Be a Worthy Ambassador! - Santosh Poonen - August 2, 2015
http://rlcfchurch.org/sermons/be-a-worthy-ambassador River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
God has called every believer to be an ambassador for His kingdom, meaning we must live with the dignity and responsibility of representing Him. The message emphasizes running the race of faith with all our energy, striving to win the prize of Jesus Christ, lest we be disqualified. Ultimately, God's grace is so profound that He can factor in our failures and detours to fulfill His perfect plan for our lives.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God has called you to be an ambassadorGod has intentionally allowed Jesus to not be physically present right now so that He can send us as His ambassadors to make His appeal to the world.
The responsibility of representing GodBeing an ambassador means responsibility and living a careful life so people can see the kingdom through us rather than ordinary earth-loving lives.
Following Paul's example of running to winPaul turned completely from self-righteousness to pursue Jesus, urging believers to run in a way that they may win.
Disciplining the bodyRunning to win means disciplining your body and making it your slave, telling it to do what it should do instead of what it wants to do.
Avoiding disqualificationIf you do not run as if to win and instead delay giving your whole life to God, Paul makes it clear that you will be disqualified.
Jesus must be the prizeThis is a race of pursuing Jesus one hundred percent where there is no second place and Jesus must be the prize every moment of your life.
Paul finishing his racePaul could say he finished his race and won the gold medal of Jesus, despite having previously been a murderer and persecutor of Christians.
God factors in your failuresGod has factored in the failures and detours of your life so that you can still fulfill His perfect plan and be conformed to the image of Jesus.
Christ Jesus came to save sinnersPaul states it is a trustworthy statement that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, even placing himself as the worst among them.1 Timothy 1:15
Demonstrating perfect patienceGod showed mercy to Paul so Jesus Christ could demonstrate His perfect patience, showing He can take the worst situation and make it perfect.
God lays His hand on youNo matter your failure or how much of a wretch you feel like, God has been drawing you and laying His hand on your shoulder.
To whom much has been givenHaving received the glorious truths of this kingdom that many around us have not heard, much is required of us as responsible ambassadors.
Wake up and fulfill your appointmentQuoting Paul's testimony from Acts, the speaker calls believers to wake up and recognize they are appointed as ambassadors to open people's eyes.
Representing the King of KingsGiven the seal of the Holy Spirit, we represent the Almighty God and must walk with dignity, refusing the petty things and muck of this earth.
Standing firm in moments of temptationWhen facing temptation to sin or slip back into old behavior, remember God's call, stand up, and read His words to run as if to win.
