Being an Ambassador for Christ
VBC Albuquerque · Sep 29, 2024
This sermon clearly teaches that believers are ambassadors of Christ, called to live in society without being assimilated by worldly values. Based on the letter of the prophet Jeremiah sent to the exiled people in Babylon, the sermon teaches that we must integrate into our community while maintaining our faith and the purpose of spreading the Gospel.
The opening section presents the definition and significance of the ambassadorial office for Christ. An ambassador is an ancient term meaning an official representative of a king, sent to accomplish a special and important mission, representing not only the king but also the entire country and nation. Modern Bible translations use the word "ambassador" to denote a person sent by a president or prime minister to another country to represent their nation. The apostle Paul teaches clearly that all believers are ambassadors of Christ, responsible for proclaiming reconciliation between God and humanity.
The second section develops the theological premise that ambassadors must live in the land of exile without complete separation or isolation. Based on the historical context of Jeremiah 29, when King Nebuchadnezzar forced the Judean people to leave Jerusalem and be exiled in Babylon, God commanded them to settle, work, live, and pray for the peace and prosperity of the city. Believers must understand that where we live is not by chance but by God's appointment, as Acts 17:26-27 teaches that God brought forth all nations and determined the times and boundaries of their habitation so they would seek God. Our residence in cities such as Albuquerque, Dallas, or Saigon is all within God's plan for us to become light, salt of the earth, and a city set on a hill.
The third section applies the message to practical life by explaining two mistaken attitudes of God's people. First is isolation and withdrawal from society due to fear of becoming defiled or being rejected by friends and society. Second is assimilation, when believers are pressured by society and social networks (such as Facebook and Instagram) to live like the world, putting self first, pursuing material things, fame, and beauty. Scripture teaches that we live in the world but do not belong to the world, like a lotus flower in mud that does not smell of mud. The apostle Paul advises not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewal of the mind to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
The fourth section presents the example of Christ in His incarnation. Christ came from the heavenly kingdom, was born and grew up in Nazareth, came to Jerusalem where He was despised and beaten, and was crucified outside the city. Jesus suffered this to make His people holy, to be saved from sin, to be declared righteous, and to be adopted as sons and daughters of God. Therefore, we are exhorted to go outside the camp, go to Him, and share in His disgrace, because our true homeland is not this earthly place but heaven.
The fifth section concludes with the specific conditions and responsibilities of an ambassador for Christ. An ambassador must be completely loyal to Christ who is the king he represents. The ambassador lives in the land of exile to speak of his homeland, helping people understand Christ. If there is conflict, the ambassador seeks reconciliation, becoming a bridge between God and humanity. The primary responsibility is to help those who have not heard of Christ to be reconciled with Him. An ambassador must be skillful, careful in speech and conduct, fluent in the language, and knowledgeable of customs and practices, but above all must understand clearly the will of Christ. As Paul teaches, believers must become all things to all people to save some, doing everything for the sake of the Gospel.