Youth · Day 4 of 7
Brand New
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 (KJV)
14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Read the whole chapter ›What it means
Some people feel defined by their past. A mistake that went viral. A reputation from middle school that still follows them. Things done to them, or things they did, that they cannot seem to shake. Paul says, 'if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.' This is not a fresh coat of paint. It is a new creation. When you trust Jesus, God does not simply improve the old you. He gives you a new identity. Verse 21 explains how this is possible. God made Jesus, who knew no sin, 'to be sin for us,' so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Think of it as a trade. Jesus took your sin, your shame, and your record, and gave you His perfect standing before God. Paul also says the love of Christ 'constraineth us,' meaning it presses on us and moves us. Because He died for us, we no longer live for ourselves. Then he gives us a new role: ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador represents their home country in a foreign land. You represent Jesus at your school, on your team, and online. That is not pressure. It is an honor, and it shows how much God values you.
Key verse
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Journal it
- Is there something from your past that you feel defines you? What does verse 17 say about it?
- Explain the 'great trade' of verse 21 in your own words.
- What would it look like to be an ambassador for Christ at school or online this week?
Write your answers in a notebook or the notes app on your phone.