As believers, we are more than just individuals going through daily life. We are “Ambassadors for Christ,” entrusted with a sacred mission beyond our day-to-day activities. In this blog, we will explore our role in the Kingdom of God, specifically in the context of finances and Stewardship in our roles as Ambassadors in Christ.
Key 1: Our Role as Kingdom Ambassadors
In 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, the Bible reminds us that we are new creations in Christ, reconciled to God and given the ministry of reconciliation. We are Christ’s ambassadors on Earth, bearing the responsibility of representing Him in all that we do.
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.“
2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV
But what exactly does being an ambassador entail?
Ambassadorship by Identity:
Being Christ’s Ambassador means that we are His representatives, members of a divine council, and elders in the Kingdom in a “broader sense”. In the secular world, ambassadors are the highest-ranking representatives of a nation or international organization in a foreign land. They coordinate activities, negotiate agreements, and even enjoy diplomatic immunity.
“Our Heavenly Citizenship has Earthly Responsibilities.” Just as earthly ambassadors have a budget from their home country to fulfil their assignment, we have a heavenly responsibility to manage the resources entrusted to us. Being a Christian is more than just a label; it’s about recognizing that we are sons and daughters of the highest, ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, a royal priesthood, and both kings and priests. Our representative Stewardship goes beyond Sunday attendance.
Part 2: Ambassadorship Through Covenant Partnership
Philippians 4:15-19 highlights the importance of financial contributions and partnerships in the Kingdom. The Apostle Paul acknowledges the Philippians as the only ones who entered into partnership with him by supporting his ministry. Your financial contribution is not just a donation; it’s a Kingdom investment and Stewardship of resources entrusted to you.
“And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time. Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account]. But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights.” – Philippians 4:15-18 AMPC
Account Accumulating to You:
As in a debit/credit account, your support accumulates fruits of righteousness and financial harvest in your name. The local church serves as the primary vessel for gospel propagation, engaging in community outreach, discipleship, and corporate gatherings. As an ambassador for Christ, your financial partnership fuels these initiatives, amplifies the Kingdom’s impact and supports the administration of the vision.
At Faith Legacy Believers Church, we host and partner with various organisations, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and community engagement. Your investment allows us to minister, train and equip the saints as well as partner with missions and ministries around the world.
Part 3: Ambassadorship Through Prioritisation
Matthew 6:31-33 offers crucial guidance regarding our priorities as Kingdom Ambassadors. We are reminded not to worry about material needs but to seek first God’s Kingdom and righteousness. Our primary focus should be on the King and His Kingdom’s mission.
“Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:31-33 AMPC
Kingdom-Centric Giving:
Our giving is not self-centric; it is Kingdom-centric. When we prioritise the King and His Kingdom, everything else aligns. It’s about aligning our resources—finance, time, or talent—with God’s divine mission on Earth. Seeking His Kingdom first ensures that our lives and resources are divinely ordered.
In our journey as Kingdom Ambassadors, we must experience a shift from mere obligation to purposeful generosity. The Kingdom of God is not merely about meeting financial requirements; it’s about fulfilling a divine purpose. It’s about recognising that our financial resources are not just for our sustenance but also for sustaining the work of God on Earth. We must always remember our source of wealth, as Deuteronomy 8:14, 17-18 (AMPC) reminds us. It cautions against forgetting the Lord, for He gives us the capacity, abilities, talents, and anointing to acquire wealth, all to establish His covenant – starting with our salvation and extending to those we minister to and support financially.
“And beware lest you say in your [mind and] heart, My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. But you shall [earnestly] remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” – Deuteronomy 8:17-18 AMPC
Steve Harvey’s insight into success aligns perfectly with this principle.
“God grants success to those He trusts will use it properly. We must remember how we got there.” Just as Steve Harvey’s mother taught him the Bible and his father instilled strong work ethics, the combination of spiritual grounding and diligent work ethics is a recipe for success.
It’s a reminder that as we embrace our role as ambassadors for Christ and prioritise His Kingdom mission, we become trustworthy stewards of God’s resources.
In conclusion, being an ambassador for Christ is a profound calling transcending our worldly concerns. As we embrace our role in the Kingdom financially, through covenant partnerships, Stewardship and multiplying our resources and with proper prioritisation, we become instruments of divine purpose, elevating the Kingdom of God, fulfilling our sacred mission and advancing the Kingdom of God at a rapid pace.
In doing this, we move from praying “Lord your Kingdom come” to active partners in “advancing His Kingdom”.
Thanks Ps Shaun for clear teaching on our holistic responsibility as ambassadors of Christ.
Especially liked this quote “Our Heavenly Citizenship has Earthly Responsibilities.”
According to Paul’s word in second Corinthians 5:20, we are heavenly delegates — “ambassadors” who have been sent forth as Heaven’s representatives to planet earth.
As ambassadors for Christ, we are the voice of Heaven. As His representatives, we are authorised to speak and act on behalf of The Lord. Thank you Pastor Shaun for developing our understanding of The Written Word of God ~~~Such a Blessing
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