AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:20

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:20
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 6:20; Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:9

Description: Every believer is called to represent Christ faithfully and communicate His message of reconciliation to the world.

INTRODUCTION

An ambassador is an official representative of a king, government or nation. An ambassador does not represent himself; he represents the authority, interests and message of the one who sent him. In the same way, believers in Christ have been appointed as ambassadors for Christ.

Paul declares, “We are ambassadors for Christ.” This means that our lives, words, attitudes and actions should represent Jesus wherever we go. We belong to another Kingdom, and our primary responsibility is to make the King known.

God has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. We are therefore not merely saved to go to heaven; we are saved to represent Christ on earth and call others to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

1. AN AMBASSADOR BELONGS TO ANOTHER KINGDOM

An ambassador may live in a foreign country, but his ultimate allegiance belongs to the nation he represents. Christians live in this world, but our citizenship and allegiance are in heaven.

a. Our Citizenship Is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20) — We must remember that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven.

b. We Belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) — We have been bought with a price and therefore belong to Christ.

c. We Are Called Out of Darkness (1 Peter 2:9) — God has brought us into His marvellous light so that we can proclaim His praises.

d. We Must Live as Kingdom People (Colossians 3:1-2) — Our hearts and priorities must be directed towards the things above.

Biblical Example: Daniel lived in Babylon but remained faithful to the God of Israel and refused to compromise his allegiance to God (Daniel 6:1-10).

2. AN AMBASSADOR REPRESENTS CHRIST

An ambassador's conduct reflects on the government he represents. Likewise, our behaviour can either honour or misrepresent Christ.

a. Represent Christ in Your Character (Galatians 5:22-23) — The fruit of the Spirit should be evident in our lives.

b. Represent Christ in Your Words (Colossians 4:6) — Our speech should be gracious, wise and edifying.

c. Represent Christ in Your Conduct (Philippians 1:27) — Our lifestyle should be worthy of the Gospel.

d. Represent Christ Everywhere (Matthew 5:16) — Our good works should cause others to glorify our Father in heaven.

Biblical Example: Joseph represented God faithfully in Potiphar's house and in prison, and his character eventually became evident to those around him (Genesis 39:2-4, 21-23).

3. AN AMBASSADOR CARRIES THE KING'S MESSAGE

An ambassador does not create his own message. He communicates the message entrusted to him. Christians have been entrusted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

a. Preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15) — The Gospel must be proclaimed to every creature.

b. Proclaim Christ as the Only Saviour (Acts 4:12) — Salvation is found in Jesus Christ.

c. Call People to Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20) — We are to urge people to be reconciled to God.

d. Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) — Our assignment includes making and teaching disciples.

Biblical Example: Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch and explained the Scriptures to him (Acts 8:30-35).

4. AN AMBASSADOR SPEAKS WITH THE AUTHORITY OF THE KING

An ambassador speaks on behalf of the government that appointed him. Believers have been given authority and spiritual backing to proclaim the Gospel.

a. Christ Has Sent Us (John 20:21) — Jesus sends His followers just as the Father sent Him.

b. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us (Acts 1:8) — We receive power to become witnesses for Christ.

c. God's Word Is Our Authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17) — We must communicate God's Word faithfully.

d. We Must Speak Boldly (Ephesians 6:19-20) — Paul asked for prayer that he would proclaim the Gospel boldly.

Biblical Example: Peter and John boldly declared the Gospel despite opposition from the religious authorities (Acts 4:18-20).

5. AN AMBASSADOR MUST BE FAITHFUL

An ambassador is expected to faithfully carry out the assignment given by his government. Likewise, Christ expects faithfulness from those who represent Him.

a. Be Faithful in Your Calling (1 Corinthians 4:2) — Faithfulness is required of stewards.

b. Do Not Compromise the Message (Galatians 1:8-9) — The Gospel must not be altered to satisfy people.

c. Remain Faithful Under Pressure (2 Timothy 4:5) — We must continue the work even when ministry becomes difficult.

d. Finish Your Assignment (Acts 20:24) — Our goal should be to finish the ministry Christ has given us.

Biblical Example: Paul remained faithful to his calling despite persecution, imprisonment and hardship (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

6. AN AMBASSADOR MUST LIVE ABOVE REPROACH

Because an ambassador represents another authority, his conduct matters greatly. Believers must guard their testimony because our lives can either attract people to Christ or push them away.

a. Pursue Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16) — God's representatives must live holy lives.

b. Avoid Compromise (Romans 12:2) — We must refuse to conform to the sinful patterns of the world.

c. Maintain a Good Testimony (1 Timothy 3:7) — A good reputation is important for effective Christian witness.

d. Be an Example to Others (1 Timothy 4:12) — Our conduct should provide a pattern others can follow.

Biblical Example: Samuel served God faithfully from childhood, and his life became a testimony throughout Israel (1 Samuel 3:19-20).

7. AN AMBASSADOR MUST SEEK THE RECONCILIATION OF OTHERS

The central message entrusted to Christ's ambassadors is reconciliation with God. We should not keep the Gospel to ourselves when people around us are separated from God.

a. Tell People About God's Love (John 3:16) — God's love provides the foundation for the Gospel.

b. Call Sinners to Repentance (Acts 17:30) — God commands people everywhere to repent.

c. Point People to Christ (John 1:29) — Jesus is the One who takes away the sin of the world.

d. Pray for the Lost (Romans 10:1) — We should have a genuine burden for people who do not yet know Christ.

Biblical Example: Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus after encountering Christ himself (John 1:40-42).

8. AN AMBASSADOR MUST REMAIN LOYAL UNTIL THE END

An ambassador's assignment continues until his commission is completed. Likewise, believers must remain faithful to Christ until the end of their earthly journey.

a. Do Not Turn Back (Luke 9:62) — Following Christ requires steadfast commitment.

b. Remain Steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58) — We must remain unmovable in the work of the Lord.

c. Endure to the End (Matthew 24:13) — Faithfulness must continue throughout our journey.

d. Finish Well (2 Timothy 4:7-8) — The ultimate goal is to finish the race and keep the faith.

Biblical Example: Paul came to the end of his ministry with confidence that he had finished his course and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

CONCLUSION

God has appointed every believer as an ambassador for Christ. We represent a heavenly King in an earthly world, and our responsibility is to make Christ known through our character, words, conduct and faithful proclamation of the Gospel. We must never forget that people are watching our lives and listening to our message.

Let us therefore live as faithful ambassadors. Let us represent Christ with holiness, humility, courage and love. Let us carry His message faithfully and call people to be reconciled to God. May our lives bring honour to Christ and advance His Kingdom until He calls us home.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to represent Christ faithfully wherever I go, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let my character reflect the nature of Christ, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me boldness to proclaim the Gospel without fear, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, make me a faithful carrier of the message of reconciliation, in Jesus name.

5. Father, deliver me from every form of compromise that can damage my testimony, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, empower me by the Holy Spirit to be an effective witness for Christ, in Jesus name.

7. Father, give me a burden for the salvation of the lost, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, use my words and actions to draw people closer to You, in Jesus name.

9. Father, give me grace to remain faithful under every pressure, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to finish my assignment and finish well as an ambassador for Christ, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall faithfully represent Christ wherever you go.

2. Your life shall become a living testimony of the transforming power of Jesus.

3. You shall receive boldness to preach the Gospel without fear.

4. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to become an effective witness for Christ.

5. You shall not compromise your faith or abandon your calling.

6. Your words shall carry grace and point people towards Christ.

7. Your character shall bring honour to the name of Jesus.

8. God shall use you to bring many people to reconciliation with Him.

9. You shall remain faithful in every season of your assignment.

10. You shall finish your race, fulfil your ministry and receive your reward in Christ.