Why do we do what we do? Why do we pursue this Christian walk? Why do we read our Bibles? Why do we get up Sunday after Sunday to gather together? Why do we go to work and aim to be Christ-like in a world that often rejects Christ?
In this passage, Paul answers these questions. He’s being criticized for his motives, but he lays out exactly why he ministers. This gives us a picture of what should drive us too.
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
The Fear of the Lord
Paul writes, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.”
He’s not talking about fear in a panicked sense. He’s not afraid of the judgment seat of Christ. No, Paul is in awe of his God. He stands amazed at God’s grace.
He knows that Jesus Himself will reward His people. Not because they earned it, but because of grace. That idea leaves him amazed and keeps him going.
Think about it. Paul, who once murdered Christians, now looks forward to receiving a reward from Jesus. He can’t get over that.
The Fear of the Lord Leads to Persuading Others
This awe of God’s grace pushes Paul to persuade others. He does not preach to defend himself. He preaches because he wants others to experience the same grace that changed him.
There is a lost world out there. Paul knows what it feels like to be lost. He remembers what it was like before Christ saved him.
So he persuades others. He is not trying to protect his reputation. He longs for others to know this grace.
Evangelism, Paul shows, is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.
The Fear of the Lord is Heart-Focused
Paul’s awe of God also keeps him focused on the heart.
He reminds the church that God already knows his motives. Paul is not concerned about convincing his critics. He hopes the church itself will recognize the truth about his heart.
His goal is not to impress anyone with appearances or external achievements. He focuses on what God does in the heart.
Paul urges the church not to boast in outward success. He wants them to boast in the amazing truth that God pours out His Spirit on sinful hearts. He calls them to rejoice that no sinner is too far gone for grace.
The Fear of the Lord is Truth- and Gospel-Driven
Paul also stays driven by truth and the gospel.
Some accuse him of being out of his mind. He says, “If we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.”
Paul has seen visions and miracles, but he does not build his ministry on emotional highs or supernatural experiences. He builds it on clear gospel truth.
He is not serving for himself. He makes it clear. If he is doing miraculous things, it is for God. If he is preaching and teaching, it is for the good of the church. It is never about him.
Paul points the church back to Christ, not to himself.
Christ’s Love
Paul gives another motive for ministry. He says, “For the love of Christ controls us.”
Christ’s Love Leads to Self-Denial
Paul knows Christ truly loves him. That love is not just a feeling. It is proven by the cross. Paul says, “One has died for all.”
Christ laid down His life for sinners, including Paul himself.
This love shapes everything Paul does. He cannot live for himself anymore. He lives for Christ.
Paul makes it clear. Christ’s love fuels his self-denial. He does not serve to earn anything. He is not trying to prove himself. He simply cannot live a self-centered life anymore, because his Savior did not live a self-centered life.
Christ’s death was not because people were worthy of it. It was not because we were good or valuable on our own. It was grace, pure grace.
Paul knows that truth deeply. He remembers that he was dead in sin when Christ saved him. That is why he lives with a heart of gratitude, focused not on himself but on others.
What Keeps You Going?
Paul’s answer is simple: grace and love.
He stays in awe of God’s grace. He never stops being amazed that Christ would love him. That awe keeps him preaching. It keeps him serving others. It keeps him focused on eternity, no matter how hard life gets.
If you feel weary, do not look at your circumstances. Look at your Savior. Remember His grace. Rest in His love. Live for Him.
This article is a recap of a sermon preached by Henry Cruz at Good Shepherd Bible Church on Sunday, July 6, 2025 entitled Motives for Ministry. This sermon continues our six-week summer series titled Grace in the Mess. This sermon and others are available for listening on the Good Shepherd Bible Church Sermon Podcast.
Good Shepherd Bible Church is an Acts 29 church located in Pataskala, OH serving the eastern Columbus area.
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