Empowered Ambassadors: Representing Christ in the World
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of my role as an ambassador for Christ. I was encouraged to remember that I am called, appointed, and anointed to do the work of God. This work involves building relationships and meeting the needs of people, representing Christ's Kingdom to a world that does not know Him. I was reminded that my behavior, in every aspect of my life, represents not only my family name but also the name of Jesus. I was also reminded that my mission from God should take priority over everything else in my life.
In the second part of the sermon, I was reminded that as an ambassador for Christ, I am empowered to speak with authority until the whole world knows Christ. I was reassured that even if I feel timid or unequipped, God has given me anointing and authority. I was also reminded that my job is not to isolate myself but to be involved in every area of life, representing Christ's Kingdom to a world that does not know Him. I was encouraged to remember that I have the authority to do what God has called me to do.
Key takeaways:
- As an ambassador for Christ, I am called to build relationships and meet the needs of people, representing Christ's Kingdom to a world that does not know Him ([24:58]).
- My mission from God should take priority over everything else in my life ([12:53]).
- As an ambassador for Christ, I am empowered to speak with authority until the whole world knows Christ ([14:02]).
- Even if I feel timid or unequipped, God has given me anointing and authority ([14:02]).
- I am not to isolate myself but to be involved in every area of life, representing Christ's Kingdom to a world that does not know Him ([13:26]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Thessalonians 2
2. 1 Peter 3
3. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Observation Questions:
1. In 1 Thessalonians 2:8, what does it mean to give not only God's good news but also our lives to others?
2. How does 1 Peter 3:15-16 instruct us to share our faith with others?
3. What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:20?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being an ambassador for Christ apply to our daily lives based on the passages we read?
2. How can we apply the principles of gentleness and respect in our interactions with others as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15-16?
3. What does it mean to give our lives to others as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:8?
Application Questions:
1. How can you be an ambassador for Christ in your workplace or school this week?
2. Can you recall a recent situation where you could have shown more gentleness and respect in sharing your faith? How would you handle it differently now?
3. What is one practical way you can "give your life" to others this week in the spirit of 1 Thessalonians 2:8?
Devotional
Day 1: Being Christ's Ambassadors
As believers, we are called to be Christ's ambassadors, living testaments of God's grace. Our lives should reflect the love of Christ, so that those who may never read the Bible can get a taste of the Kingdom through us. We are called to leave the safety of the church and live among the people, seasoning our words with grace and truth, but always with respect ([24:58]).
1 Thessalonians 2:8 - "We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too."
Reflection: How can you better represent Christ in your daily interactions with others?
Day 2: Living in Foreign Lands
As ambassadors, we are called to live in foreign lands, not just send letters from the safety of our home country. We are called to live among the people, to understand their pain and struggles, and to bring the love of Christ to them ([25:38]).
Hebrews 13:14 - "For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come."
Reflection: How can you step out of your comfort zone to better serve God's people?
Day 3: Diplomacy over Dogma
As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to be diplomatic, not dogmatic. We are to season our words with grace and truth, always with respect. Our calling is not to turn people off with our faith, but to draw them in with our love ([26:16]).
Colossians 4:6 - "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Reflection: How can you communicate your faith in a more loving and respectful way?
Day 4: Ready to Explain Our Hope
We are called to be ready at all times to explain the hope we have in Christ. But we must do this with gentleness and respect, not with judgment or condemnation ([26:57]).
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: How can you better prepare yourself to explain your hope in Christ?
Day 5: Building Wells of Hope
Just as we are building a well in Africa to provide clean water for a community, we are also called to build wells of hope in the lives of those around us. Like a well, the love of Christ never runs dry, and it can bring hope and promise to communities in need ([50:41]).
John 4:14 - "But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Reflection: How can you be a well of hope in your community?
Quotes
1. "Paul says that we are living Epistles, living Bibles, living Testaments of the grace of God so people can who will never read the Bible can read our lives and get a taste of the Kingdom as as God as Christ representative." - 24:58
2. "Our assignment is to be a representative Christ on the earth. We'll build relationships and meet needs of people. That's the calling of Peace Baptist Church to make disciples and meet needs because that's the mission of every church and it's the mission of every believer." - 11:36
3. "As ambassadors we are to represent Jesus and make him known. Our job is to say yes to God's call and make him known to the world. To make sure that all peoples, no matter what ethnicity, no matter what color, no matter what country, no matter what character they have, to share with them the love of Christ to let them know who he is." - 05:41
4. "Our job is to be empowered to speak with authority till the whole world knows Christ. You have authority. Some of y'all don't feel equipped. I don't know if I can do it. I'm a little timid. I ain't me. That ain't me. Yes, it is you and he has given you anointing and Authority. He's giving you power, dunamis power that means Dynamite." - 14:02
5. "We are called to be the greatest of all ambassadors, spiritual ambassadors. That's our job, that's our mission to be on mission for God. As ambassadors, we are called to do a couple of things. Number one, as ambassadors, we are to represent Jesus and make him known." - 05:06
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