Represent 2024 - Representing King Jesus in Life and in Death

Introduction

Think about someone or a list of people.…what do they stand for?

The Culture Casts Many Visions — Here are Some Visions from Our Culture

That you live out your authentic self no matter the cost in pursuit of the bliss of being you.

That you climb the ladder, work hard, and achieve exactly what you believe you deserve in this life.

That you fight injustice and challenge the system and in doing so find fulfillment in being on the “right side of history”.

That you live the healthiest most disciplined life to master longevity and enjoy this life as much as you can.

That you master yourself and base instincts to become a powerful and effective force in achieving your goals.

That you accept that your life will not be what has been promised, nor ever will be, and so distract yourself with whatever you can.

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The Call: I want to cast a counter-cultural vision for your life—a call to pursue representing King Jesus in every area of your life and even unto death.

God’s cosmic story has intervened in your life in the person and work of Jesus and His ministry through the Church. God’s Kingdom has arrived and you are invited into that story by God and His love for you.

King Jesus has no rivals and when He saves you; you enter into a relationship of love and loyalty.

Philippians 1:27 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel”

You represent King Jesus and the precious gospel of the Kingdom. Why is this so important? Because people will connect your life, who you are and what you do, to who God is and what He has done.

God calls us to a quality of life, of representation, that aligns with the quality of His gospel. One that reflects that story, honors the main character in that story, and invites those around them to know the King.

Most joyful, lasting, meaningful vision for your life. The world’s are all bankrupt.

Four Characteristics of Representatives of King Jesus

Representatives of Jesus are filled with joy and hope. (vs. 18b-19)

Why? In spite of the circumstances because of the Spirit of God and the future He has secured for them.

Paul was supported in his ministry by brothers and sisters in Christ. Their prayers helped produce joy.

Paul had confidence that because of God’s provision of the Spirit this current circumstance will either be something he is saved OUT of or will contribute toward his final transformation and salvation when God returns.

Representatives of Jesus are not ashamed but expect God to provide the courage to be faithful. (vs. 20a)

Paul expects God to provide the loyalty (not ashamed) and courage that he will need to faithfully represent God.

Are you scared or unsure that you can live up to the expectations? On your own, you cannot but God is a God who provides.

Representatives of Jesus live for the exultation of Jesus. (vs. 21)

Jesus brings the most powerful, beautiful, transformative person and message. There is nothing better to love for.

Why can we be confident God will give us courage and loyalty? Because God’s own name and reputation are at stake in our lives. “so that”.

This loyalty to King Jesus is not a private affair but one that demands our whole selves. “in my body, by life or by death”.

Our suffering is a precious gift to us to for our good and God’s glory. (vs. 12-14, 29)

God delivers two beautiful gifts to us through Christ: belief unto salvation into His family and suffering for His name’s sake.

“On Christ’s behalf”

That means no matter what visits you in your life representing Jesus, you can be sure that it is a gift from God because it will be used to advance His purposes in your life and through your life.

vs. 12-14, Paul sees the gospel advancing due to his imprisonment.

Closing Questions for Consideration

Are you actually a representative of the King? Do you treasure Him?

Do you shape your understanding of hardship based on God’s view or according to our culture?

Are you invested in and reliant upon the people of God? Do not live this mission alone, that means you are not on the mission.

What is God pushing you to do, through His Spirit, that you have resisted because you were not sure you had the courage?

Who in your life is mentoring you so that you grow as a representative of the King?