boast on our behalf about that."

The Principles:

l) We can PERSUADE but we can not SAVE. 

2) FEAR God more than people.

Life Question: Who puts you THROUGH CHANGES in terms of your faith walk? How can you intentionally humble yourself in that relationship?

Beside Ourselves:

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. 2 Corinthians 5:13-15 (ESV)

8 If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ

died and rose again for this very purpose-to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. Romans 14:8-9 (NLT)

Paul's Message: "Understanding Christ's love for us has made us RADICAL for Christ."

The Principle: If you are CAPTURED by the love of Christ you will be sold out for Him.

Life Question: Jesus has been MERCIFUL to you. For what are you the most GRATEFUL for? (Luke 7:47)

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according

to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The

old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (ESV)

Paul's Message: "Externals don't matter. All that matters is a NEW CREATION." (John 3:3; Gal 6:15)

The Principle: Don't confine yourself to preconversion LIMITATIONS. You have new POTENTIAL in Christ.

(Joseph - Gen.41; Moses - Exodus 3; David - 1Sam16; Gideon - Judges 6)

Life Question: Have you told God NO lately?