Sermon Notes-"Ambassadors"

February 22, 2015

Sermon Series: Redefined I Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5: 18-21

KLC 2015 Theme: Seeking His Kingdom

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." 

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Background:

• The Corinthian church was established by the apostle Paul during his second mission trip (Acts 18). He spent at least

18 months with this church.

• 1 Corinthians addressed many of the behavior and doctrinal issues that arose after his departure.

• In 2 Corinthians Paul explains his actions since his absence and defends his ministry.

• In chapters 4-5 Paul explains how he is able to remain so encouraged in ministry.

Reconciled:

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according

to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The

old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to

himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation

2 Corinthians  5:16-18 (ESV)

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled,

shall we be saved by his life.

Romans 5:10 (ESV)

Paul's Message: "The broken relationship between God and man can been restored through Christ."

The Principle: Reconciliation is all God's work, and once you are reconciled to God, NOTHING can CHANGE

that. (The pressure is off!)

Life Question: Are you ENJOYING your relationship with God?

Ministry of Reconciliation:

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19

that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting

to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians  5:18-19 (ESV)

Paul's Message: "God has given Christians the responsibility of sharing the message of reconciliation with the world."

The Principle: To be ministers of reconciliation, the reconciled must be reconcilers themselves.

Life Question: When it comes to reconciliation are you an initiator or are you passive? Does that need to change?

Ambassadors:

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of

Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might

become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians  5:20-21 (ESV}

21 Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as

seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV)

Paul's Message: "Christians are ambassadors to the world, functioning as representatives of the King of kings and Lord of

lords."

The Principle: Ambassadors for Christ carry the message of reconciliation. If we fail to offer reconciliation to anyone, we

need to be fully RECONCILED TO GOD ourselves.

Life Question: Are you holding onto BITTERNESS and UNFORGIVENESS towards someone? Is it worth

IMPEDING PROGRESS in your walk with God?