Ambassadors of Christ2 Cor. 5:18-20

Charles Lin9/28/2014

BOLGPC

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

How Do We Become Ambassadors of Christ?

Be a Citizen of God's Kingdom

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

1. Admit We All Sinned

• We can never be perfect and sinless by our own ways.

• We can never be good enough in the sight of God.• No amount of change can truly improve our

physical, emotional and spiritual lives permanently.• No amount of education and efforts/methods can

correct our sinful nature and give us a good life.

2. Ask Jesus To Come Into Our Lives

• Rev. 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Old vs. New Life Old Life New Life Under law Under grace ( Rom. 6:14) Slaves to sin (Rom. 6:11). Earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry (Col. 3:5)

Alive/Born again. Alive to God in Christ Jesus (Rom 6:11). Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3).

Corrupted by its deceitful desires ( Eph. 4:22)

True righteousness and holiness ( Eph. 4:24 )

Fall short of the glory of God ( Rom. 3:23 )

Are His workmanship (Eph, 2:10)

Enemies of God (Rom. 5:10) Reconciled to God through the death of His Son ( Rom. 5:10)

Sons of disobedience (Eph. 2:2) Are Christ’s ambassadors ( Eph. 5:20)

Separated from life of God (Eph 4:18)

Has abundant life ( John 10:10)

Req. Ambassadors of Christ

• 1 Cor. 1:9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord

• 2 Cor. 6:1 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain

1. Know The Heart of Christ

• Rom. 12:2 Do not conform 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.

• Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

2. Communicate With Christ

• 1 The. 5:17 pray continually

• Daily devotion

3. Set on Christ’s Interests• Matt. 6:9-109 Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,10 your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.

• Matt. 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

4. Represent Christ Well

• Matt. 5:13-16 13 You are the salt of the earth… 14 You are the light of the world. … 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

5. Ready To Be Sent

• 2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

• Eph. 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ambassadors of ChristCitizen of God's Kingdom• Admit We All Sinned • Ask Jesus To Come Into Our Lives

Req. Ambassadors of Christ• Know the heart of Christ • Communicate with Christ• Set on Christ’s interests • Represent Christ well • Ready to be sent