15.11.2020

(2Corinthians 2:16-17) Who is adequate for the task of representing Christ?

Bible passages: 
John 3:20, 1Timothy 3:1-5, 2Corinthians 2:14, Philippians 2:5, John 13:1-17, Matthew 7:16-20, 1John 4:1-3, Matthew 5:16, 1Corinthians 12:13, 1John 2:6, 1Peter 2:21, Romans 8:28

Discussion:
The bible says in Ephesians 2:8 that …it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Grace of God creates an opportunity but gives us a choice to represent God. We are being given the free will of God to choose how we want to be devoted or whether we want to be devoted or not.
Paul stated in Philippians 2:12 that ….. as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
After being saved by the Grace of God; how do we take the Grace to be adequate in representing Christ? What makes you qualify for Jesus to say this is my child?

Everyone is being saved by Grace but not adequate to represent Christ due to:
• Selfishness
• Distancing themselves from the poor or needy
• Inaccessible

In 2Corinthians 2:14-17 Paul was drawing awareness to look at the motives of people representing Christ. Is it to make money, for profit or personal benefit? 
We discussed individual contributions in the society; if all Christians are doing the right thing - the will of God in their network / circle, it will have a positive influence in the whole society. To those who are being saved we are light and the light must shine.

People that are adequate for the task of representing Christ will be:
- Light but the world will hate them John 3:20 those that are doing evil hates the  
  lights, and will not come into the light because it will show all the evil things they do.
- A honourable leader 1Tim 3:1-5… an elder must not give people a reason to criticise 
  him, and he must have only one wife. He must be self controlled, wise, respectful by  
  others, ready to welcome guests and be able to teach.
- Like Jesus Phil 2:5 let your attitude be like Christ Jesus.
- A leader that serves John 13:1-17 Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.
- Of good character/ Fruitfulness Matt 7:16-20…. a good tree cannot produce bad 
  fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. Every tree that does not produce good  
  fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
- Of one accord 1Corin 12:13…. some are Jews, and some are Greeks. Some of us are slaves, and some are free. But we were all baptised into one body through one Spirit. And we were all made to share in the one Spirit.

In conclusion, whoever is Christ-like should be adequate in representing Him. Christianity is not a religion but a way of life and it is not an easy task. 
1John 2:6 whoever says that he lives in God must live as Jesus lived.
1Pet2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.
For a Christian to be adequate in representing Christ; such need to follow the steps of Christ.

Praise God 🙏🏽