Motivated

by Rev. Howard Rosen, Jr
(Dillwyn, VA)

Pleasant Grove Baptist

II Cor. 5:1-21 6:3-10
(V3) We see the Bible says so that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

I want to look at the idea today that we be motivated to be dressed for the occasion of meeting the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible clearly shows us the importance of the right motive in all we do.
Today we will find in these verses what should motivate us in the life of ministry in Christ. We are all in the ministry.

1. MOTIVATED BY KNOWLEDGE (V1)

The truth of our salvation? We know - Complete - Sure Promise - Heaven is sure!
The building of God - Not Made with hands
You can not be motivated to share something that you fear losing.
Some think if you do something bad you lose what God has given you.

How Can You Be Bad Enough To Lose Something
If You Can't Be Good Enough To Gain It?
We are in the flesh but we know in whose righteousness we are dressed. (Gal 2:20)
(V7) We walk by faith not by sight.

2. MOTIAVTED BY JUDGEMENT (V10)

THE PLAIN - We must
THE PARTIES - ALL
THE PRESENCE - Appear
THE PLACE - Before Him
THE PURPOSE - THAT you may receive reward For Good or Bad.

INCLUDES ALL - Everyone must
RECOMPENSES ALL - May Revive
RECALLS ALL - Things done in the body
DISCRIMINATES ALL - According to that he hath done whether good or bad. Not sin!

3. MOTIAVTED BY FEAR - TERROR OF THE LORD (V11)

We should keep in mind this awesome fact.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
A Holy Reverence for the things of God.
Far from what we see today - even in God's people.
We must be motivated to worship Him and serve Him. PERSUADE MEN

We must be motivated by the fact that the lost of this world will fall into the terror of the Lord God without his mercy and grace as we know it and warn them in Love!

4. MOTIVATED BY UNSELFISHNESS (V12-13)

For we commend not ourselves.
Whatever we do, do it to help others.
Teach others, pray for others. Have a heart for others.
Paul is saying he is doing for them, as they should do for others.
Too many times we think what is in it for me, right now.

5. MOTIVATED BY LOVE (V14-15)

Love of Christ constraineth us
HOLDS - He holds us - His love in us - Never Quit
Die to self V15
Give God the glory now, and he will reward you later.

6. MOTIVATED BY REGENERATION (V16-17)

New Creature - Change of nature,
A new heart, from God.
New life - Not just turning over a new leaf.
New union with the Master.
Not will come - but has come!!

7. MOTIVATED BY BEING RECONCILED (V18-21)

God brings us back to himself by BLOTTING out our sins.
He makes us righteous. Through Christ.
He who knew no sin was made sin for us.
No longer strangers or enemies.
Like making up after a fight we should be excited.
But AMBASSADORS - Representatives from the country of God. Sent with his message of salvation to the world.

8. MOTIVATED BY TIME (6:1-2)

TODAY IS THE DAY
Don't miss God's salvation.
Don't miss the chance to tell others.
Don't miss out on his fellowship by holding on to things he wants you to give.
Don't miss the joy of the Lord by not being Motivated to live in the fullness that he wants for you
Don't let anything hold you back.
We should be motivated by this responsibility