Embracing Our Call as Christ's Ambassadors
Summary
Today, we explored the profound calling to be leaders in our faith, embracing the identity of Christ's ambassadors as outlined in 2 Corinthians 5:20. This role is not reserved for a select few but is a divine mandate for all believers. We are called to love, live, and lead like Jesus, embodying His message in every aspect of our lives. This requires us to be intentional about our spiritual growth, much like athletes who train rigorously for a prize. The eternal prize we pursue is far more significant, and it demands a commitment to discipline and purpose in our spiritual journey.
1 Corinthians 9 challenges us to examine our dedication to our faith. Are we merely recreational Christians, or are we striving to win in our spiritual lives? Just as athletes have coaches and support systems to reach the next level, we too need a community to help us grow. The gospel thrives in community, and we are less effective when isolated. We must identify our next level in faith and build a team to support us in reaching it.
Authenticity in our faith is crucial, but it should not be a barrier to growth. True authenticity involves adapting and evolving to win souls for the kingdom. We must be willing to change for the sake of others, letting go of habits and attitudes that hinder our witness. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, challenging us to be better for the sake of those we love and serve.
In our pursuit of spiritual growth, we must recognize the importance of community and mentorship. Surrounding ourselves with godly influences and being open to correction and guidance is essential. Our pride can often prevent us from seeking help, but humility allows us to embrace the support of others and grow in our faith.
Ultimately, our dream can only go as far as our team. We need each other to fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives. By joining the body of Christ, we become part of a community that supports, challenges, and encourages us to reach our full potential in Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace Your Role as an Ambassador: Every believer is called to be an ambassador for Christ, representing Him in all aspects of life. This requires intentionality and commitment to living out the gospel message. [01:17]
2. Identify Your Next Level: Just as athletes train for the next level, Christians must identify areas for spiritual growth. Without a clear vision, we risk stagnation in our faith journey. [10:11]
3. The Power of Community: The gospel is designed to thrive in community. Isolation hinders our growth, while a supportive team helps us reach our spiritual goals. [12:09]
4. Authenticity and Adaptation: True authenticity involves adapting to win souls for the kingdom. We must be willing to change for the sake of others, letting go of habits that hinder our witness. [24:26]
5. The Importance of Mentorship: Surrounding ourselves with godly influences and being open to guidance is crucial for spiritual growth. Pride can prevent us from seeking help, but humility allows us to embrace support. [30:25]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:17] - Called to Be Leaders
[02:59] - The Competitive Spirit
[04:21] - Win or Go Home
[05:57] - The Role of Coaches
[08:41] - The Next Level
[10:11] - Discipline in Faith
[12:09] - The Power of Community
[13:37] - The Danger of Isolation
[15:14] - The Worst Teammate
[16:05] - Training and Breakthrough
[17:35] - Authenticity and Influence
[20:13] - Building a Support Team
[23:08] - Adapting for the Kingdom
[25:41] - Embracing Challenges
[30:25] - The Importance of Mentorship
[33:01] - Creating a Growth Environment
[36:43] - Practical Steps for Growth
[38:07] - Building a Legacy Team
[39:34] - The Power of Community in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
- 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
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Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:20? How does this role apply to every believer? [01:17]
2. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, Paul talks about becoming "all things to all people." What are some examples he gives of how he adapts to different groups? [21:54]
3. How does the sermon compare the discipline of athletes to the spiritual discipline required of Christians? [10:11]
4. What role does community play in our spiritual growth according to the sermon? [12:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being an ambassador for Christ challenge the way believers live their daily lives? [01:17]
2. What might be some modern-day examples of becoming "all things to all people" in order to share the gospel effectively? [21:54]
3. Why is it important for Christians to identify their "next level" in faith, and how can this prevent stagnation? [10:11]
4. How can pride hinder a believer's ability to grow spiritually and accept mentorship? [13:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your role as an ambassador for Christ. In what areas of your life do you feel you are effectively representing Him, and where might you need improvement? [01:17]
2. Identify a specific area in your spiritual life where you want to grow. What steps can you take to reach this "next level"? [10:11]
3. Think about your current community or support system. How can you strengthen these relationships to better support your spiritual journey? [12:09]
4. Consider a habit or attitude that might be hindering your witness for Christ. What practical steps can you take to change this for the sake of others? [24:26]
5. Reflect on a time when pride prevented you from seeking help or guidance. How can you cultivate humility to embrace mentorship and correction? [13:37]
6. How can you adapt your approach to sharing the gospel to be more effective in reaching different people in your life? [21:54]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to live with more intentionality and purpose in your faith journey? [10:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Divine Ambassadorship
As believers, we are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him in every aspect of our lives. This is not a role reserved for a select few but a divine mandate for all who follow Jesus. Embracing this identity requires intentionality and commitment to living out the gospel message. It means embodying the love, grace, and truth of Jesus in our interactions, decisions, and daily conduct. Being an ambassador involves a conscious effort to reflect Christ's character and values, influencing the world around us with His transformative power. [01:17]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you represent Christ in your workplace or community today? How can you intentionally reflect His love and truth in your interactions?
Day 2: Pursue Spiritual Growth with Purpose
Just as athletes train rigorously to reach the next level, Christians are called to identify areas for spiritual growth and pursue them with purpose. Without a clear vision, we risk stagnation in our faith journey. This pursuit requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. It involves setting spiritual goals and actively working towards them, much like an athlete striving for a prize. By identifying our next level in faith, we can focus our efforts on growing closer to God and becoming more like Christ. [10:11]
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (ESV): "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your spiritual life where you feel called to grow? What steps can you take today to begin pursuing growth in that area?
Day 3: Thrive in Community
The gospel is designed to thrive in community, and isolation hinders our growth. A supportive team helps us reach our spiritual goals, providing encouragement, accountability, and guidance. Being part of a community allows us to share our burdens, celebrate our victories, and learn from one another. It is within this context that we can truly flourish in our faith, as we are challenged and inspired by those around us. By building a team of godly influences, we can create an environment that fosters spiritual growth and maturity. [12:09]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that form your spiritual community? How can you intentionally invest in these relationships to foster mutual growth and encouragement?
Day 4: Authenticity and Adaptation for the Kingdom
True authenticity in our faith involves adapting and evolving to win souls for the kingdom. It requires a willingness to change for the sake of others, letting go of habits and attitudes that hinder our witness. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, challenging us to be better for the sake of those we love and serve. Authenticity is not about remaining static but about being open to growth and change as we seek to impact the world for Christ. [24:26]
1 Corinthians 9:22 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some."
Reflection: What is one habit or attitude that may be hindering your witness for Christ? How can you begin to change this for the sake of those you are trying to reach?
Day 5: Embrace Mentorship and Humility
Surrounding ourselves with godly influences and being open to guidance is crucial for spiritual growth. Pride can often prevent us from seeking help, but humility allows us to embrace the support of others and grow in our faith. Mentorship provides us with wisdom, accountability, and encouragement as we navigate our spiritual journey. By being open to correction and guidance, we can learn from those who have gone before us and gain valuable insights into living a life that honors God. [30:25]
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV): "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
Reflection: Who is someone you admire spiritually and can seek mentorship from? How can you approach them to begin a relationship of guidance and accountability?
Quotes
"I was praying about what to talk about to share with you this morning, and the sermon that God gave me, actually, I communicated it recently to a group of pastors and leaders, and I thought it was just for them. The Holy Spirit said, no, we're supposed to be developing leaders within Legacy Church. We love, live, and lead like Jesus. So today, I want to assume and project onto you that you are a leader. Whether you feel like it or not, it doesn't matter. It's what the Word of God says. He's called you. Matter of fact, let me remind you what God says about you. This is our theme verse for 2025, 2 Corinthians 5, verse 20. Let's read it together." [00:00:00]
"1 Corinthians chapter 9, starting at verse 19, says this, though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to as many as possible. To the Jews, I became like a Jew, to the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law, though I myself am not under the law. So as to... Those under the law. To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law. Though I am not free from God's law, but I'm under Christ's law. He's trying to say, I'm not wallowing out here. Don't get it twisted." [00:01:33]
"To the weak, I became weak. To the weak, I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means, I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings. I'm gonna jump down to verse 24, but we're gonna switch translations. Verse 24 says this. Don't you realize that in a race, everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. So one, two, all athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow boxing." [00:02:11]
"Because if you were catching 1 Corinthians chapter 9, that's exactly what Paul was talking about. He says this. He says, all athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away. But we do it for an eternal prize. But we do it for an eternal prize. But do we do it? Like, could Paul actually write that letter to the Church of Legacy?" [00:09:43]
"How disciplined are you with your faith? How seriously do you take your faith? Or are you just a recreational Christian that follows Jesus for fun? You're not actually trying to win in life. Here's what we need to understand. If you can't clearly identify what your next level is, then you will always stay at your current one." [00:10:11]
"Maybe the reason you've been going to church for years and your life and family's life hasn't changed is because you've gotten older, you haven't gotten better. Because you've never identified the next level you actually need to grow to. You're just consistent. You're just content with showing up." [00:10:38]
"The gospel does not exist in isolation. It always is designed to exist within community. Here's the problem. You can't have a community without you. You can't have a community without you doing your part and making an effort to recognize that I'm okay by myself, but I'm not a good follower of Jesus alone. I'm actually less like Jesus when I'm in isolation." [00:12:45]
"Men, maybe you're not seeing the breakthrough you want in your life because, God's more of a hobby than a necessity. Even though it says God first in your bio, that's not how you live. Because if God was really first in your life, you would intentionally surround yourself with other godly men who can sharpen you, who can challenge you, who can tell you, hey, you're being prideful around that area with your marriage. You need to be humble." [00:16:40]
"Let me give you a redefinition of authenticity. The best version of authenticity will adapt, adjust, and anticipate who you need to be in order to win and save more souls for the kingdom. But here's the truth. You won't adapt to win the lost when you're comfortable with being found. When people's souls, though, start mattering more than your feelings, then you'll do whatever it takes to win them." [00:24:41]
"Complacency and compromise often mask themselves in the form of authenticity and comfortability. Well, that's just not who I am. Well, it's who you could become if you would stop being lazy. I'm just not a morning person. You're actually not a morning afternoon or you're just you're just you're just lazy." [00:27:37]
"Do you realize that the best athletes, they have something in common. They wanna be around people that are just as driven and competitive as them. The best athletes, they're not playing pickup basketball at the LA Fitness in the middle of the season. It's a waste of their time. The best athletes wanna be in environments that constantly challenge them, that constantly grow them, that constantly pulls." [00:31:38]
"So I know you have a dream. And I know we said you got to win or go home. But here's the truth. If you try to keep winning alone, you're going to keep going home early. So I got a better title for you. Tell the person next to you the new title for my sermon, even though we're already 35 minutes into it. Say, I have a team. No, no, no. Say it with your chest. I have a team." [00:38:59]
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