哥林多后书第5章：基督新人的和好使命

 
GK611晨祷生命读经
09/09/2025
主讲: 陈炎明牧师



引言：穿上制服立时更换身份！

一、永恒盼望与现今使命（林后5:1-10）

1.地上的帐棚是暂时的（V1-4）
我们的肉身就是“地上的帐棚”，是暂时的、会拆毁的、是劳苦叹息的、是将死的。

2.天上的房屋是永恒的（V1-5）
对比天上的房屋是永恒的，是常存的、是得着圣灵被祝福所充满的、是蛮有生命力的。

3.现今生活为讨主喜悦（V6-10）
面对永恒不但没有了惧怕，因为“穿上”基督永恒生命的新使命，且拥有最大的美好盼望。可以进到永远与主同在的永恒国度里。但是如今尚在现实的人生中，要立定心志，凡事讨主喜悦。而且要意识到我们的所作所为都需要向主交账！

既然如此，我们的人生焦点和重心应该是怎么摆位呢？为永恒的神国而努力经营，把神的价值观放在今世的生活中，更珍惜和把握眼前所拥有的机会，激励更多人为神国努力！

二、基督的爱与全新生活（林后5:11-17）

1.生活的见证显明基督（V11-13）
我们的生活是个公开的见证，这里再次显明我们是基督的推荐信，为叫世人看见我们的好品行而归荣耀给神啊！保罗是为神而极尽全力的摆上，近乎疯狂的心志；但是对人却是显出极度的节制，展现出圣灵美好果子的生命。这是在“演戏”吗？不！我看是有真理之人生的智慧，懂节制有分寸。

2.认清身份只为主而活（V14-15）
我们当认清自己真正的身份！原来我们是因罪而死，也因主而活的新人。如今我们被主的爱所激励，为主而活的人。

3.以新的眼光看待他人（V16）
保罗在未信主之前，以法利赛人身份看基督：一个加利利木匠的儿子，自称是弥赛亚，却被钉在十字架上；在他眼中这是羞辱与失败。他当时按“外貌”看基督，所以逼迫教会。一般人看人也会按出身、身份、能力、学问、地位。但如今在基督里，我们要以新的眼光来看人。

当知道人都有神的形象样式，只是被仇敌“掳掠”而掩盖了，我们不就是神预备去拯救和释放对方的人吗？

4.一切更新只因在基督（V17）
这是最经典的福音见证人之应许。无论过去如何？在基督里就更新了。但是这不是一次而永远的更新，而是一种继续不断的更新啊！而且这样的经历是我们一生的见证，是我们经历传福音的故事啊！

三、蒙神选召作和平使者（林后5:18-21）

1.和好的源头是神
这是神以祂的至高美意，定意要让人间的悲剧被改写。

2.和好的使命在人
然而这一个至高的使命却是交付给凡愿意领受而遵行的人去执行。

3.和好的核心是主
我们所传所见证的核心焦点在于主基督，唯有高举祂、传扬祂是我们一生的使命。

总结：基督徒在世上有三个重要身份与使命

有永恒盼望的人 —— 不惧怕苦难与死亡。
被主爱激励的人 —— 不再只为自己而活。
被差作和好使者 —— 见证福音领人归主。




    


2 Corinthians 5: The Reconciliation Mission of the New Creation in Christ
GK611 Morning Devotion
GK611 Morning Devotion
09/09/2025
Speaker: Rev David Tan
 

 Introduction: Putting on the uniform immediately changes identity!

I. Eternal Hope and Present Mission (2 Cor. 5:1–10) 

1.The earthly tent is temporary (v1–4)
Our physical body is an ‘earthly tent.’ It is temporary, will be destroyed, is full of groaning and labour, and is destined for death.

2.The heavenly dwelling is eternal (v1–5)
In contrast, the heavenly dwelling is eternal, lasting, filled with the blessing of the Holy Spirit, and brimming with vitality.

3.Living now to please the Lord (v6–10)
In light of eternity, fear is gone, because we have ‘put on’ the new mission of Christ’s eternal life, along with the greatest hope. We may enter the eternal kingdom to dwell with the Lord forever. Yet while still in this present reality, we must resolve to please the Lord in all things.  always mindful that all we do will be brought into account before Him!

Given this, how should we position the focus and centre of our lives? Strive diligently for the eternal kingdom of God, embedding His values into our present existence. Cherish and seize the opportunities before us, inspiring more to labour for His kingdom!

 II. Christ’s Love and a Brand-New Life (2 Cor 5:11–17) 

1.Life's testimony reveals Christ (v11–13)
Our life is a public testimony. Once again it shows that we are Christ’s letter of recommendation, so that people may see our good conduct and give glory to God! Paul gave his utmost effort for God, almost to the point of seeming madness; yet toward people he showed the utmost self-control, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit. Was he “acting”? No! I perceive it as the wisdom of a life lived in truth, with discernment and moderation.

2.Recognizing our identity to live only for the Lord (v14–15)
We must recognise our true identity! We are new creatures, dead to sin and alive to the Lord. Now, moved by the Lord’s love, we live for Him. 

3.Seeing others with a new perspective (v16)
Before Paul believed in Christ, he judged Christ as a Pharisee: a Galilean carpenter’s son, who claimed to be Messiah, but was crucified—a shameful failure in his eyes. Back then he He judged Christ by outward appearance and thus persecuted the church. Likewise, people often judge others based on birth, status, ability, knowledge, or position. But now, in Christ, we must see others with a new perspective.

When we realise that all people bear God's image, though it is veiled and held captive by the enemy. Are we not the ones God has prepared to bring rescue and freedom to them?

4. All Renewal Is in Christ (V17)
This is the most classic promise for gospel witnesses. regardless of the past, in Christ there is renewal. Yet this is not a one-time, permanent renewal, but a continual, ongoing transformation! Such experiences become a lifelong testimony, the story of our journey in sharing the gospel.

 III. Called by God as Ambassadors of Peace (2 Cor. 5:18–21) 

1.The source of reconciliation is God
It is God’s sovereign will to rewrite the tragedy of humankind.

2.The mission of reconciliation is given to humanity
This supreme mission is entrusted to those willing to receive and carry it out.

3.The core of reconciliation is Christ
The focus of what we proclaim and testify is Christ Himself. To exalt Him and declare Him is our lifelong mission.

 Conclusion: Christians bear three vital identities and missions in this world

Those who have eternal hope — unafraid of suffering and death.
Those compelled by the love of Christ — no longer living for themselves.
Those sent as ambassadors of reconciliation — bearing witness to the gospel and leading people back to God.