Matters of the Heart
(Don’t Get Caught Up)
“It is important to note that, most times when people inquire about church, the questions center around the number of members on the roll or how good the musicians are. Very seldom do people ask about the ministry itself, which is the service provided to the weak, sick etc. etc.” *Pastor Penn
The world looks to put emphasis on temporal things. In doing so, we become distracted. Man puts the focus on outward appearances. God looks to our hearts! In other words, don’t get caught up. This study focuses on 2 Corinthians 5:2-11. The text reads:
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
We are a new creation. Paul emphasizes that all that have died in Christ, receives the benefit of His substitutionary death! He wanted the church to know that we should no longer be living for ourselves. Paul had an all-out desire to serve and live a righteous life. Even today, these distractions are evident. Paul was dealing with a church focused on comparing preachers and other gifts, instead of what God commands. We get distracted by what we see, in doing so; we miss what Christ is trying to communicate through a spiritual heart transplant.
God wills sinful man to be reconciled to Himself….so that worldly hatred may be eradicated, by the power of God. We can’t get caught up on things we see around us, in society. God expects us to be committed to reconciliation. See, we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, for the purpose of turning our hearts back to God. Don’t get distracted….it is definitely a heart issue!