Follow Me – Part 2
This newest series of messages on Internet Pastor is called “Follow Me”.
We are in a series called “Follow Me” and are talking about what it means to respond to the invitation that Jesus has given us. Last week we talked about what it means to be a disciple. This week, we are going to talk about being an ambassador.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)
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.
What is an ambassador? An ambassador is a representative sent out on a mission to build relationships. Who do we represent? We represent Jesus in the world. Write this down, I represent Jesus in the world.
Philippians 3:19c-20 (NLT)
19 … all they think about is this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
We are citizens of heaven, here on temporary assignment.
1 Peter 1:1 (GW)
1 From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To God’s chosen people who are temporary residents {in the world} and are scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
So what is my assignment? To be an ambassador. How do I fulfill my assignment?
1. Live as an example
1 Peter 2:12 (NCV)
12 People who do not believe are living all around you and might say that you are doing wrong. Live such good lives that they will see the good things you do and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.
One of the first priorities of an ambassador is to set a good example.
There are two reasons why people don’t know the Lord. One of them is they’ve never met a Christian, and the other is they have. And they say if that’s what a follower of Jesus is, no thanks God. So you need to realize that your life is to be an example in everything you do.
2. Share the ambassador’s message
What is the ambassador’s message?
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (NIV)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 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 men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
We’re to help people make peace with God.
Have you ever bought a car? You have the salesman and when it gets time to close the deal he has to go and talk to someone, or pretend to talk to someone because he doesn’t have the authority to close the deal. Here is something interesting about being an ambassador for Jesus. You are authorized to close the deal. You don’t have to go to the manager in the back office. You can say to anyone, I am an ambassador for Jesus and I am authorized to make this offer in Jesus name. I can offer you His forgiveness for all the sin in your life, I can offer you His promise of eternal life with Him, and I can offer you His promise of a life with purpose now.
3. Love extravagantly
As an ambassador for Jesus you need to have a big heart. Because God is love you need to show love. How do I love extravagantly?
a. Use my life to meet other’s needs.
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)
8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
When you use your life to bless people, encourage people, serve people, do some sort of practical thing that helps them, you are ministering to them. You are showing love to meet their needs.
b. Give respect to everyone.
1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)
17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
As an ambassador of Jesus, you are to be respectful. Why? Because God values every person. It doesn’t matter who they are, what they’ve done, who they’ve done it to, or how long they’ve done it, they have the dignity of being created in the image of God.
Here is something to think about. Is an ambassador supposed to be dogmatic (asserting opinions in a doctrinaire or arrogant manner; opinionated.) or diplomatic? They are diplomatic. Dogmatic Christian’s are not ambassadors, and even if they are right, they are wrong. We need to win people over by letting them know that God loves them and has made a way for them, not by being critical and judgmental.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
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