2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God. I. THE DUTIES OF AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST. 1. Negative. (1) Not to originate their message. (2) Not to think lightly of their mission. (3) Not to seek their own glory. (4) Not to aim at their own comfort and pleasure as a chief object. (5) Not to depart from their instructions. Not to add to them nor take away. 2. Positive. (1) To go where they are sent. (2) To communicate the mind of their Lord. (3) To defend his honour. (4) To be influenced by the welfare of his kingdom. (5) To make their Master's business pre-eminent. (6) To strive in every way to qualify themselves for their work. (7) To endeavour to do their work in the best possible way. (8) To endure loss and suffering rather than the interests of their Master's kingdom should be prejudiced. II. THE MESSAGE OF THE AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST. 1. That God loves men. 2. That he has given Christ for men. A vast proof of love! The first step was on God's side. Whilst we were enemies Christ died for us. 3. That Christ willingly gave himself for men. The death of Christ was perfectly voluntary. 4. That by the death of Christ God has provided the means for the perfect reconciliation of the world to himself. In the death of Christ God does reconcile; i.e. he removes every obstacle to reconciliation. Justification is fully prepared for the sinner. Christ was made sin for us (ver. 21). He bore our sins. Our sins were imputed to him. God's justice was satisfied. Christ is made our Substitute, and this so perfectly that what we are is imputed to him, and what he is is imputed to us. He takes our sins; we take his righteousness. No hindrance to complete restoration thus remains, except hindrance which may lie in the human heart itself. 5. That God earnestly invites men to be reconciled to him. Amazing condescension! The climax of Divine love! "As though God were entreating" (ver. 20). III. HOW THE MESSAGE IS TO BE CONVEYED. 1. With courtesy. 2. With intense earnestness. It is momentous. What issues depend upon its acceptance or rejection! 3. With zealous pleading. IV. HOW AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST ARE TO BE REGARDED. 1. As speaking on behalf of Christ. 2. As declaring the mind of God. - H. Parallel Verses KJV: Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. |
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