An Exposition on Theme "WE ARE AMBASSADORS

 DIOCESAN CHRISTIAN MEN FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCE HOLDING AT ST. PAUL’S CHURCH ITUNGWA FROM FRIDAY 20TH – SUNDAY 22ND OCTOBER, 2023THEME: WE ARE AMBASSADORS

TEXT:EPHESIANS 6:20

Preamble: We ascribe all honour, praise and thanksgiving to God almighty by whose mercy and loving kindness we have gathered for yet, another DCMF conference. Special thanks to the Diocesan, His Lordship, Rt. Rev Christian ChiodoadighiUgwuzorJp and his wife, Mrs. Ihuoma Cynthia Ugwuzor for the privilege to handle the theme exposition. I remain thankful to the DCMF executive particularly, the Diocesan Chaplain, Ven A.C. Dede for the recommendation. This year’s conference is yet, another forum to exchange ideas, renew and rekindle our zeal for the Kingdom business. It is an opportunity to remind us, once again, who we are lest, the challenges and vicissitudes of this life carry us away. 

The Conference Theme 

This year’s theme, WE ARE AMBASSADORS comes as a reaffirmation of our identity and, at the same time, a reminder lest, we forget. Obviously, we live in a world people are encumbered with a lot of things, hence the need for constant reminder. This is exemplified in the Old Testament as God continually reminded the Israelites of who they were. The essence of this was to keep them on track. The same is repeated on the pages of the New Testament.

Generally speaking, the term “Ambassador” refers to an official diplomatic agent of high rank, who is sent out by a ruler or government as a public representative. For the Cambridge Dictionary, an ambassador is a person who represents, speaks for, or advertizes a particular organization, group of people, activity or brand.The Merriam Webster Dictionary sees it as an official envoy, especially a diplomatic agent of highest rank accredited to a foreign government or Sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government…appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment. Its synonyms include: agent, delegate, emissary, envoy, representative or minister. Going with the above classical definitions, we can quickly infer that we are representatives and emissaries of Christ, and of His Church. 

For early Christian readers, an ambassador was someone who represented one state or land to another. They were official representatives of the one who sent them and were therefore, to be treated with utmost respect. It was a well known title, one that carried a great deal of respect and dignity, and that warranted great decorum on the part of the ambassador, the sender, and the receiver.We can therefore, say that an ambassador for Christ is a person who has given his life to Christ, saved from sin, living in the glorious liberty that Christ has made him free and plucked out from the clutches of the devil. Paul in 2Cor.5:18 pointed out clearly that Christians should see themselves as representatives of God- and are to behave accordingly. Throwing more light on the above, Ejim (2021) while commenting on the theme states that, “Ambassadors for Christ are God’s special agents, called to proclaim, to direct people to obedience and live lives that are full of testimonies of faith and commitment.” 

An Ambassador in the Context of Ephesians 6:20

In the text, the Greek word used is presbeuō meaning ambassador. Its Hebrew equivalent is tsayar meaning ambassador as well as messenger, envoy, or errand-doer. Paul sees himself as an ambassador even in chains. The unfavourable environment wherein he found himself couldn’t deter him. For him, it is Christ and Christ alone. “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil.1:21), he adds.Reading the text in context, we discover that Paul had earlier charged his audience on the need to stand strong in the Lord and in his mighty power, to put on the whole amour of God in order to effectively subdue all the forces of the evil one, since our warfare is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Above all, the apostle encourages the believers to pray fervently for him. This, according to him would enable him to “fearlessly make known the mystery of the faith.”

Qualifications for the Ambassadorial position

In Nigeria, being an ambassador is one of the most prestigious positions in the diplomatic corps. It certainly requires a deep understanding of diplomacy, foreign relations, and international affairs. To become an ambassador in Nigeria, you must meet certain qualifications and requirements:

1. Citizenship: you must be a citizen of the country you are representing
2. Education
3. Experience through trainings
4. Language Proficiency: you must be fluent in English which is the official language of Nigeria
5. Security clearance, etc.

In the same vein, the following requirements must be met for one to qualify  as an ambassador of Christ:

• You must be a citizen of heaven. See Phil. 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This implies that you must be born again. John 3:3-5
• Knowledge of God’s word. This word must be deeply rooted in you. Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:9-11; 97-104
• Knowledge of the mission you are required of- reconciling men and women to God. 
• Ready and prepared to do the biddings of the One you are representing; in season and out of season. Paul remained true to his calling, even in chains. He did not let opportunities slip by him. He embraced his task with all diligence. See 1 Corinthians 4:11-13
• Ready to die even at your post. Rev.12:11

The Challenge

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reveals that every ambassador is engaged in a very organized spiritual warfare against the world, the flesh and the devil. This is also agreeable with a part of the statements in our Baptismal liturgy wherein the child is charged not to be ashamed in speaking out boldly for Christ, who was crucified on his behalf; to firmly stand against the devil, the world and the flesh and remain a faithful soldier and servant (ambassador) of Christ till the end of life here on earth.In fighting this battle, Paul however, observes that we are not alone. He maintained that every ambassador is provided with divine equipment to help in the discharge of his God- given duties. These weapons are highlighted byWiersbe(19890 in Bible Exposition Commentary:

• The girdle of truth (v. 14 a). Satan is a liar (John 8:44), but the believer whose life is controlled by truth will defeat him. The girdle holds the other parts of the armor together, and truth is the integrating force in the life of the victorious Christian. A man of integrity, with a clear conscience, can face the enemy without fear. The girdle also held the sword. Unless we practice the truth, we cannot use the Word of truth. Once lie gets into the life of a believer, everything begins to fall apart. For over a year, King David lied about his sin with Bathsheba, and nothing went right. Ps 32 and 51 tell of the price he paid. 
• The breastplate of righteousness (v. 14 b). This piece of armor made of metal plates or chains covered the body from the neck to the waist, both front and back. It symbolizes the believer's righteousness in Christ (2 Cor 5:21) as well as His righteous life in Christ (Eph 4:24). Satan is the accuser, but he cannot accuse the believer who is living a godly life in the power of the Spirit. The life we live either fortifies us against Satan's attacks or makes it easier for him to defeat us (2 Cor 6:1-10). When Satan accuses the Christian, it is the righteousness of Christ that assures the believer of his salvation. But our positional righteousness in Christ, without practical righteousness in the daily life, only gives Satan opportunity to attack us. 
• The shoes of the Gospel (v. 15). The Roman soldier wore sandals with hobnails in the soles to give him better footing for the battle. If we are going to "stand" and "withstand," then we need the shoes of the Gospel, Because we have the peace with God (Rom 5:1) that comes from the Gospel, we need not fear the attack of Satan or men. We must be at peace with God and with each other if we are to defeat the devil (James 4:1-7). But the shoes have another meaning. We must be prepared each day to share the Gospel of peace with a lost world; the most victorious Christian is a witnessing Christian. If we wear the shoes of the Gospel, then we have the "beautiful feet" mentioned in Isa 52:7 and Rom 10:15. Satan has declared war, but you and I are ambassadors of peace (2 Cor 5:18-21); and, as such, we take the Gospel of peace wherever we go. 
• The shield of faith (v. 16). The shield was large, usually about four feet by two feet, made of wood, and covered with tough leather. As the soldier held it before him, it protected him from spears, arrows, and "fiery darts." The edges of these shields were so constructed that an entire line of soldiers could interlock shields and march into the enemy like a solid wall. This suggests that we Christians are not in the battle alone. The "faith" mentioned here is not saving faith, but rather living faith, a trust in the promises and the power of God. Faith is a defensive weapon which protects us from Satan's fiery darts. In Paul's day, arrows, dipped in some inflammable substance and ignited, were shot at the enemy. Satan shoots "fiery darts" at our hearts and minds: lies, blasphemous thoughts, hateful thoughts about others, doubts, and burning desires for sm. If we do not by faith quench these darts, they will light a fire within and we will disobey God. We never know when Satan will shoot a dart at us, so we must always walk by faith and use the shield of faith. 
• The helmet of salvation (v. 17). Satan wants to attack the mind, the way he defeated Eve (Gen 3; 2 Cor 11:1-3). The helmet refers to the mind controlled by God. It is too bad that many Christians have the idea that the intellect is not important, when in reality it plays a vital role in Christian growth, service, and victory. When God controls the mind, Satan cannot lead the believer astray. The Christian who studies his Bible and learns the meaning of Bible doctrines is not going to be led astray too easily. We need to be "taught by Him as the truth is in Jesus" (Eph 4:21). We are to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). Wherever Paul ministered, he taught the new converts the truths of the Word of God, and this helmet protected them from Satan's antics.
• The sword of the Spirit (v. 17 b). This sword is the offensive weapon God provides us. The Roman soldier wore on his girdle a short sword which was used for close-in fighting. Heb 4:12 compares the Word of God to a sword, because it is sharp and is able to pierce the inner man just as a material sword pierces the body. You and I were "cut to the heart" (Acts 2:37; 5:33) when the Word convicted us of our sins. Peter tried to use a sword to defend Jesus in the Garden (Luke 22:47-51); but he learned at Pentecost that the "sword of the Spirit" does a much better job. Moses also tried to conquer with a physical sword (Ex 2:11-15), only to discover that God's Word alone was more than enough to defeat Egypt. We need this sword of the spirit daily in order to put the enemy to flight. 

Above all, Paul summaries by charging us to Put on the whole armor- and that whole armor is CHRIST HIMSELF

The Demand:

• As ambassadors, we are to stand in for Christ in our families, village, clubs, groups and organizations, businesses, the church etc.
• We must ensure that the knowledge of God fills the earth as the water covers the sea
• We are to take charge and deputize Christ wherever we see ourselves. 
• Ensure that nothing stops or dwindles God’s work in our own time. Far it be from us that stones should rise up and praise God while we are still alive.
• In this decaying and perverse generation, necessity is laid upon us to live out what we say we are. We must showcase Christ in all we do or say. See 2Cor.3:2

Conclusion: Fathers are truly Christ’s ambassadors, created in the image of God to represent Him in the world. Thus, their life must exemplify the life of Christ. As ambassadors, they must be epitomes of love, peace and joy in the family and the society at large. Unfortunately, some fathers have through their live and conduct become agents of the enemy. The question before us today remains, WHOSE AMBASSADOR ARE YOU? 

 References

Cambridge Online Dictionary. retrieved on October 6, 2023from https//www. dictionary.cambridge.org 

Ejim, E. (2021). Ambassadors for Christ. Retrieved on October 5, 2023 from https//www.guardian.ng

Merriam-Webster online dictionary. Retrieved on October 6, 2023 from https//www.merriam-webster.com

Wiersbe, W. (1989).The Bible Exposition Commentary. USA. Chariot Victor Publsihing Company