The Ambassador Principle - Traveling Together Pt. 2

One thing I failed to do last week is explain this series title,Traveling Together. American Christians often wrestle with belief that we are supposed to be rugged individuals. This often results in church members who fall into several traps. One trap we addressed last week is sin. Though we are accountable to God, it is clear in scripture that we need each other to help in the battle against sin. A more subtle trap is ineffective ministry. This may not be noticeable at first, but over time you will see that people who are disconnected from a local body, even if they are investing in those around them will often struggle to plug people in with those around them. Another trap is often isolation. Most of the time we find this okay until we run into trouble and look around realize we don’t know anyone. This sad reality happens becuase we refuse to travel together. We are called to be a body, which for the most part means we all have to work together to help each other in times of need and in opportunities to grow and minister together. In other words in our journey towards eternity, believers are not just grouping together to run programs and services. We are called to traveling together to encourage each other to ultimately know Jesus more fully and make Him known. Traveling together is a series meant to help us learn to follow Jesus by loving each other well and to loving the world around us together. So as we look at this weeks topic please take time to meditate on both your personal responsibility in the Kingdom of God and also on this beautiful thing we call the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:4–8 HCSB

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God activates each gift in each person. A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial: to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit,

1 Corinthians 12:4–8 CSB

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God produces each gift in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit,

In other words in our journey toward eternity believers are not just grouping together to run programs and services. We are called to traveling together to encourage each other to ultimately know Jesus more fully and make Him known. Traveling together is a series meant to help us learn to follow Jesus by loving each other well and to loving the world around us together. So as we look at this weeks topic please take time to meditate on both your personal responsibility in the Kingdom of God and also on this beautiful thing we call the body of Christ.

NASB95“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Romans 12:4–5 NASB95

For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

John 13:34–35 NASB95

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Romans 12:1–5 NASB95

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

John 13:34–35 NASB95

Romans 12:4–5 NASB95

For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

John 13:34–35 NASB95

Colossians 3:12–14 NIV84

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

This reality is not new to many of us but let me ask a

Take a look at .

1 Corinthians 12:4–8 CSB

4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God produces each gift in each person. 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: 8 to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit,

1 Corinthians 12:4–7 CSB

This week are trying to address the second trap. The trap of less effective ministry. Individualism taints our ministry but also cause us to lose sight on what our overall goal is. So what is it? I guess another way to ask it is, “Why are we here?” That is a huge philosophical question. Let me ask it another way, “Why don’t we just die when we accept Christ?”

Paul shows us that it is healthy for us to understand that God has made us all unique, but that the Holy Spirit binds us together. If we do not embrace this uniqueness we will end up frustrated or even divided. This is not only very dangerous it is honestly sin. It cause us to focus on power, winning and ultimately building our own kingdoms rather then God’s Kingdom. So what do we do? One of the first things we needs to do is to recognize that we all come with gifts, skills, quirks and baggage. The second thing is we need to embrace those non-sinful differences and recognize that Christ has called us to be active members of His Kingdom. Embracing this reality actually helps us be more patient and loving. It helps us to travel together. How this looks will vary, but it also has some consistent principles for everyone. Today we are going to focus on one of these principles. Living by this principle helps us to understand how our gifting, passions and personalities fit together to make something bigger then our imagination could ever dream up. I also think it answers an important question.

When I was asked to speak tonight all this had not happened. So on Tuesday, Dave called me and gave me some more updates. We talked and decided to keep my topic the same. He asked me to be very practical and applicable. Of coarse that is my desire. As we talk tonight I, I am not going to defend the goodness of God in the midst of tragedy. He is good, I do not have to. There are people in our church who will discuss this with you if you feel the need. I will also not give you a list of things to do, the Internet still works for most of us, if you are looking for ways to engage I am sure there will be people willing to help you do that. No tonight we are going to briefly talking about the lifestyle we have to have to engage properly. For some of you that last statement might make you think, “what?’ That is right I said, “lifestyle we have to have to engage properly.” In response some might think, “Alex, we just need to get out there and do something.” In some respects your right. However there is an underlying truth, for believers in Jesus that must be there to engage people properly. It is found in . Before we go any further lets take a second and read this passage:

One of the beautiful things about God’s Kingdom economy is that He fits us into His Kingdom in a way that makes sense. When we receive His free gift of salvation He gives us a spiritual gift in the body of Christ. Then when we humbly follow Him, He uses our gifting, our passions and our personalities to impact those around us. What this looks like will vary, but it will also has some consistent principles for everyone. Today we will hit on several of those consistent principles but we are going to hone in on one.

This an essential principle for every believer in Jesus. When we live by this principle it changes the way we look at people, our reason for being here, even the way we look at our schedules change. Take a look at this video. (Play first part) - 44:10 - 45:30

(Play first part) - 44:10 - 45:30

Take a look at this video. (Play first part) - 44:10 - 45:30

First:

1. This Kingdom work will be an overflow of your personal relationship with Jesus. ()

If we struggle to be in relationship with Jesus. We will struggle to have be a consistent ambassador for Him. When we do not seek to follow Him we often do not deal with our sin, remain in conversation with Him or seek to maintain healthy relationships with others. All of these things effect how we view those around us and how we will interact with people. Related to this is we are called to live for Him in the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. We are called to live by the power of His Spirit. ()

Dave will talk about this more in the next few weeks but abiding in Him is a key role in our lives with Him. However there is an underlying truth, for believers in Jesus that must be there to engage people properly. It is found in . Before we go any further lets take a second and read this passage:

Dave will talk about this more in the next few weeks but abiding in Him is a key role in our lives with Him. One of the key ways to do this is by having a consistent and healthy prayer life. Next:

3. His Word is our primary source. ()

This passage connects the goodness of being a people in the word with being a holy priesthood. The last essential will be what we look at the for the rest of our time together. Here it is,

4. We are called to be His ambassadors.

However there is an underlying truth, for believers in Jesus that must be there to engage people properly. It is found in . Before we go any further lets take a second and read this passage:

Has anyone else ever asked this question? Maybe not in a negative way, but even philosophically. I think the principle we are talking about today is the reason we are left here. Don’t worry I’ll let you know what it is in a second, but think about it, if we instantly died when we accepted Christ or were even sucked up to heaven what would life be like? Who would share the gospel, raise our kids, have kids? How would the Great Commission be fulfilled? To go straight to heaven after we receive Christ is possibly the worst plan I can think of for God’s kingdom to expand. Not to mention this, most people don’t want to die. Just imagine if you were standing next to me and you said, “Alex, I am going to receive Jesus in a sec. When I do I am going to drop dead. So don’t be scared. In fact you should receive Him to so you can die.” Especially before I came into relationship with Christ the last thing I wanted to do was die. I would just be like “I’m out of here.” I’m probably not the only who would feel that way. No one would have been there for God to work through to call me to Himself. So in His all knowing, all loving and ever present way He knows that His plan will work when He leaves us here.

Well that begs the question then of, “What is His plan and what does it have to do with this principle you keep flying around?” Why does He think leaving us here to face challenges, rejection, pain and suffering is the better then just zapping us into heaven? I honestly do not have a complete answer to that question. I think there are things about our character and definitely somethings about His sovereignty and plan for the world, but as to a definitive answer I cannot tell you. One thing I do know though is we are left here for a purpose, and that purpose is so that we can be His people who work among those who do not know Him yet. We are made to be His Ambassadors. In His great plan He understood that through us He can work in others to draw them into relationship. He understands that when people see us struggle and we tell them God is taking care of us, that resounds with His glory. Paul understood this. As we look at our passage today my prayer is that our hearts as a church would be united as a group of ambassadors intent on representing Him in every aspect of our lives. So go ahead and turn to and lets look at what it is like to live out the ambassador principle.

As you turn to this passage I am going give a little background to the passage we are about to cover.

In Paul goes into great detail about what this means and even how it looks. As you turn to this passage I am going to pray for our time together and give a little background to the passage we are about to cover.

2 Corinthians was written as response to the grumblings of the Corinthian church against the founder, Paul. These grumblings were reinforced by a group of people who sought to discredit Paul’s ministry so that they could control the Corinthians church. Their end game was to force a pseudo-Christian theology that Christ was not enough to save them, but Christ + something else was what they needed.

Though this is not a very large section, I think it helps to separate them into three smaller sections; the theology of an ambassador, the attitude of the ambassador and the role of an ambassador. So lets take look at the verses 11 - 15, the theology of the ambassador.

11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. 12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

Theology of the Ambassador (11 - 15)

Understanding the theology of behind this principle helps us to see the value of living this out in our daily lives. Notice how Paul starts this passage. “Therefore, knowing the fear of God...” He is tired of the Corinthians questioning his legitimacy and starts by addressing the why behind his ministry. So starts by addressing the fact that Christ ambassadors have an healthy view of God.

Christ Ambassadors:

Have a healthy view of God.

Seek healthy relationships with other believers.

Fearing the Lord is often misunderstood by believers today. We often look what Jesus did and even the fact that He called His disciples friends, that applies to us as well by the way, to mean that we do not need to have a deep reverence for God anymore. He never stops being God, this means we never have the option to treat Him in a way that does not show deep reverence and understanding that He is our King and we are not. When we remember this we will seek to live for Him, to please Him and ultimately to know Him more. Paul understood if He is to live by the fear of the Lord he has a call to persuade people. For Paul it was a no brainer if you know Jesus you tell people about Jesus. This was not about checking off boxes for Him. For Him to “persuade men” was not just about sharing the Gospel, but also about being in right relationship with fellow believers. Check out the rest of 11 and 12. but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. 12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. Paul is sure he is good with God. So he turns to the Corinthians and lets them know he wants a good relationship with them. He wants to make sure that the Corinthians understand his place properly in the Kingdom of God. He wants them to be able to look at the guys who are trying to tear Paul down and say, “Listen buddy this man has more credibility with us then you ever will. He is a man who puts Christ first and who has habitually put us before himself. He loves us and all these things you are bringing up about him are worthless lies.” One author put it this way, “His goal is to open up for them a new way to interpret the evidence so they can reevaluate his ministry from God’s point of view and defend him against any detractors.” (David Garland). Do you see how Paul is already revealing his ambassadorship? He is making a point to show that this is really is not about him. It is about the Corinthians not just giving Paul the respect he should get but about them getting right with God. He wraps up this little section talking about his heart to reach them and his total abandonment of self to serve God and them. Check out what he says next,

14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

1) 11 – 13 The theology of being an ambassador has to start with a right view of God. Notice how Paul starts his section. “Therefore, knowing the fear of God...” He is tired of it and starts bringing out the big sticks “Knowing the fear of the Lord” he knows God so what does he want to do…look at the next statement. That’s right “we persuade men.” For Paul it was a no brainer if you know Jesus you tell people about Jesus. To him being in Christ is not just about being an evangelist. It is about being in right relationship with those he knows check out the rest of 11 and 12. Paul is sure he is good with God. So he turns to the Corinthians and lets them know he wants a good relationship with them. He wants to be manifest to them. He wants them to be able to look at the guys who are trying to tear Paul down and say, “Listen buddy this man has more credibility with us then you ever will. He is a man who puts Christ first and who has habitually put us before himself. He loves us and all these things you are bringing up about him are worthless lies.” One author put it this way, “His goal is to open up for them a new way to interpret the evidence so they can reevaluate his ministry from God’s point of view and defend him against any detractors.” [1] Do you see how Paul is already revealing his ambassadorship in this passage? It really is not about him. It is about the Corinthians not just giving Paul the respect he should get but about them getting right with God. He wraps up this little section talking about his heart to reach them and his total abandonment of self to serve God and them. Check out what he says next. Someone read 14 – 15.

2) 14 – 15 Another translation put it this way the love of Christ “leaves us no choice” (NEB). Paul is clarifying his statement in verse 13. He wants them to understand whatever he looks like or how he sounds it is the love of Christ that is his team’s motivation, not power over the Corinthians. This is not about him, he is passionate about seeing them grow and to know the love Christ has for them. He wants them to know that they are not a project to him, but he views them with their good in mind. He knows if they go down the path of following these others they will not be in right relationship with Jesus. Notice another thing here. Paul is typically looked at as a lone ranger, but notice the pronouns in this verse. “For the love of Christ controls us...” Paul is speaking for his team. The people he is traveling with and who invested in the Corinthians with him. Their collective desire is to see Christ glorified in the lives of the Corinthians.

This is a side not but if we are going to be effective ambassadors we have to work as a team. We may not be able to be together in a physical sense but we should be praying for each other and asking for each others help in making disciples in our neighborhoods, work places and on campus. This is what traveling together is about. We are more effective when team up to reach out.

Paul’s approach to them he is not being rude, but he is to the point and he is loving. It is clear he is not going to say things to manipulate them into keeping them into keeping him around. Another way to put this is he is not afraid to loose then, because when the love of Christ controls us there is no room for fear. puts it this way.

Okay back to Paul’s interaction with the Corinthians. Notice he is not being rude, but he is to the point and he is loving. It is clear he is not going to say things to manipulate them into keeping him around. Another way to put this is he is not afraid to loose them, because when the love of Christ controls us there is no room for fear. puts it this way.

1 John 4:18 CSB

There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love.

What does it look like for the love of Christ to control us? We have to wrestle with this. If the love of Christ is controlling us, we are a Kingdom builder for Jesus not for ourselves. Notice this passage does not say, “Paul’s love for Christ” it says the “for the love of Christ”. Paul understands that he is only working by Jesus Christ’s love for the Corinthians and himself. This what sustains his passion for these people in the midst of their rejection of him and the attacks on his character. One author put this way. “His life is a Christ-driven life, one driven, not by what he must do and accomplish, but by what God has done for him and yet does in him.” (Seifrid, Pillar 2 Cor.) The next phrase Paul uses is a short hand statement of the gospel, “having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died.” Paul is reminding them and now us that we should have died for our sins but instead Jesus died in our place. All other reasons we are His ambassadors build off of this reality! We did not choose Him to die for us, he chose to die for us and stepped down from heaven to enter into the world He created but we ruined. Jesus set the pace for all ambassadors. Jesus, calls us into relationship with Him and our ambassadorship is a result of that. It is not something we do to repay Him. It grows out of our relationship with Him. I want to make that clear because so often we feel we have to do this compulsory act on His behalf. That is dangerous and also not sustainable. Thankfully Paul shows us how to follow Christ as we travel together. “so that those who live may not live for themselves but for the one died and rose again on their behalves.” Sometimes this truth can be the hardest one to live with. I don’t know about you, but for me letting go of what I view as freedom (dying to self) to live for someone else can be a difficult exchange. However if our theology of ambassadorship is correct it makes more sense to let things go and follow Christ. Having a correct view of God determines whether or not we accept to live out the ambassador principle. When we choose to embrace this role we recognize that God is enough and He is not going to rip us off. We embrace the fact that we are vessels of Christ’s love, this is more then a duty it is a response.

His life is a Christ-driven life, one driven, not by what he must do and accomplish, but by what God has done for him and yet does in him.

“His life is a Christ-driven life, one driven, not by what he must do and accomplish, but by what God has done for him and yet does in him.”

The love of Christ controls the

Are vessels of Christ’s love.

The Attitude of the Ambassador (16 - 17)

Addressing the Theology of being an ambassador Paul now moves on to the new attitude an ambassador must have. Take a look at

Paul goes onto say why, He concluded that Christ died for all which simply means that He died in their place. They should have died but instead He died for their sin. He was their substitute. This is one of the reasons we are His ambassadors; He did this for us! We did not choose Him to die for us, he chose to die for us and stepped down from heaven to enter into the world He created but we ruined. This is key for you to understand the Ambassador principle---Jesus was the King who died for His people. He set the pace for all ambassadors. So picking up where Paul is in 15. He reinforces his ambassadorship, “so that those who live may not live for themselves but for the one died and rose again on their behalves.”

Addressing the Theology of being an ambassador Paul now moves on to the new attitude an ambassador must have. Take a look at verses 16 - 17:

[1] David E. Garland, vol. 29, 2 Corinthians, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 273.

16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Paul uses another “therefore” statement to signal a connection between the love of Christ controlling them and the way they do life. He starts with his attitude toward Jesus. Paul’s aggressive nature before he became a believer shows he had a very low regard for Christ, but as a believer he recognizes that Jesus is the holy Son of God – He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. With this Paul sees that He belongs to Christ. Noticed His view of people has also changed. He does not look at people as tools or as members of rival factions, or as lesser then himself. He looks at them as Christ does. He sees them as people broken, hurting and in need of his King. He wants them to know his King, to join Christ Kingdom. If they are already in Christ Kingdom he wants them to be right with Christ, him and each other. This hits everything. If you have a relationship with Jesus today you are called to be this way. This may sound constraining, but it is in all reality freeing. This is working by our design. Our gifting and our talents work toward this. This is not personality based so introverts and extroverts are called to this attitude. That is the beauty of it. Jesus wants you to be you for Him. Take a look at .

John 15:8 NASB95

8 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

Jesus wants you to bear fruit of both character and people changed becuase you are His ambassador. He wants you to joyfully take up your cross and follow Him.

a) Attitude is where the Ambassador Principle starts to get put into practice. We can outwardly agree to the theology of being an ambassador all day long, but never adopt it into our hearts. This result in giving lip service to Jesus but not really serving Him and those He puts in our lives. I personally know that I am not living by the ambassador principle when I begin inwardly judging people. For example I remember one time I had asked a leadership team of students to do a project that was designed to help them see how Jesus views those who do not know Him. So I went to Cafe Plaid (For those of you that are new to Norman this was an awesome little cafe on campus corner, until they decided to close down.) and started going through the project. At one point I realized that every one in the coffee shop seemed different than me. Most probably had different worldviews then me and they all talked different to me. (So it seemed) I began to get critical of them, but the Lord showed me how I was thinking. I realized how prejudice I was. Though no one knew what was going on I knew that I was not willing to build God’s kingdom at that point. I was good resting in my own little kingdom where I got to decide who was good or not. I know that sounds very critical of myself, but that is what sin does. It creates pain for me and others, and that day it created pain for me and if I had stayed in that pain it would have eventually created pain for others. So what are some other ways we can tell if our attitude is in the right place? Here are some ideas:

i) As I have told these stories do you see areas in your life when you might turn form big K Kingdom building to being a little k builder?

b) Many times I see students building their own kingdoms these ways:

We know our attitude is in the right place when we:

Prayer life is healthy and consistent.

Want to see God’s agenda accomplished more then our own.

When we are consistently trying to bless those around you.

When we take time to appropriately share the gospel. ()

You put yourself out there for others good.

When you clear up relationships quickly.

What about the opposite.

When do you know your attitude is in the wrong place?

Engage only when encouraged to by those leading you.

ii) Engage for limited amount of time.

Engage in relationships for personal benefit.

Hold grudges or refuse to try to heal relationships with wisdom.

iv) Hold grudges for things people did.

v) Gossip to make people look bad and self good.

vi) Constantly disagree with leaders and co-laborers because you think you are right.

Try to make others look bad so that we will look better.

vii) Push back with employers or professors because you think you have it more together then they do. In other words it is not a topic issue it is a personality issue.

viii) Push back with professors in way that seems mocking or undercutting even when they firmly stand against the Word of God.

This can be a boss, coworker, spouse, professor, friend and even your pastor. It doesn't matter. We don’t even have to be overt about it. We might just throw out a comment here or there. Over time that will stick.

ix) Talk real spiritual to get peer brownie points but refuse to follow it up with authentic Character.

Refuse to engage in gospel conversations.

c) Suggest listening to “Principle of Receiving” by Jack Taylor

Checking our attitude is hard. When we fall into these wrong attitudes the best thing we can do is repent and clear up the damage the best we can. As we begin to adopt the attitude of an ambassador we call also live out the role of one. The beauty is God wants to live out our role. Check out what Paul says in 18 - 21.

The Role of an Ambassador (18 - 21)

18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Paul has talked about the theology and the attitude of an ambassador and now he shows us the role of the ambassador. It is not complicated in the sense of what needs to be done. He sums it up beautifully in verse 18. “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” Paul recognized that through the finished work of Christ God was working through Paul and his team to reconcile people to Himself. This is the chief role of an ambassador. It is not to profit in some way, but it is to represent the Lord and to accomplish the work the Lord puts on his or her heart. The Father is actively working to bring people to Himself through Christ. He works through His chosen vessel; those who follow Him. David Garland put it this way, “Paul is the only NT writer to use the word reconciliation when he uses the verb it is used in the active voice, Christ or God is always the subject; when it is used in the passive voice, humans are the subject. In other words, “God reconciles; man is reconciled.” Why does this matter? It shows we are not the ones reconciling ourselves to God and we are not reconciling others to God. We are being reconciled to Him through Christ. Take a look at 19, “namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” PThe Triune God is at work calling men and women, asking them to come into vibrant relationship with their Creator. Based on these verses what role do we take? Paul gives us the answer in verse 20 – 21. He is clear the Lord had called him and the rest of us to be ambassadors. Our role as ambassadors empowers us to travel together so that we can help one another walk with Christ. Not just through accountability but also through helping each other in the body of Christ. We are also called to reach out to those who do not have a relationship with Christ. Our roles is to engage, His is to work through us to do the impossible. You see as we act as ambassadors Jesus is meeting the needs of those around us. Not just physical needs but deeper needs. People who are lost need Jesus to remake them as verse 17 says. He also wants to meet our needs so when people are acting as ambassadors of Christ to us we need to receive them. Just as the Father called the body of Corinth through His ambassador He is calling us to both be there for people and to receive help even if it is uncomfortable. We have a responsibility to respond, based on Christ working through each of us. That is what verse 21 is about. Paul reminds these folks, the Father made them the righteousness of God through Christ literally taking our sin to the cross with Him. He recreated them, just like He has with us. How does this look for us today? Donald Whitney put it this way, “We ought to have an obsession for souls, and tearfully plead with God to see more people converted, but conversions are fruit that God alone can give.” in Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. So whether we are relating to those who have chosen to follow Christ or those who have not our call is to represent Christ. We have talked the about the why and the what but how do we do this. How do we live out this ambassador role? Like all things I can guarantee this is a lot easier to talk about then it is to live out. But here are some things to think through.

[1] David E. Garland, vol. 29, 2 Corinthians, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 289.

Application

As you ponder your role of ambassador I would encourage you to take some time to look inwardly. We do not need to be navel gazers. You know what that is? A person who walks around and says, “whoa is me, i cant do much right.” We do need to be people who look at their lives and make honest assessments. Some of us might realize you know I have played church for while I need to be reconciled with Jesus. It sounds a little funny but He wants that for you more than you do. Basically to do that is to say, Jesus, I know that you love me and I know that I have rebelled against you by sinning. would you please forgive me for that sin and would you please come into my life and make me new like this passage says. There is more information about receiving Jesus in your bulletin or I’d encourage you to ask one of your friends or one of the pastors here today. For those of us who have made that decision we need to look inwardly and assess whether or not we truly submitting our lives to Christ. is a good way to do this. This passage gives us some good steps to assess and then to move forward in being an ambassador.

Paul writes:

Romans 12:1–5 NIV84

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

The letter of 2 Corinthians is a response to the grumblings of the Corinthian church against the founder of the church, Paul. These grumblings were reinforced by a group of people who were intent on discrediting Paul’s ministry so that they could control the Corinthians. They were trying to force a pseudo-Christian theology that Christ was not enough to save them, but Christ + something else. Form 1.12 – 7.4 Paul vigorously defends himself and his ministry against those attacking his credibility. In the midst of this passage we find the passage we are looking at today. Paul’s point is essentially, “Look at me, my life, everything I do, is not about me it is about Christ. I am not trying to build the Kingdom of Paul, I am trying to build the Kingdom of Christ. Now lets fix our relationship and partner for the Kingdom of God.” If we look at Paul’s language in this passage it is not, “Hey I do not like you believing these lies about me they hurt my feelings stop.” They are, “

Verse 1 - Have I offered my body to God? Does He get final say or do I?

Have I submitted everything I am, have and do to God (even the non-spiritual things)? Does my character reflect what I say I believe?

Verse 2 - Am I seeking to be part of the process of renewing my mind?

Am I letting go of my old sin patterns and beliefs? Do I ask for wisdom and help from God and others?

Verse 3 - 5 - Am I using the gift He has given me to bless the body of Christ and those who do not yet know Him?

Have I found out my Spiritual gifting and am I using it? Am I okay with who God has made me?

God has given us all a gift or some gifts and we need to use them. With that though we are also given commands. So we are called to be ambassadors both to believers and non-alike. Consistently trying to use our gifts for His glory. This needs to be done with humility and love.

· we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.

· so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.

We are left here to be His ambassadors. This is not the only reason but I believe it is one of the principle reasons we are here. This is fundamental for all of us who have come into relationship with Him. If you have not yet, this is something to consider before you make the choice to follow Him. The Christian life is one of great adventure and joy. Watching someone get “it” for the first time or for the fortieth is a gift God gives to us. It’s like seeing a baby take their first step or say their first word. To see Christ work through us to impact the world is not only our role, but it is also the reward. As I wrap up let me ask you, “What is your next step?” The three questions from might be a good place to figure that out. I cannot answer that for you, but I know who can. So lets ask Him to guide us together. “

· For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

· Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh;

· gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

· we are ambassadors for Christ

· be reconciled to God

· He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Being an Ambassador

These are all statements of one who is working on behalf of another. Paul is not trying to just make himself feel better. He is acting out of the person he was created to be through the One who created him. He is being an ambassador. So as we talk for the next few minuets about living out the lifestyle the Father called us through by accepting His Son begin to think through what your response is going to be to what is happening right now in Moore. Think bigger too. Is this lifestyle this principle of sorts going to be how you live your life all the time? Those of us who have made conscious decisions to be Christ followers have signed up for this lifestyle. It is how we work best. It is the Ambassador life. How does this work at home, how does this work at work? How does this work when you are in the community serving or hanging out with friends? Paul did it by being a Big K kingdom builder. His concern with the Kingdom of God, not his little k Kingdom of Paul. Ultimately that is the point we are talking about. Ambassadors are Big K builders.

Kings are little k builders. We make the choice. Before we accepted Christ, we were focused on our own kingdoms. When a person accepts Christ he/she is brought into a dynamic relationship that includes being an ambassador focused on the Christ’ Kingdom.

How can I tell when I building little k kingdoms?

It is easy for Christ followers to fall back into little kingdom building. Here are some tell tale signs when we do.

1) Engage only when encouraged to by those leading you.

2) Engage for limited amount of time.

3) Engage for personal benefit. (IE: Look at me.)

4) Hold grudges and refuses to clear up relationships.

5) Says they have forgiven people but will not act like.

6) Gossip to make people look bad and self good.

7) Engage only when a good time for self.

8) Constantly disagree with leaders and co-laborers because you think you are right.

9) Push back with employers or professors because you think you have it more together then they do. In other words it is not a topic issue it is a personality issue.

10) Not respectfully disagreeing with those in authority. Even when they are violating scriptural truth.

11) Talk real spiritual to get peer brownie points but refuse to follow it up with authentic Character.

12) Serve people without being willing to bring Christ up. There are times when we serve and bringing up Christ will not happen. That is not what I am talking about. I am talking about situations where we are not willing to risk bringing up Christ and say, “Oh well at least I did something good for that person.” This is little k building because you are at the center of it, if you are not then something other then Christ is.

Ultimately that is the difference. Being a big K kingdom builder has Christ at the center. However, being a little k builder has something other then Christ. What your doing may truly be others centered, but if it is not Christ centered it is focused on some less then the King. In fact it might be that two people can be doing the same exact thing and one is Big K building and the other little k building. Ultimately the difference is this: Is what I am doing either because biblically I know it is right to do and I have not been asked King Jesus to do something else and Jesus as my master I will go and do what You ask because Your kingdom is my concern not my own. Rather then, It’s my life I will do what I want.

So you might be thinking, “Alex we get this whole live for Christ not for self. How can I do this?”

The How: Areas to think through as you try to live out the ambassador principle.

1) Right view of God:

a) ,

b) Need to understand that you are not just saved to work you were drawn into relationship to relate.

c) The outflow of a relationship with God is glorifying Him.

2) Mouth:

a) Need to understand your mouth is a world of evil. ()

b) Need to live out as you seek to build the Kingdom of God.

i) Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,

ii) but only such a word as is good for edification

iii) according to the need of the moment,

iv) so that it will give grace to those who hear.

There is a great man who makes every man feel small, but the really great man is the man who makes everyman feel great. G.K. Chesterson

3) Serving:

a) ,

b) Serving involves at least three things

i) Engaging – being where you are at

ii) Observing – looking to meet needs before they are mentioned and if you do not see them soon enough help when asked. Be creative

iii) Thinking – think through what it is going to take to get it done

(1) Gathering others if you can or need to

iv) Doing – get it done as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Serving is literally spending yourself. John Maxwell, Stephen Graves and Thomas Addington, Life@Work

4) Intentional with the Lord and people:

a) ,

b) Disciple-making

c) Situational

d) Suggest listening to “Principle of Receiving” by Jack Taylor

“As I get into relationships I automatically begin to see how I can invest in them.” John Strappazon

5) Disciplined:

a) ,

b) In your Spiritual Life

c) In the classroom – a student does not have a leg to stand on when he or she defends their faith after not being in class most of the semester and not turning in quality work.

d) In your office - you do not work you do not speak.

“Laziness never leads to Godliness.” Donald Whitney Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

6) Seek to be a person of character:

a) ,

“No amount of reputation can substitute for character." Warren W. Wiersbe.

"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble."

Conclusion

Many of us know the distinct difference in our kingdom approaches. We know when we are living for a King as an ambassador and we know when we are building our own mini-kingdoms. I hope these things have helped shed light on what, why and how to be an ambassador. Before I pray I want to ask you a question for you to ponder. “What kingdom are you seeking to build?” Is there something I have said today that you have realized is in your life, good or bad. If there is work from there. We will not be big K builders until we are honest with ourselves so that we can join God where He is at work and build the way He wants. David would you please come up.

[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .

Related Media

Related Sermons

The Ambassador Principle - Traveling Together Pt. 2

Introduction

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Theology of the Ambassador (11 - 15)

The Attitude of the Ambassador (16 - 17)

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The Role of an Ambassador (18 - 21)

Application

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Being an Ambassador

How can I tell when I building little k kingdoms?