In this passage, Paul makes clear that the controlling factor in his life and ministry is the love of Christ as experienced in the gospel. He unpacks what it means to live with gospel motivation. Christ’s love for him was his life’s controlling motivation. It should be ours as well. We see this in three areas:

 

1. Paul’s Uncompromising Commitment (v. 11)

2. Paul’s Unconventional Conduct (vv. 12–13)

3. Paul’s Unconquerable Constraint (vv. 14–15)