Paul's theology of reconciliation and new creation in Second Corinthians

Biblical Summaries and Significance

II Corinthians 5:11-21

Life is full of sacrifices, even in the life of a believer and Paul wanted believers to know that Christianity would not be a walk in the park. Paul is quick to assure readers that he is motivated by a fear of the Lord, which is a good thing from the Christian perspective. This kind of fear is not the same kind of fear we realize when we are afraid of something bad happening to us. When Paul is speaking about being a good influence on those around him, he is pointing to the fact that he is doing it for the glory of God and for no kind of personal gain. Paul also wants believers to be motivated by the awesome nature and love of God. Paul also exhorts believers to spread the word about Christ. This is

Importance

These scriptures are important because they instruct believers to be new people on the inside, which will render different acts. It is also important for believers to understand that a healthy fear of God is a motivating factor that leads them to do things that make them seem out of their minds, such as blessing an enemy, sacrificing a career for religion or suffering to serve others. These are acts of love and the Holy Spirit helps believers do them as they are so counter to our culture teaches. Paul teaches the believer is a new creation in him and therefore must appear different to the world in some way.

Importance

Galatians' importance lies in the fact the freedom mentioned in Chapter 5 is a gift. The believer can no way earn this. This is wonderful news but it also requires a new way of thinking and approaching life. The law and keeping the law are irrelevant after the death and resurrection of Christ. This knowledge is critical and every believer must not only hear these words but also understand them in their heart. Continuing to believe one must earn God's love is simply incorrect.

Application

Applying Galatians 5 to one's life is crucial because it involves two very important spiritual components. The first component is accepting the fact that believers are free from being slaves to the law. Believers are saved by grace and this cannot be earned, it is simply accepted. To accept this means letting go of preconceived notions about law and that can be troublesome at times. The second component of this chapter is the virtues of the spirit. Believers must possess these qualities. Believers will always struggle with their sinful nature but relying on the Holy Spirit will bring them peace.

Philippians 2:1-18

Summary:

The first verses of Philippians, Chapter 2, deal with the matter of humility. This brings a focus on selfishness, which tends to get people in trouble because we cannot think about others and ourselves at the same time. To think about others in a Christian fashion requires unity, which can only be accomplished with a humble heart. Paul emphasizes the importance of humility and unity by drawing examples from Christ's life.

Importance

These verses are important because they get a the heart of humanity. It is man's nature to be selfish and even controlling but these attributes do nothing for the Christian. Believers cannot stop being human but they can recognize when they are behaving selfishly and the Holy Spirit guides them to make better decisions when they see themselves falling into bad habits. Humility is critical because no one should think of him or herself as better than anyone else. Humility allows people to work through things without grumbling.

Application

Humility might be one of the most difficult things to master, even for a Christian. Paul knew this but he also knew it was the only way for Christians to live with one another. It is possible only through leaning on the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 12:1-13

Summary

The Christian race is the Christian life and Paul wants believers to know that it is not going to be easy all or most of the time. The metaphor of running a race is apt because the journey is as much a part of the goal as achieving the goal. In fact, the goal is to live effectively through Jesus, without obsessing over the eternal life that awaits. The life is difficult, full of hardships and disappointment and pain but the reward is great. This letter addresses the kinds of difficulties early Christians were facing. Hardship is likened to discipline.

Importance

Paul needed to encourage believers through moments of feeling like failures and the temptation to give up. Christians must know that life does not automatically become easier when they become Christians. Some would argue that it becomes more difficult and Paul did not want to gloss over this issue. He also did not want to gloss over discipline as he saw it. Discipline is the result of a loving God attempting to improve the Christian experience. The Christian life is rarely about getting what one wants. It is rather about living the good life.

Application

Christians need solid advice on how to handle difficulty. Christians today face many of the same kinds of struggles they did two thousand years ago. Discipline can be disheartening when the believer does not look at it with the right perspective. It is important for believers to follow Christ's words during difficult times because he will give them strength. Part of the Christian endeavor includes leaning on God. One result of the Christian experience is pushing past something when it is deemed impossible or when one does not feel one can handle the task at hand. Paul wants there to be no confusion regarding this aspect of the Christian life. It is hard and the only way to survive is living through tough times and allowing them to make one stronger through dependence on God.