As a representative of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), we stand on the front lines of ministry, embodying the principles of faith, integrity, and service. In 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, Paul's words resonate deeply, emphasizing our calling as ministers of reconciliation.
Regardless of our specific roles or affiliations, each of us has been entrusted with the ministry of sharing the good news. So, what does it look like to fulfill our ministry of reconciliation?
Let’s take a look at 2 Timothy 4:2-8, where we find timeless guidance for navigating the challenges of our changing world. Just as Paul's teachings remain relevant across centuries, so too does the wisdom contained in these verses. Here are the 4 keys to fulfilling our ministry:
Know our Instruction
In verse 2, we're urged to "preach the word" in season and out of season. This means staying rooted in God's Word and being ready to share its truth at all times, whether through teaching or living out its principles in our daily lives. The world we live in needs encouragement, but also rebuke and correction at times. Paul says to do this with great patience.
We need to show the world a sincere faith; a faith that is authentic, pure, patient and is saturated with love (1 Timothy 1:5). We have a chance to preach the word by our actions, and the way we treat others, so we must let the Word of God be our guide and foundation as we navigate our ministry.
Remember our Warning
Be aware of the dangers of false teachings, as warned in verses 3-4. In a world where truth is often distorted, we must stay vigilant and discerning. We can guard ourselves against deception by remaining grounded in Scripture and upholding the integrity of the gospel.
We must not be swayed by teachings that cater to personal desires instead of God's truth. We must encourage the next generation to know the truth of the Bible so they don’t have “itching ears” and fall into the false teachings that are all around us.
Focus on our Goal
In verse 5, we're reminded to be sober-minded, endure hardships, and faithfully carry out the work of evangelism. To be sober-minded means to be free from sin. We cannot let sin grab hold of us and drag us away from our mission of advancing God’s kingdom.
We must keep our eyes fixed on the ultimate goal of honoring God and sharing His love, even in the face of challenges. Paul’s words encourage us to persevere in fulfilling our ministry with dedication and passion, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Follow our Model
We look to the examples of Paul and Jesus Christ. Paul's faithfulness and perseverance, as depicted in verses 6-8, serve as inspiration for finishing the race well. We follow the ultimate model of sacrifice and service set by Jesus, who offered salvation to all through His death on the cross. We must emulate their commitment to the gospel and strive to share the message of Christ with passion and purpose.
It is only by the work of Jesus Christ done on the cross that we are able to call ourselves His ambassadors. Only by His blood are we able to bring the hope to the world that is so desperately needed. This is not the time to be sitting on the sidelines. We must pray and ask God what he’s calling us to do.
If you have children or grandchildren involved in a sports group, that is a great place to start. If you are personally involved in a group, I encourage you to seek opportunities to incorporate the gospel into your group. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has all of the resources you need to start a huddle in your area of influence. Find more information about your local FCA through this directory.
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