Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Reconciliation
Four-eyes
A South American minnow-like fish is called "four eyes" because it knows how to make the best of two worlds.
God designed its large bulging eyes with an air lens on the upper half and a water lens on the lower half. As it cruises along the surface of the water, it is able to look at the world above and the world below.
APPLICATION: In a sense, Christians must be like this little fish. As we go through life, we need to look above to heaven and also below to the world around us. The heavenward look enables us to focus on what God says is true and right, and the earthward look helps us see opportunities to demonstrate Christlike compassion to people who are entangled in sin.
Reconciliation With God
Topic | Subtopic | Scripture |
Predicted | Dan_9:24; Isa_53:5; | |
Proclaimed by angels at the birth of Christ | Luk_2:14; | |
Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances is necessary to | Eph_2:16; Col_2:14; | |
EFFECTED FOR MEN | ||
By God in Christ | 2 Co_5:19; | |
By Christ as High Priest | Heb_2:17; | |
By the death of Christ | Rom_5:10; Eph_2:16; Col_1:21; Col_1:22; | |
By the blood of Christ | Eph_2:13; Col_1:20; | |
While alienated from God | Col_1:21; | |
Without strength | Rom_5:6; | |
Yet sinners | Rom_5:8; | |
While enemies to God | Rom_5:10; | |
The ministry of committed to ministers | 2Co_5:18; 2Co_5:19; | |
Ministers, in Christ's stead, should beseech men to seek | 2Co_5:20; | |
EFFECTS OF | ||
Peace of God | Rom_5:1; Eph_2:16; Eph_2:17; | |
Access to God | Rom_5:2; Eph_2:18; | |
Union of Jews and Gentiles | Eph_2:14; | |
Union of things in heaven and earth | Col_1:20; Eph_1:10; | |
A pledge of final salvation | Rom_5:10; | |
Necessity for-Illustrated | Mat_5:24-26; | |
Typified | Lev_8:15; Lev_16:20; |
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The restoration of fellowship between God and humanity and the resulting restoration of human relationships. The NT affirms that the reconciliation of the world to God is only possible on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ.
reconciliation, of the world to God
On account of sin, people are alienated from God and cut off from fellowship with him. Through Jesus Christ, God reconciles the world to himself, breaking down the barriers of hostility and estrangement.
A broken relationship through sin brings alienation from God
Isa 59:2 See also Ge 3:23-24 the expulsion from Eden; Ge 4:13-14 Cain’s alienation from God; Isa 48:22; 64:7; Jer 33:5; Lk 18:13 the tax collector’s prayer for mercy; Ro 5:10; 8:7; Eph 2:1-3,12; 4:18; Col 1:21; Jas 4:4
God takes the initiative in bringing about reconciliation
2Co 5:18-19 See also Ro 5:6-8; Gal 4:4-5; Eph 2:4-5; 1Jn 4:10
The means of reconciliation is the death of Jesus Christ
Ro 5:6 See also 2Co 5:18-19,21; Eph 2:13,16; Col 1:20
The results of reconciliation are both personal and universal
Peace with God Ro 5:1 See also Ac 10:36-46; Eph 2:14-19; Col 1:21-22
Access to God Ro 5:2 See also Eph 2:18; 3:12; Heb 10:19-22
Adoption as God’s children Ro 8:15-16; Gal 3:26; 4:4-6; 1Jn 3:1-2
Peacemaking throughout the universe Col 1:20 See also Ro 11:15; Eph 1:7-10,22-23
Believers are to be the ambassadors of reconciliation
2Co 5:18-20
reconciliation, between believers
True reconciliation between people is only possible after they have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Believers are urged to settle differences among themselves in brotherly love.
The cause of the breakdown in relationships is sin
Ge 27:41
The division between Joseph and his brothers: Ge 37:4-5,18-20
1Sa 15:12-14 Samuel and Saul; 2Sa 14:28 Absalom and David; Ac 15:37-40 Paul and Barnabas; Gal 2:11 Paul opposes Peter
Believers should be reconciled to one another
Mt 5:23-24 See also Mt 5:9,25 pp Lk 12:58; Mt 5:44; 18:15-17,21-35; Jn 17:20-23; Ro 12:18-21; 2Th 3:14-15
The death of Jesus Christ should bring believers together in peace
Eph 2:14-22
The church should display reconciliation
Col 3:12-15 See also Ro 12:18-21; Eph 4:32; 2Th 3:14-15
Examples of reconciliation between people
Ge 33:4 See also Ge 45:1-5 Joseph and his brothers; Jos 22:10-34 Israel, Reuben and Gad; Lk 23:12 Herod and Pilate; Jn 21:15-17 Jesus Christ and Peter; Ac 9:26-28 Paul and the apostles; 1Co 7:11 a wife and her husband
You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner
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