Embracing Our Identity as Ambassadors for Christ
Summary
In the sermon, I began by reflecting on the transformative power of the gospel, emphasizing that as followers of Christ, we are new creations. This new identity is not just a personal renewal but also a commission to share the good news with others, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 5. This passage highlights our role as ambassadors for Christ, tasked with the ministry of reconciliation. This ministry involves bridging the gap between God and humanity, which has been strained by sin but can be restored through Christ.
I shared the story of Peter and John in Acts 3, who, upon encountering a lame man, offered healing in the name of Jesus rather than material wealth. This act of healing was not just a miracle but also a demonstration of the kingdom of God at work, redirecting the onlookers' attention from human ability to divine intervention. This story underscores the essence of our witness — to point others to Christ through our actions and words.
Throughout the sermon, I stressed the importance of readiness in witnessing. We are to be prepared at all times to share the reason for our hope, as Peter advises in his epistle. This readiness stems from a life deeply rooted in Christ, where our daily walk and our responses to life’s situations reflect our faith.
I also touched on the concept of being 'jars of clay,' a metaphor from 2 Corinthians 4, which illustrates our fragility and imperfection. Despite our flaws, we are chosen to carry the treasure of the gospel, showcasing God's surpassing power through our weaknesses. This should encourage us not to wait for perfect conditions to share the gospel but to seize every opportunity, trusting that it is God who works in and through us.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to embrace their identity as God’s ambassadors. I encouraged the congregation to pray for opportunities to witness and to step out in faith, sharing their personal experiences of God’s work in their lives. This act of sharing not only glorifies God but also increases our joy, fulfilling our purpose in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. We are New Creations Called to Reconcile: As new creations in Christ, our old lives are gone, and we have been given a new life with a purpose. This purpose is not just for our own spiritual growth but to reconcile others to God. We are equipped and sent to mend the broken relationships between God and people, showing them the path to personal transformation through Jesus. This is a profound responsibility and privilege. [45:46]
2. Our Role as Ambassadors: Being an ambassador for Christ means we represent Him in every interaction. Our mission is to convey God’s appeal for reconciliation through our lives. This role is not passive; it requires active engagement and readiness to share the gospel at all times, making the most of every opportunity given to us by God. [46:54]
3. The Power of Testimony in Our Weakness: Our imperfections and struggles do not disqualify us from serving God; instead, they highlight His power and glory. When we share our weaknesses and how God’s strength is made perfect in them, we provide a real, relatable witness that can deeply impact others. Our testimony can be a beacon of hope for those who feel broken. [51:07]
4. Prayer for Opportunities to Witness: Actively praying for opportunities to share the gospel is crucial. It prepares our hearts and minds for the moments when God opens doors for us to speak about Him. This prayerful readiness ensures we do not miss divine appointments, arranged by God, to share His love and truth. [01:18:18]
5. Sharing Our Personal Stories of Faith: Our personal experiences with God are powerful tools in witnessing. Sharing what we have seen, heard, and know about God helps personalize the gospel, making it accessible to others. Our stories can connect in ways that arguments and debates cannot, drawing others into a deeper understanding of God’s reality. [01:19:52]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
32:30 - Introduction and Testimonies
33:56 - Unfinished Story: The Book of Acts
35:18 - The Role of the Church in Continuing Christ's Mission
38:06 - The Power of Transformation and Witness
39:36 - Peter and John's Example: Acts 3
42:21 - The Call to Witness
44:07 - Why We Share the Gospel
45:46 - New Creations in Christ
46:54 - Ambassadors for Reconciliation
48:26 - The Importance of Readiness
49:45 - Glory to God Through Our Stories
51:07 - Jars of Clay: God's Power in Our Weakness
59:46 - Practical Tips for Effective Witnessing
01:00:59 - Being Prepared: Practical Steps
01:02:21 - Eating What's Put in Front of You
01:06:07 - Seizing Opportunities to Witness
01:08:44 - Sharing Your Personal Testimony
01:10:05 - The Impact of Personal Stories
01:12:43 - The Universal Testimony of Believers
01:14:00 - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
01:16:51 - Prayer for Courage to Witness
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
2. Acts 3:1-16: The story of Peter and John healing the lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful.
3. 2 Corinthians 4:7: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 say about our new identity in Christ and our role as ambassadors? How does this passage define the ministry of reconciliation?
2. In Acts 3:1-16, what did Peter and John offer the lame man instead of silver and gold? How did the crowd react to the miracle?
3. According to 2 Corinthians 4:7, why does God choose to place His treasure in "jars of clay"? What does this metaphor signify about our human weaknesses?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being a "new creation" in 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 impact the way we view our past and our purpose in life? [45:46]
2. What can we learn from Peter and John's response to the lame man in Acts 3 about the priorities of the early church and their reliance on divine power over material wealth? [39:36]
3. How does the metaphor of "jars of clay" in 2 Corinthians 4:7 encourage us to share the gospel despite our imperfections? What does this reveal about God's power working through us? [51:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, how can you embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ this week? What specific steps can you take to live out your role as an ambassador for Christ? [46:54]
2. Peter and John were ready to share the gospel at a moment's notice. How can you prepare yourself to be ready to share your faith in everyday situations? What practical steps can you take to be more prepared? [59:46]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing our personal stories of faith. Think of a recent experience where you saw God at work in your life. How can you share this story with someone who might need encouragement? [01:08:44]
4. The concept of being "jars of clay" suggests that our weaknesses can highlight God's strength. Identify an area of weakness in your life. How can you allow God to use this weakness to demonstrate His power and glory? [51:07]
5. The sermon encouraged praying for opportunities to witness. Commit to praying for such opportunities this week. How will you recognize and seize these opportunities when they arise? [01:18:18]
6. Sharing the gospel can sometimes be intimidating. What are some fears or obstacles you face when it comes to witnessing? How can you overcome these challenges with "30 seconds of courage"? [01:07:34]
7. Reflect on the idea of "eating what's put in front of you." How can you make the most of the opportunities God places in your path, even if the conditions are not perfect? Share a specific situation where you can apply this principle. [01:04:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
As new creations in Christ, believers are called to live out a transformed life, shedding the old and embracing the new. This transformation is not merely a personal experience but extends to a divine commission—reconciling others to God. This profound change compels one to act as a bridge, mending the broken relationships between God and humanity through the message of the gospel. The responsibility to share this transformative power is both a privilege and a duty, urging believers to step beyond personal growth into active ministry. [45:46]
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate your new identity in Christ to someone who does not yet know Him?
Day 2: The Active Role of a Divine Ambassador
Being an ambassador for Christ means representing Him in every aspect of life. This role is not passive; it involves actively engaging with the world and being ready at all times to share the gospel. The call to be an ambassador is about making the most of every opportunity, conveying God’s appeal for reconciliation through one's life and actions. This requires a readiness to respond to divine appointments, using every interaction to reflect Christ's love and truth. [46:54]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: What specific opportunity can you take today to act as an ambassador for Christ in your community?
Day 3: Showcasing God’s Power Through Our Weakness
Our imperfections and struggles are not hindrances but platforms for displaying God’s strength and glory. By sharing how God’s power is perfected in our weaknesses, believers provide a relatable and impactful witness that can inspire hope in others. This testimony serves as a beacon, demonstrating that despite human frailty, divine power is at work, transforming lives and circumstances. [51:07]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Can you identify a personal weakness or struggle where you have seen God’s strength made perfect?
Day 4: Praying for Gospel Opportunities
Actively praying for opportunities to share the gospel is essential for spiritual readiness. This prayer not only prepares the heart but also sharpens the mind to recognize and seize the moments God provides for witnessing. Such divine appointments are not coincidental but are orchestrated by God to spread His love and truth through His followers. [01:18:18]
Ephesians 6:18-20 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Reflection: What specific time can you set aside daily to pray for opportunities to share the gospel?
Day 5: The Impact of Personal Testimonies
Sharing personal experiences of God’s work in one’s life is a powerful tool in witnessing. These stories personalize the gospel, making it accessible and relatable to others. By sharing what believers have seen, heard, and know about God, they connect with others on a deeper level, drawing them closer to understanding God’s reality and presence. [01:19:52]
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (ESV): "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from hearing your personal story of faith today?
Quotes
"In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and he raised him up, and immediately his feet and his ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God." [39:36]
"Peter tells the people, it's not by our power. It's not by our power this man is doing this, but by the power of Jesus. And then he tells them, this Jesus, who was the Messiah, but that you put to death. You wanted him crucified. You were the ones who had him killed." [42:21]
"We are witnesses of that fact. Well, as people that are changed by Jesus, we too, like the apostles, are called to be witnesses. We're called to be witnesses. That's part of our new life in Jesus. That's part of our calling in Jesus. That's part of following Jesus." [42:21]
"To be a witness for Jesus is to tell others what you've seen him do. What have you seen him do in your life? Telling people what you've heard him do in other people's lives. It's telling people what you know to be true about him. We can all do that." [44:07]
"We've been given something that we're supposed to give away. So in verse 6 of Acts 3, Peter and John come across this, this beggar and, and Peter says, I don't have any silver or gold, but I'll give you what I do have. I'll give you what I have been given, which was actually way more valuable." [44:07]
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