What does a Godly person look like?
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12
Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-13
Yesterday, we focused on four main points from the text in 2 Timothy:
- Godly people have nothing to hide.
- Godly people are passionate about the truth.
- Godly people practice what they preach.
- Godly people aren't afraid of persecution.
In this short email, I want to focus on points 2 and 3 by asking you the question, "What gospel are you preaching—with your words and behaviors?" Yesterday, I shared this chart:
The gospel we communicate determines the type of disciples we are making. Even if you have never formally "discipled" someone, you are still making disciples. You have influence. People are watching you. Your life is pointing others to something or someone.
Well-meaning Christians can gravitate toward a "gospel" that points others toward good things or noble causes, but it does not point them to the main thing—Jesus!
When we are saved, we become citizens of Christ’s kingdom. God places us inside embassies of that kingdom (the Church) and puts us to work as ambassadors of love, grace, righteousness, and Truth. Our role as an ambassador for Jesus overshadows all other loyalties and commitments.
We had two wonderful baptisms yesterday and two the Sunday before! Think about your baptism. Your baptism argues that you have been buried and raised with Jesus and now you should represent Him in everything you do and wherever you go. This is your identity.
So we live the gospel! We preach the gospel to yourself.
Don’t get caught up in the spin of the world. Don't allow your personal opinions to drown out the cross. Don't allow a desire for power and influence to replace a humble, broken, and contrite heart.
Represent Jesus.
Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His plea through us. We plead with you on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God!" 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NET).
