How can we apply "no longer" knowing Christ "in this way" today? Setting the Verse in Context 2 Corinthians 5:16 – “Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh. And even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we do so no longer.” Paul is writing about the dramatic change that happens once someone is reconciled to God through Christ. Verse 17 immediately follows with the new-creation promise. Verse 16 is the pivot: a believer’s entire way of seeing Christ—and everyone else—has been transformed. What “According to the Flesh” Meant for Paul • “According to the flesh” refers to purely human judgments—outward appearance, earthly pedigree, social status, even physical nearness to Jesus of Nazareth. • Before conversion, Paul saw Christ as a Galilean teacher whose followers threatened his treasured traditions (Acts 9:1-2). • After meeting the risen Lord, Paul’s perception shifted to the eternal Son, exalted at the Father’s right hand (Philippians 2:9-11). Why We No Longer Know Christ That Way • His resurrection vindicated every claim He made (Romans 1:4). • Ascension placed Him beyond the limitations of time and space (Hebrews 7:24-26). • The Spirit now reveals “the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you” (Colossians 1:27). • Believers are joined to Him spiritually, not by proximity to His earthly ministry (John 20:29). Practical Ways to Apply This Truth Today 1. View Scripture accounts as living revelation, not distant history. ‑ Read the Gospels aware that the same Lord who walked Galilee now indwells you (Galatians 2:20). 2. Worship Him as reigning King, not merely an inspiring example. ‑ Sing and pray with the throne-room scenes of Revelation 5:11-14 in mind. 3. Submit current decisions to His eternal authority. ‑ Since He is “Lord of both the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9), career moves, relationships, finances are placed under His rule. 4. Depend on the Holy Spirit for real-time fellowship. ‑ The Spirit takes what belongs to Christ and makes it known to us (John 16:14), enabling moment-by-moment guidance. 5. Expect transformation, not mere improvement. ‑ Because we are united with the glorified Christ, “we all, with unveiled faces, are being transformed into the same image” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Implications for How We See Others • If we no longer assess Christ by earthly measures, we no longer judge people by them either. • Social status, ethnicity, past failures, or worldly success do not define a person’s ultimate identity (James 2:1-4). • Each believer is part of the new creation—treat brothers and sisters accordingly (Ephesians 4:32). • Unbelievers are potential recipients of that same reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20). Living Out the New Creation • Daily remind yourself: “I have been crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). • Replace self-effort with reliance on His indwelling life (Philippians 4:13). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper as communion with the risen Christ, not a memorial of a distant hero (1 Corinthians 10:16). • Serve in the church knowing spiritual gifts flow from the ascended Head (Ephesians 4:7-16). Gathering It All Together Knowing Christ “no longer according to the flesh” means beholding, loving, and obeying Him as the living, exalted Lord who shares His life with us. As that perspective shapes our worship, decisions, relationships, and ministry, the reality of the new creation becomes visible in everyday life. |
    |