THE BELIEVER AS AN AMBASSADOR

THE BELIEVER AS AN AMBASSADOR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:20

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:20 (KJV)
“For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Philippians 3:20; John 20:21; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 2:9-12; Colossians 4:5-6; Romans 10:13-15.

Description: This message examines the believer's identity, privileges and responsibilities as a representative of Jesus Christ, commissioned to communicate the gospel and demonstrate the values of God's kingdom in the world.

INTRODUCTION

An ambassador is an authorised representative sent by one government to another country to communicate its policies, protect its interests and maintain its relationship with the receiving nation. An ambassador does not represent himself; he represents the government that appointed him. His words, conduct and decisions must reflect the authority and values of the nation he represents. In the same way, every believer in Jesus Christ has been called to represent the Lord and His kingdom wherever he or she is found.

In Ephesians 6:20, Apostle Paul described himself as an ambassador in bonds. This description is remarkable because Paul was writing from imprisonment. Although he was physically restricted, he understood that his spiritual assignment remained intact. His chains could restrain his body, but they could not cancel his heavenly commission. He was an ambassador even in prison, and he desired to speak boldly as he ought to speak. His identity was not determined by his circumstances but by the One who had called him.

The believer's life is therefore more than church attendance, religious activities or personal spiritual benefits. We have been saved to represent Christ. We are His witnesses in our families, workplaces, schools, businesses, communities and nations. Our words must communicate His truth, our conduct must reflect His character, and our lives must demonstrate the reality of His kingdom. The question is not whether we are ambassadors, but whether we are faithfully representing the One who sent us.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE IDENTITY OF THE BELIEVER AS AN AMBASSADOR

The believer's identity as an ambassador begins with salvation and the divine calling to represent Jesus Christ. We are not self-appointed representatives. We have been brought into God's family through faith in Christ and entrusted with the responsibility of making Him known.

An ambassador carries an identity that is greater than his personal interests. He understands that he has been sent to represent another authority. Likewise, the Christian must recognise that his life belongs to Christ and must be governed by the purpose of the One who saved him.

a) An Ambassador Is an Authorised Representative (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Paul declared, “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.”

This Scripture clearly establishes the believer's ambassadorial identity. We represent Christ in the world. We are not authorised to invent a new gospel or communicate messages that contradict the Word of God. Our responsibility is to faithfully declare what Christ has revealed.

An ambassador does not speak merely to express personal opinions. He communicates the position of the authority that appointed him. In the same way, our opinions, preferences and ambitions must never replace the message of Christ.

Practical Application: Before speaking or acting, ask yourself whether your words and conduct represent Jesus faithfully. Let your decisions reflect the authority of the Lord you serve.

b) An Ambassador Belongs to a Different Kingdom (Philippians 3:20)

Paul declared, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The believer lives on earth but belongs to heaven. Our ultimate citizenship is not determined by our nationality, tribe, social status or earthly possessions. Through Christ, we have become citizens of God's kingdom.

This means that our values must be different from the values of a world that rejects God's authority. We must not allow corruption, dishonesty, immorality, greed and hatred to shape our conduct. Our heavenly citizenship must influence how we live on earth.

Practical Application: Let your heavenly citizenship guide your choices. Refuse to adopt practices that contradict the principles of God's kingdom.

c) An Ambassador Is Sent on a Mission (John 20:21)

Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

The believer is not saved merely to enjoy personal blessings. Salvation brings us into a life of service and witness. Christ sends us into the world to continue the work of making His salvation known.

Every believer has a sphere of influence. Some may serve in the pulpit, others in offices, schools, businesses, families or communities. Wherever God places us, we have an opportunity to represent Him.

Practical Application: Discover the opportunities God has placed around you. Do not wait for a special church programme before becoming a witness for Christ.

d) An Ambassador Represents the Character of the One Who Sent Him (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Paul instructed believers to be followers of God as dear children and to walk in love, as Christ also loved us.

An ambassador's behaviour reflects on the authority he represents. Likewise, the conduct of a Christian influences how people perceive Christ and His church.

We cannot convincingly represent a holy God while deliberately living in sin. We cannot preach love while practising hatred, proclaim honesty while engaging in fraud, or teach forgiveness while remaining bitter and unforgiving.

Practical Application: Allow the character of Christ to be formed in you. Make your lifestyle a visible expression of the gospel you proclaim.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:1-5, 10)

Daniel served in a foreign government but remained faithful to the God of Israel. His integrity, wisdom and commitment to prayer distinguished him. Even when his faith was challenged, he refused to compromise his devotion to God. Daniel demonstrates that a believer can operate in a secular environment and still represent God's values faithfully.

2. THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE BELIEVER'S AMBASSADORIAL ASSIGNMENT

An ambassador's authority does not originate from himself. It comes from the government that appoints and sends him. His confidence rests on the authority behind his commission.

In the same way, the believer's authority comes from Jesus Christ. We do not represent a defeated or powerless King. We represent the risen Lord, who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth. This should give us confidence to fulfil our assignment faithfully.

a) We Are Sent by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-19)

Jesus declared that all power in heaven and on earth had been given unto Him before commanding His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations.

The Great Commission is not a human project. It is an assignment from the Lord Jesus Christ. He has the authority to send His people, and He has given them the responsibility to proclaim His gospel.

The believer must therefore approach evangelism as an act of obedience to Christ rather than merely as participation in a church activity.

Practical Application: Take the Great Commission seriously. Make evangelism and discipleship part of your Christian lifestyle.

b) We Operate Under the Authority of His Name (Colossians 3:17)

Paul instructed believers to do everything in word or deed in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The name of Jesus represents His person, authority and lordship. Our ministry must therefore honour His name. We must not use the name of Jesus to promote selfish ambition, manipulate people or pursue dishonest gain.

The authority of Christ should produce humility and obedience, not pride and spiritual arrogance.

Practical Application: Let every activity and decision be subject to the lordship of Jesus. Use your influence to honour His name rather than promote yourself.

c) We Are Empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)

Jesus promised that His disciples would receive power after the Holy Spirit came upon them and that they would become His witnesses.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfil the assignment of representing Christ. He gives courage to speak, wisdom to respond, strength to endure opposition and spiritual gifts for effective service.

An ambassador for Christ must never depend solely on natural ability. The work of the kingdom requires spiritual empowerment.

Practical Application: Maintain a consistent life of prayer, worship and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to empower you to represent Christ effectively.

d) We Have the Assurance of Christ's Presence (Matthew 28:20)

Jesus promised His disciples, “And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

The presence of Christ is a great assurance for everyone who carries out His commission. We may face unfamiliar situations, rejection or opposition, but we are not abandoned.

The One who sends us also promises to remain with us. His presence gives us courage to continue even when circumstances become difficult.

Practical Application: Do not allow fear or loneliness to discourage you. Depend on the presence of Christ as you fulfil your responsibilities.

Biblical Example: The Seventy Disciples (Luke 10:1-20)

Jesus appointed and sent seventy disciples ahead of Him into the places He intended to visit. They returned with joy, reporting what God had done through their ministry. Their experience demonstrates that Christ sends His people, empowers their service and gives them opportunities to advance His kingdom.

3. THE MESSAGE THE BELIEVER MUST COMMUNICATE

An ambassador must understand and faithfully communicate the message of the authority that sent him. He cannot alter the official position to satisfy his personal preferences. In the same way, the believer must remain faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, Paul explains that God has committed to us the ministry and word of reconciliation. This is the central message of our ambassadorial assignment. We are called to announce that God has provided a way for sinful humanity to be reconciled to Himself through Jesus Christ.

a) We Must Preach the Message of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

The Bible teaches that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.

Sin separated humanity from God, but through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God provided the way for people to be restored to fellowship with Him.

Our responsibility is to communicate this message to a world that needs forgiveness and salvation. We must tell people that God's mercy is available through faith in Jesus Christ.

Practical Application: Make reconciliation with God the central focus of your witness. Tell people that forgiveness and a new beginning are available through Christ.

b) We Must Proclaim Jesus Christ as the Only Saviour (Acts 4:12)

The apostles declared that salvation is found in no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Jesus Christ is the centre of the Christian message. We must proclaim His incarnation, sacrificial death, resurrection and lordship. Religious activities, human achievements and good works cannot replace the saving grace of Christ.

An ambassador must never substitute a different message for the one entrusted to him.

Practical Application: Keep Jesus at the centre of your preaching, conversations and evangelistic activities. Direct people to the Saviour rather than to human personalities.

c) We Must Call People to Repentance and Faith (Mark 1:14-15)

Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and called people to repent and believe the gospel.

The message of salvation requires a response. People must acknowledge their sins, turn away from them and place their trust in Jesus Christ. The gospel offers forgiveness, but it also calls people into a transformed relationship with God.

We must not dilute the message of repentance to make it more popular. God's grace does not encourage people to continue in sin; it offers power for a new life.

Practical Application: Explain the need for repentance and faith whenever you share the gospel. Present God's grace with love and biblical clarity.

d) We Must Proclaim the Coming Kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14)

Jesus declared that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached throughout the world as a witness to all nations.

The kingdom of God reveals His sovereign rule and His purpose to establish His righteousness. Our message must direct people beyond temporary earthly achievements towards the eternal hope found in Christ.

The believer must live with the awareness that life on earth is temporary and that every person will ultimately answer to God.

Practical Application: Live with eternity in view. Use your time, resources and influence to advance the gospel and prepare people for the return of Christ.

Biblical Example: Philip the Evangelist (Acts 8:26-40)

Philip obeyed the Holy Spirit and approached the Ethiopian official who was reading the prophecy of Isaiah. He explained the Scriptures and preached Jesus to him. Philip faithfully communicated the message of Christ rather than promoting himself. His ministry shows the importance of being prepared to explain the gospel whenever God provides an opportunity.

4. THE CONDUCT EXPECTED OF A BELIEVER WHO IS AN AMBASSADOR

The life of an ambassador must be consistent with the values of the authority he represents. A person may speak eloquently about his government, but if his conduct contradicts its policies, his credibility will be damaged.

Similarly, the believer's lifestyle must agree with the gospel. Our conduct is not a substitute for preaching, but it gives credibility to the message we proclaim. We must demonstrate Christ through our character, relationships and daily decisions.

a) We Must Live in Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Peter instructed believers to be holy in all manner of conversation because God is holy.

Holiness means being set apart for God and living according to His standards. An ambassador for Christ cannot deliberately embrace the sinful practices of the world while claiming to represent a holy God.

Holiness must affect our thoughts, speech, relationships, entertainment, business practices and private conduct.

Practical Application: Examine your lifestyle in the light of God's Word. Reject every practice that contradicts the holiness to which God has called you.

b) We Must Demonstrate Love and Compassion (John 13:34-35)

Jesus taught that love would be the distinguishing mark of His disciples.

The believer must demonstrate love not only to those who are easy to love but also to those who are difficult, unkind or different. Love is expressed through patience, forgiveness, kindness, generosity and genuine concern for others.

An ambassador who communicates the love of Christ but treats people with cruelty misrepresents the Lord.

Practical Application: Practise forgiveness, show kindness and look for opportunities to meet the needs of others. Let people experience the love of Christ through your actions.

c) We Must Maintain Integrity (Titus 2:7-8)

Paul instructed Titus to be an example of good works, showing integrity, seriousness and sound speech.

Integrity means being honest and dependable in every area of life. A believer must not be truthful in church but dishonest in business, faithful in public but corrupt in private, or respectful in the pulpit but abusive at home.

Our testimony becomes credible when our actions agree with our confession.

Practical Application: Be honest in your financial dealings, faithful in your commitments and trustworthy in your relationships. Let your private life agree with your public testimony.

d) We Must Walk in Wisdom (Colossians 4:5-6)

Paul instructed believers to walk in wisdom towards those outside the faith and to let their speech be gracious.

Being an ambassador requires wisdom in communication. We must know when to speak, how to respond and how to communicate biblical truth without unnecessary hostility.

Boldness does not mean rudeness, and conviction does not require arrogance. We must speak the truth in love and treat people with dignity.

Practical Application: Be thoughtful in your conversations. Listen carefully, answer sincerely and allow grace to shape your words.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 39:1-12; 41:14-41)

Joseph demonstrated integrity and faithfulness while serving in Egypt. He refused to compromise his convictions when tempted by Potiphar's wife, and he acknowledged God when interpreting Pharaoh's dreams. His life demonstrates that a believer can represent God's values faithfully even in an environment where those values are not widely practised.

5. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BELIEVER AS AN AMBASSADOR

An ambassador is not appointed merely to enjoy a prestigious position. He is given a specific assignment. In the same way, the believer's identity must produce action. We have been called to make Christ known and to advance His kingdom.

The Great Commission is not reserved for pastors and evangelists alone. Every Christian has a responsibility to participate in the work of evangelism, discipleship, prayer and service.

a) We Must Witness for Christ Everywhere (Acts 1:8)

Jesus declared that His disciples would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The scope of Christian witness extends from our immediate environment to the whole world. We must not restrict evangelism to church buildings or special programmes.

Our homes, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods and social relationships provide opportunities to make Christ known.

Practical Application: Identify people around you who need the gospel. Pray for them and look for appropriate opportunities to share Christ.

b) We Must Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)

Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptising them and teaching them to observe all that He had commanded.

The assignment does not end when someone responds to an evangelistic message. New believers must be taught, nurtured and established in the faith.

A disciple is not merely someone who attends church; a disciple is a follower of Jesus who learns His Word and obeys His commands.

Practical Application: Help new believers grow in the faith. Encourage them to study Scripture, pray, attend fellowship and serve God faithfully.

c) We Must Support the Work of the Gospel (Philippians 4:15-18)

Paul acknowledged the support of the Philippian church in his ministry. Their partnership helped him continue the work of spreading the gospel.

Not everyone will travel as a missionary, but every believer can participate through prayer, giving, encouragement and practical service. The advancement of the kingdom requires the cooperation of the entire body of Christ.

Practical Application: Support evangelistic outreaches, missionaries and gospel ministers. Give faithfully and use your resources to advance the work of God.

d) We Must Pray for the Advancement of the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Paul requested prayer that the Word of the Lord might have free course and be glorified.

Prayer is essential to the fulfilment of our ambassadorial assignment. We must pray for open doors, receptive hearts, spiritual boldness and the protection of those who preach the gospel.

A praying church is better prepared to fulfil its mission because it recognises its dependence on God.

Practical Application: Make evangelism a regular subject of personal and corporate prayer. Pray for the salvation of souls and the effectiveness of gospel ministers.

Biblical Example: The Samaritan Woman (John 4:28-30, 39-42)

After encountering Jesus, the Samaritan woman went into the city and invited people to come and see the Man who had revealed the truth to her. Her testimony led many people to believe in Jesus. She was not an apostle or a church leader, but she became an effective witness because she shared what she had experienced. Her life demonstrates that every believer can contribute to the spread of the gospel.

6. REMAINING FAITHFUL AS AMBASSADORS IN A HOSTILE WORLD

Paul's description of himself as an ambassador in bonds teaches us that representing Christ may involve challenges. An ambassador may encounter opposition, rejection, misunderstanding and even persecution. Yet these difficulties must not cause the believer to abandon the divine assignment.

The world may not always welcome the message of Christ, but our responsibility is to remain faithful. We must not allow temporary circumstances to determine our commitment to the Lord.

a) We Must Not Be Ashamed of Christ (Romans 1:16)

Paul declared that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ because it is the power of God unto salvation.

Some believers become silent because they fear rejection, criticism or embarrassment. Others hide their Christian identity in environments where faith is unpopular.

However, we must remember that the gospel is God's power to save. We should never be ashamed of the message that brings eternal life.

Practical Application: Confess your faith in Christ openly and respectfully. Do not allow the fear of people's opinions to silence your Christian testimony.

b) We Must Stand Firm During Opposition (Ephesians 6:13)

Paul instructed believers to take the whole armour of God so that they might be able to withstand in the evil day and, having done all, to stand.

The believer must be spiritually prepared for opposition. We must put on truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God. These spiritual resources help us remain steadfast when our faith is challenged.

Practical Application: Put on the whole armour of God daily through faith, prayer, obedience and the application of Scripture.

c) We Must Speak With Boldness (Ephesians 6:19-20)

Paul requested prayer that he might speak boldly as he ought to speak, even though he was an ambassador in chains.

His example teaches us that boldness is not the absence of difficulty. It is the courage to remain faithful to God in spite of difficulty. Paul did not allow imprisonment to destroy his commitment to the gospel.

We must likewise depend on the Holy Spirit to give us courage to communicate God's truth in every circumstance.

Practical Application: When you face intimidation or opposition, pray for fresh boldness. Continue to speak the truth in love and remain committed to Christ.

d) We Must Finish Our Assignment Faithfully (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Paul declared near the end of his life that he had fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith.

The Christian assignment is a lifelong responsibility. We must not begin with enthusiasm and end in compromise. Our desire should be to finish faithfully, having represented Christ honourably throughout our lives.

Practical Application: Keep your eyes on Jesus. Refuse to allow temporary attractions, disappointments or hardships to distract you from your divine calling.

Biblical Example: Apostle Paul (Acts 28:16, 30-31)

Even while under house arrest in Rome, Paul continued to receive visitors, preach the kingdom of God and teach the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. His circumstances did not silence his ministry. He remained faithful to his ambassadorial assignment despite physical restrictions. His life reminds us that no circumstance should make us abandon our responsibility to represent Christ.

CONCLUSION

The believer is an ambassador for Christ, appointed to represent the Lord and communicate the message of His kingdom. We are citizens of heaven living on earth with a divine assignment. Our responsibility is to proclaim reconciliation through Jesus Christ, demonstrate His character, live in holiness and integrity, make disciples and support the advancement of the gospel. We must never allow our personal ambitions, worldly pressures or difficult circumstances to replace the purpose for which Christ has called us.

Paul was an ambassador in bonds, yet he remained committed to his assignment. His chains could not cancel his calling, and his imprisonment could not silence his message. May we develop the same determination to represent Christ faithfully. Wherever you are, remember that you are not merely an ordinary individual; you are a representative of the King of kings. Let your words honour Him, your conduct reflect Him and your life make Him known. Be a faithful ambassador for Christ until the end!

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to understand and fulfil my identity as an ambassador for Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let my words and conduct bring honour to Your name, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me boldness to proclaim the gospel without fear or shame, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, make me a faithful messenger of reconciliation to my generation, in Jesus name.

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

6. Lord, fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit and empower me for effective witnessing, in Jesus name.

7. Father, give me wisdom to represent Christ with love, humility and grace, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make my family and church instruments for advancing Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

9. Father, strengthen me to remain faithful to Christ despite opposition and persecution, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to finish my assignment faithfully and receive Your eternal reward, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are a chosen and appointed ambassador of Jesus Christ.

2. Your life shall reflect the character, love and holiness of Christ.

3. You shall receive boldness to proclaim the gospel without fear or shame.

4. Your words shall communicate the truth of God's kingdom with clarity and power.

5. You shall not compromise your faith for worldly acceptance or temporary benefits.

6. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to fulfil your divine assignment.

7. Your family and household shall become instruments for the advancement of God's kingdom.

8. Through your testimony, many people shall encounter Jesus Christ and receive salvation.

9. No opposition shall make you abandon your commitment to Christ.

10. You shall remain a faithful ambassador for Christ and finish your course with joy, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.