Christ’s Ambassadors: Living for the Sake of Others
For the Sake of Others | 2 Corinthians 5:20
Speaker: Martin O’Brien
As we continued our series ‘For the Sake of Others’, Martin O’Brien explored what it means to be Christ’s ambassadors.
An ambassador doesn't exist for themselves. They represent someone else.
An ambassador may live in one country while representing another. They carry the interests and message of the nation that has sent them, living among people while serving a higher purpose.
Their position isn't simply a privilege to enjoy. It is a responsibility to embrace.
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:20:
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.”
But what does that actually look like in everyday life?
If we are Christ's ambassadors, God has placed us where we are to carry His message, represent the King, reflect His character and help people find their way home to God.
God makes His appeal through ordinary men and women who are willing to represent Him.
1. An Ambassador Represents Another Kingdom
An ambassador lives in one country but represents another.
As followers of Jesus, we live here, in our families, workplaces and communities, but ultimately our citizenship is in heaven.
Philippians 3:20 reminds us:
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.”
This changes the way we look at everyday life.
An ambassador doesn't simply ask, “What do I want?”
They ask, “What does the King want?”
Instead of asking, How can this benefit me?, we begin to ask:
How can I represent Christ here?
Wherever God has placed us, we have an opportunity to represent His Kingdom.
2. An Ambassador Reflects the Character of the King
An ambassador should reflect the character of the person and kingdom they represent.
For us, the King is Jesus.
And the character we are called to reflect is love.
Galatians 5:6 tells us that what matters is “faith expressing itself in love.”
One of the greatest witnesses of a transformed life isn't simply what we know or what we say. It is who we are becoming.
People can experience something of Jesus through the way we treat them.
Through kindness.
Through patience.
Through compassion.
Through generosity.
Through forgiveness.
Our character can become a reflection of the King we represent.
3. An Ambassador Serves the Interests of the King
An ambassador doesn't put their own interests first.
They serve the interests of the nation that has sent them.
Galatians 5:13 encourages us:
“Use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
This is exactly the attitude we see in Jesus.
Philippians 2 gives us a beautiful picture of Christ's humility. Jesus did not cling to His position or privileges. Instead, He humbled Himself, took the position of a servant and gave Himself for others.
Paul encourages us to have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
That means looking beyond ourselves.
Not simply looking out for our own interests, but taking an interest in others.
As Christ's ambassadors, we are called to ask:
How can I serve?
How can I help?
How can I put someone else's needs before my own?
4. An Ambassador Speaks on Behalf of the King
An ambassador also carries a message.
They speak on behalf of the one who sent them.
2 Corinthians 5:20 says:
“We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’”
Our role isn't to create our own message.
We are called to faithfully share the message of Jesus — the message of reconciliation, grace and new life.
God is making His appeal through us.
That is an incredible responsibility.
The King has entrusted His message to ordinary people who are willing to represent Him.
5. An Ambassador Is Prepared for a Purpose
Finally, an ambassador is prepared and sent with a purpose.
Ephesians 2:8–10 reminds us that salvation is a gift from God. We cannot earn it or take credit for it.
But Paul then says:
“We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
God has a purpose for our lives.
The places we go.
The people we meet.
The opportunities that come our way.
The conversations we have.
The acts of kindness we offer.
God can use all of these things as part of His mission.
There are good things that He has prepared for us to do.
Sent Into Our Communities
God hasn't simply saved us so that one day we can go to heaven.
He has sent us into the world to represent His Kingdom.
We are ambassadors.
We are sent into our families, workplaces, friendships and communities to represent Jesus.
Wherever we go, we go as Christ's ambassadors.
That means our everyday lives matter.
The way we work matters.
The way we treat our neighbours matters.
The way we respond when things don't go our way matters.
The way we serve others matters.
The way we speak about Jesus matters.
God is making His appeal through us.
For the Sake of Others
The challenge for each of us is to consider how we are using what God has entrusted to us.
Are we using our lives simply for ourselves?
Or are we living as Christ's ambassadors for the sake of others?
God has placed each of us somewhere for a reason.
We don't need to wait for a special opportunity or a particular ministry role.
We can represent Jesus right where we are.
Wherever we go, we go as Christ's ambassadors.
We represent the King.
We reflect His character.
We serve His interests.
We carry His message.
And we live with the confidence that He has prepared us and sent us for a purpose.
We live in His love and we live it out — for the sake of others.