Beside Yourself (2 of 7): See Spiritually

Usually we expect hellfire and brimstone to terrify people into living right. Perhaps even you got motivated to live for God by the fear of eternal punishment. It should do more for us now, however. It should scare us into reaching the lost. In II Corinthians 5:11, why did Paul preach?

Those who are fearful of God need to be taught the fear of God. The apostle confirms that he knows his actions and motives are clear before God. He wants the church in Corinth to see him as God sees him. He has no ulterior motive in ministry. He’s not trying to make himself a name. He is not trying to bilk money out of people. He is simply rescuing as many as he can while he can.
Paul’s defense of himself is not grounded in a selfish need for approval. He wants the church to be proud of him and have an answer to those who were falsely accusing him. Paul, like any other minister should be, was not in this for himself. In 5:12, how did it help them to see his perspective?

Some accused Paul of being a control freak. Instead, he showed how he had been their slave, not a master. Some called him a money-monger, but he reminded them he had not taken anything from them. Some had called him crazy, out of his mind, and beside himself. How did he answer this charge, in 5:13?

Also in 5:13, if he was sane, why?

It is important to keep this balance. We can go crazy in our zeal—out of our minds in love for God. But with people, we have to be sensible. Don’t get ridiculous when reaching out to others and lifeless when reaching out to God.
Go wild! Our zeal should not slack as we mature in Christ. While Paul taught Corinth to be self-controlled and mindful of guests (I Corinthians 14), he would not let his love for God grow cold. We should be crazy in worship, prayer, and relationship with God.
When dealing with people, however, we have to be reserved and practical. Excessive exuberance can drive some away instead of spreading the joy. Just as shouting “GOOD MORNING” is like cursing someone (Proverbs 27:14), so being overexcited in evangelism can kill the message.
Say you wanted your friend to know how good the new restaurant is. You will not make him hunger for Italian food by breathing garlic-and-onion breath in his face. Serve him a plate of it, however, and he will share your joy.
We cannot shake or jump the joy into people. They have to meet Jesus. Then, they too will be beside themselves. In II Corinthians 5:14, what keeps us under control?

How does the sacrifice of Christ motivate and temper your efforts at reaching the lost?

What was the purpose of His sacrifice, in 5:15, and how does it change your purposes and goals in life?

We no longer live according to the animal nature. We who believe in Christ know that life is more than eating and sleeping. We know that Jesus was more than just a man among other people. In 5:16, how does one’s outlook change?

Do you look at things through carnal eyes? Do you see people or souls? See the Savior, then look at the world again.