Compelled: Living for the One Who Died for Us

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On February 23, 2025

Daily Encouragement
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Christ’s love completely governs and motivates believers to live for Him.

 

“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” — 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 

 

Paul declares that it is the love of Christ—His sacrificial, redeeming love—that compels him. This word “compels” (Greek: synechō) carries the idea of being constrained, driven, or held together by something powerful. It is not duty, fear, or obligation that fuels Paul’s ministry, but Christ’s love.

 

What does Paul mean when he says, “if One died for all, then all died”? This points to the truth that Christ’s death was on behalf of all—a substitutionary sacrifice. In Him, believers have died to their old selves, to sin, and to the power of this world (Romans 6:6-7; Galatians 2:20). Our old Adamic nature—the sin nature we were all born with—was put to death with Christ. But death to sin isn’t even the greatest part of our salvation! Just as Jesus rose from the dead, victorious over Satan, sin, and death, we too are raised with Him into a new life—a life of righteousness and transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:9-10). We are no longer slaves to sin but alive to God, empowered to live differently (apart from the world), with new desires, and a heart set on Christ Jesus.

 

Verse 15 calls believers to a radical shift: we are no longer to live for ourselves but for Christ. His death, burial and resurrection mean that our lives now belong to Him. We are to strive to live out every facet of our lives for the One who gave everything for us.

 

‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ‘

Galatians 2:20

 

Encouragement for Today

 

Christ’s love is not passive; it is active, transformative, and powerful. When we grasp the depth of His sacrifice, our response should be wholehearted devotion. Are you living for yourself, or are you living for the One who died and rose again for you?

 

Let His love compel you today!

For your edification.

Thank you for reading.

 

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

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Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

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When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

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What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

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What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

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What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

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Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

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Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

Mesa Bible Study Groups – In-Depth Bible Study in Phoenix, AZ

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