Christ's Ambassadors
Christ’s Ambassadors!
We like to call ourselves Christians, but that term isn’t enough. Yes, it means “Christ-Like” or to be like Jesus, but that doesn’t fully take in what we truly are. We are Christian Servants, or servants of Christ; to put it even better we are Christ’s Ambassadors! Need to live carefully because you are the only Bible some people will read.
Paul asked for complete dedication to Christ in service. Just having spiritual gifts while that is needed isn’t enough to give us the authority to use them we must have certain qualities. Remember the parable of the talents?
Text
Romans 12:3-8KJV
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
1. Humility Verse 3
a. Don’t think too high of your self instead think with soberness of mind.
Romans 12:3KJV
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
b. Don’t be conceited or vain, spiritual gifts don’t make us better or higher than anyone else. Neither do talents, they are all to be used for God’s glory! Christianity doesn’t make us better it makes us blessed!
Proverbs 16:18-19KJV
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
c. As pride goes before destruction, we need to remember to remain humble, sober and ready full of faith.
1 Peter 5:8KJV
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:8AMP
Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
2. Cooperation Verse 5
a. In Christ we are all one body members of each other, one church nobody more than anyone else.
Romans 12:5KJV
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
b. This verse has several important things to teach us
(1.) You must accept yourself
(2.) You must be aware of the importance of every ministry
(3.) You must use your talent/gift to help others, & to glorify God
1 Corinthians 12:25-26KJV
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
c. If we do anything let us do it in love and above all let us do it together!
Hebrews 10:24-25KJV
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
3. Virtue Verse 6
a. Having differing gifts according to the grace given us. We are all here together for a purpose God will send what is needed. Some have one gift some another but we can work together.
Romans 12:6KJV
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
b. Everyone can possess a gift and that gift should be used not put on a mantle to brag about.
1 Peter 4:10KJV
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
c. Above all else we must possess one special thing that is evident in every one of us and that is charity or love!
1 Corinthians 13:2KJV
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Conclusion:
You can make a big difference in your church, your family, your community, if you have the right attitude when you serve the Lord.
1 Peter 4:11AMP
Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).