Ministers of the Gospel

Taken from the text: 2 Cor 2:12 through 2 Cor 6:10

We are Ambassadors for Christ

2 Cor 5:20 Note: Ambassador – diplomatic representative; a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by one country as its long-term representative or an official representative of an organization or movement.

As Ambassadors of Christ

• We are Ministers of the New Covenant – 2 Cor 3:6
• We have the Ministry of the Spirit – 2 Cor 3:8
• We have the Ministry of Righteousness – 2 Cor 3:9
• We have the Ministry of Reconciliation –  2 Cor 5:18
• We are Workers together with Him (Jesus) –  2 Cor 6:1

Conduct Comparison

What We Do Not Do

• We are not peddling (adulterating for gain) the Word of God 2 Cor 2:17
• Commend ourselves 2 Cor 3:1
• We are not sufficient of ourselves 2 Cor 3:5
• Handle the Word of God deceitfully 2 Cor 4:2
• We do not preach ourselves 2 Cor 4:5

What We Do

• Be Sincere 2 Cor 2:17
• Allow fruit to speak for itself 2 Cor 3:1-3
• Our sufficiency is from God and our trust is in Christ 2 Cor 3:4-5
• Manifesting the truth 2 Cor 4:2
• We preach Christ Jesus the Lord 2 Cor 4:5

Keep These in Mind

• Our mandate & purpose; to preach Christ’s Gospel 2 Cor 2:12
• The Lord opens the door for ministry 2 Cor 2:12
• We are to God the fragrance of Christ 2 Cor 2:14-16
• We use great boldness of speech 2 Cor 3:12
• We do not lose heart 2 Cor 4:1

Summary

As ministers of the Gospel we are to have interwoven in us; the right motives, the conduct and behavior befitting a believer, follower, and spokesman for the Lord Jesus Christ, and the correct message as we open our mouths in proclamation of the Gospel. I want to share one major point out of this passage. As a minister of the “New Covenant” it has been my aim to have the same message of Jesus Christ and of His apostles throughout the Gospels and the book of Acts. Many street preachers today preach mostly on the impending judgment of the sinner without mentioning much about the cross and its redemptive work. In effect the message seems to be “stop sinning or else”. As an evangelist I think we should preach repentance and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and on sin and hell, but mostly preach Christ crucified which would include the person, the work, and coming kingdom of Jesus Christ. In sharing the truth we must have our demeanor, bodily presence, and even the tone of our voice glorifying God and attracting the sinner that is being drawn to God. This of course can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit working through us. Do you want to be a good minister? Spend time with Him!