2 Corinthians 5:11–15 (NIV)

¹¹ Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. ¹² We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. ¹³ If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. ¹⁴ For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. ¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

After declaring his goal to please God, knowing that someday he will have to account to God for the things he has done, (SEE MY LAST DEVOTION THOUGHT), Paul begins to talk about his motivations for sharing the gospel.

1. Paul’s first motivation is the FEAR of having to give an account to Christ as to whether or not he has given the Lord pleasure by sharing in the Lord’s concern for the lost.

2 Corinthians 5:11 (NIV). “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others….”

We should not only share the gospel of Christ, but we should seek to persuade those with whom we share to receive Christ. The fear of the Lord is not only our motivation to share, but we should let others know that there is reason to fear God.  While fearing God is not the highest motivation to come to God, it is one of the motivations. We are not so much speaking of fearing hell or punishment as we are speaking of fearing that we miss out on a relationship with God. Fear of punishment alone leads us to a fire insurance mentality. 

2. Paul’s second motivation for sharing the gospel is the power of CHRIST’S LOVE.  

2 Corinthians 5:14 (NIV). “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.”

The love of Christ is a balance to the fear of God. Both Christ’s love for us and our love for him should compel us to share that love with others.

3. Paul’s third motivation for sharing the gospel is in THE HOPE OF A CHANGE OF PURPOSE IN LIFE for those who receive Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV) “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

Life for believers is not about us.  It is all about Him. We live for the risen Lord.