2 Corinthians 5:15 - Heavenly Manna
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. 2 Cor 5:15 (NIV)
The emphasis here is the complete reorientation of the life from self to
God. The new life bears witness to the transforming power of the Holy
Spirit. The heart's warmest affections and best energies are given to
Christ, in the small things of life as well as in the great. The life brings
forth the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23) and reflects the soul's
delight in doing the will of God (Ps. 1:2; 119:97). Love to God and to one's
fellow men becomes life's controlling motive, and the glory of God is the
end of all thought and action. Such a life becomes more and more sensitive
to sin, more conscious of its own need, and more ready to depend upon the
grace of Christ. [SDA Commentary]
Everything that Paul and his companions did was to honor God. Christ's love
controlled their lives. Because Christ died for us, we also are dead to our
old lives. Like Paul, we should no longer live to please ourselves; we
should spend our lives pleasing Christ, who died for us and rose from the
grave. [Life Application SB]
We should not make ourselves, but Christ, the end of our living and actions.
A Christian's life should be devoted to Christ. Alas, how many show the
worthlessness of their professed faith and love, by living to themselves and
to the world! [Matthew Henry Commentary]
JESUS DIED FOR YOU
CAN'T YOU LIVE FOR HIM
[seen on baseball cap]
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