These 2 verses may appear inconsequential but they contain the golden key to victory and power. 

Paul further explains the reasons behind the extraordinary zeal that was manifested in his life. Those most maligned by the enemies of Christ often have the highest motives for their actions. Paul was constrained (the word means pressed upon as by a crowd, Luke 8:45) in his actions by the love of Christ. The revelation of that love which he experienced from day to day literally forced him on the zealous course he was on.

I. A RIGHT VIEW OF THE LOVE OF CHRIST WILL HAVE A PROFOUND EFFECT UPON US

A right view of Christ’s love is possible only at the cross. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him, 1 John 4:9.

1. The death of Christ is a matter the believer should consider deeply. 

Because we thus judge, verse 14. The phrase means to consider and then draw a conclusion. Many have a very shallow understanding of the cross. Remember Lamentations 1:12. Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.

a} The subject matter contemplated. Notice what it was Paul considered and came to a conclusion about. Because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead, verse 14. 

Christ died in the place of all His elect. Matt 20:28, Eph 5:2. All of the elect should have died but Christ died in their place. 

He represented us, He took our burdens and guilt, He was made sin (verse 21), He was made a curse (Gal 3:13). 

He did this willingly, Ps 40:7. What a burden it was He bore! 

b} How such matters are to be considered. God overpowers our hearts by bringing these truths into contact with them. We are guilty of not giving due consideration to such matters and it shows in our lives. My people doth not consider, Isaiah 1:3, Psalm 63 shows the profit of meditation. The gospel has no impact upon those who never think about it!

c} The determination that follows such consideration. Acts 11:23; 14:22. If we would be contemplate the cross it would result in us binding ourselves to the Lord. 

II. PAUL CONCLUDED FROM HIS CONTEMPLATION OF CHRIST’S DEATH THAT ALL THE ELECT ARE DEAD

If Christ suffered death for a people, then that people are dead. The sentence that fell on Him legally fell on them. 

This truth is set before us in many passages of Scripture. 

Rom 6:6.  As there was merit is the death of Christ to pay the price of our sins so is there was a slaying of our old nature in that same death. There is in the death of Christ the means whereby the body of sin may be destroyed and us ceasing to serve sin. Please note the word knowing. That refers to our need of contemplation. It means learning to know. 

Thus we become free, verse 18.

Gal 2:20. Christ died in order that we might die unto sin and by the pleading of His death expect the subduing of sin.

Col 3:3-5. On the basis of our death in Christ we should seek the mortification of sin.