How does 2 Corinthians 5:16 challenge our view of others in Christ? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 5:16a) “Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.” (2 Corinthians 5:16b) What “According to the Flesh” Looks Like • Evaluating by outward appearance, status, ethnicity, personality, or past sin • Measuring worth by success, failure, education, or social standing • Seeing people as projects, threats, rivals, or resources rather than family The Radical Shift Paul Commands • Every believer must adopt a Spirit-led lens that overrides natural instincts • Christ Himself was once misjudged, yet His resurrection proved the verdict of heaven • The same resurrection power has redefined everyone united to Him Linked Truth in Nearby Verses • “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17a) • “The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17b) How the Verse Reframes Our View of Fellow Believers • Each one bears the imprint of the new creation • Worldly divisions lose authority (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11) • Honor and mutual care replace competition (Romans 12:10) • Love mirrors Christ’s own standard (John 13:34-35) Scriptures That Echo the Same Call • 1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” • Philippians 2:3-4 – “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Matthew 25:40 – Serving the “least” equals serving Christ • 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – One body, many parts, equal concern Practical Ways to Live the Verse 1. Speak identity truths out loud: remind others who they are in Christ 2. Repent quickly of labels, stereotypes, or favoritism that creep in 3. Celebrate testimonies of transformation to reinforce new-creation vision 4. Seek fellowship across generational, cultural, and economic lines 5. Practice unseen acts of service that honor brothers and sisters Daily Payoff of Obedience • Relationships marked by grace instead of suspicion • A church family that showcases the gospel’s power to reconcile • Personal freedom from flesh-based comparisons and envy Final Encouragement The Spirit invites believers to regard every person in Christ as heaven does—redeemed, renewed, and destined for glory. Living this way showcases the reality of the new creation already breaking into the present age. |
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