READ: 2 Corinthians5 (Focus vs. 9-10 & 14-20)0
MEMORY VERSE
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
BACKGROUND
On the first day of a camp where Alan teaches teens entrepreneurial skills, a student said, “You’re a Christian, aren’t you? I can tell.”
Before Alan said he was a Christian or wore his favorite socks and ties decorated with Christian symbols, the teen said he saw Jesus through Alan’s words, actions, and attitude. They discussed how they could better represent Jesus wherever they go.
Saying we’re Christian and wearing clothes with Christian messages are good things. However, the Bible teaches that the way we live and love as we share the gospel is the true identifier of those who follow Jesus.
The apostle Paul and the other believers in Corinth were compelled, or driven, to please God by living with an eternal perspective while sharing Him with others (2 Corinthians 5:9-14).
When we’re committed to living for Christ instead of for ourselves, the Holy Spirit changes our perspective, character, priorities, and ways of interacting with others (vv. 15-17).
Our new life in Jesus is intended to represent Him while we point others to Him, “as though God were making his appeal through us” (v. 20). Empowered by the Spirit, we’re given the joy and responsibility of representing Christ wherever we go.
Xochitl Dixon
INSIGHT
Paul says that the goal for believers in Jesus should be “to please him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). As we share the gospel with others, how we live and love identifies true believers.
The pattern Christ established with the twelve disciples is also valid for today. Before witnessing for Him through their words and actions, they looked, listened, and learned from Him.
Of two of the twelve it was said, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).
Those who represent Christ best are those who’ve been drawn to Him, forgiven by Him, and empowered by the Spirit to bear witness to His love and grace.
APPLICATION
How have others pointed you to Jesus by the way they lived? How has God’s transforming work in your life helped you become a better ambassador for Christ?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS& (From Today’s Post)
“Those who represent Christ best are those who’ve been drawn to Him, forgiven by Him, and empowered by the Spirit to bear witness to His love and grace.”
PR’s TAKE
“As Christians we live to be the hands and feet of Jesus, called to represent Christ to a hurting and struggling world… You may be the only Bible some people read…the only Jesus some people will see. The Lord is calling you to serve Him by serving others.” Sumas A.C. Church
“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” St. Francis Assisi
PRAYER
“Life-transforming Jesus, please change me by Your Spirit so that I can better represent You wherever You send me.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“SEND ME OUT” Fee
Jesus, Lord of my salvation, Savior of my soul.
Send me out to the world to make You known.
Jesus, King of every nation, this world’s only hope.
Send me out to the world to make you known.
Send me out to the world.
I wanna be Your hands & feet.
I wanna be Your voice every time I speak.
I wanna run to the ones in need,
In the name of Jesus.
I wanna give my life away,
All for Your kingdom’s sake.
Shine a light in the darkest place,
In the name of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus.
Carry to the broken-hearted mercy You Have shown.
Send me out to the world to make You known.
And to the ones in need of rescue, lead me I will go.
Send me out to the world to make you known.
Send me out to the world.
I wanna be Your hands & feet.
I wanna be Your voice every time I speak.
I wanna run to the ones in need,
In the name of Jesus.
I wanna give my life away,
All for Your kingdom’s sake.
Shine a light in the darkest place, in the name of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus.
Here am I, I will go.
Send me out to make You known.
There is hope for every soul, send me out,
Send me out.
Here am I, I will go.
Send me out to make You known.
There is hope for every soul,
Send me out, send me out.
I wanna be Your hands & feet.
I wanna be Your voice every time I speak.
I wanna run to the ones in need,
In the name of Jesus.
I wanna give my life away,
All for Your kingdom’s sake…
All for Your kingdom’s sake…
