If the gift of eternal life in the presence of God is free, why should a Christian bother trying to live a better life now? Why make any sacrifices? Why not pursue nothing but pleasure for the rest of our lives? Because of verse 10 in this chapter. (You might remember that this idea was also touched on in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.)
Everyone who has ever lived will one day be evaluated by Jesus Christ. Everyone will be compensated for what they have done, good or bad. The exception here is that those who put their trust and sense of self worth in Christ's sacrifice on their behalf, will not be punished for the wrong they have done. But they will miss out on some form of eternal reward that they would have gained, had they invested their time in doing good instead of pursuing selfishness. God is completely just. Those who spend eternity apart from God will experience various degrees of punishment. And those who spend eternity with God will experience various degrees of reward. All based on the small and large choices made in this life, every single day.
It's Paul's awareness of this fact that motivates a healthy "fear" in him. He recognizes the responsibility he has to serve God during life on earth.
Paul aims to make his motivations clear so that the Corinthains do not assume he is manipulating them. He knows God sees his motivations and hopes the Corinthians can see his sincerity as well. (v. 11) He wants them to be equipped to confidently defend and speak well of Paul when questioned by others. (v.12) Keep in mind, this wasn't about Paul's ego. Any attacks on Paul's legitimacy as an Apostle were attacks on the words of God spoken through him. Paul was defending God's reputation here.
Additionally, if Paul seemed a little extreme or even crazy to them at times, he explains that it was for the sake of God. But when he appeared level-headed, it was to benefit the Corinthians.(v. 13) This is in keeping with the way each Christian lives their life. Some aspects of the way a person excercises their faith may seem strange to another. We don't all have to worship and serve God in the same way. (Woohoo!) There are ways we each have of relating to God that are unique to us, and there are also times when we aim to be "sober" and on the same page with other believers.
Paul is compelled or controlled by Christ's love, actively working inside of him. Christ died in the place of all who trust in him for their forgiveness and rescue from punishment. In one sense, all believers "died" with Christ.(v.14) Christ did this so that those who die with him will live with him as well. Not just after this life, but now, in this life, compelled by his love as Paul is. Living not for themselves, but for others.(v.15)
The reason we should live life with a purpose fixed on God is because we will be rewarded for it, and because we were made for it!
Next Week-
How we become a "new creation"!
Coffee House Question-
What activities, people or habits have helped you to grow in love and service to God?
I think another reason we should live life with a purpose fixed on God is because we'll have much more satisfying lives if we live in accordance with His truth. You can see it time and time again when people chase after selfish desires, that they end up with a mess. But it's tough! Probably why it's recommended to be immersed in the Bible, as well as encouraged by other Christians.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Matthew! At the time I wrote this post, I was thinking that fulfillment was implied when I said we were "made for it", but I see now I really wasn't clear enough. Thanks for bringing that truth to the surface here for me.
ReplyDeleteI think you're absolutely right. Real purpose brings real satisfaction, but our brains needs some serious "recalibrating" to set our priorities straight and see the truth about life and our place in it.