Paul has just said that one day we will all stand before God as He judges what has happened in our lives, whether good or bad. This isn’t something to fear from a possible condemnation, we know there is none for Paul says that in his letter to the Romans (8:1), but we do carry a deeper meaning of fear, that of awe and deep respect, a strong desire to live out our lives in a way that will in the end be commendable by Him.
“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.” (2 Corinthians 5 v 11-13)
So what is the overarching motivation of our life? Paul gives us his perspective:-
- God can clearly see everything.
- We will stand before God.
- We want others to be persuaded to live with the same motivation we do.
- Outward appearance never outweighs the matters of the heart. People only see what they see.
- His devotion to God and his service to people are the 2 major behaviour’s of his life.
Missions Paul 