What it means to be a Christian

What it means to be a Christian In this study we will notice: What is a Christian? Becoming a Christian What hinders me from becoming a Christian? What hinders me from growing? Growing as a Christian The Christian and the body of Christ The Christian and others Am I done yet? What is a Christian?

What is a Christian? A misunderstood word today: Anyone who professes belief in Jesus Applied to governments that supposedly follow New Testament values Behaviors supposedly Biblical Denominationalism Used as an adjective – “Christian home” “Christian church”, etc. What is a Christian?

Χριστιανός, (Christianos) What is a Christian? The Biblical definition Χριστιανός, (Christianos) One associated with Christ A believer in and follower of Christ (LN 11.35) “Christ-partisan” (BDAG) “It denotes Christ’s adherents” (TDNT) One who has obeyed the gospel and is striving to live as a true follower of Jesus What is a Christian?

“And the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch” Acts 11:26 “And the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch” Prophesied – Isaiah 62:2 Called – mostly message from God (Matthew 2:12, 22, Luke 2:26, Hebrews 8:4, 11:7) IF this is a divine name, then it should apply to those God has designated as such What is a Christian?

Called Christians Acts 26:28 “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” Herod at this point is rejecting the “invitation” Paul does not reject the name, but declares his desire that all become Christians (vs. 29) What is a Christian?

Called Christians 1 Peter 4:16 “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” A text calling for faithfulness, even when we face adversity in this ungodly world What is a Christian?

A Christian is: A Christian is NOT: One who merely believes One in name only Just someone good and moral Just someone religious or “spiritual” (cf. James 1:27, Romans 8:1) Someone who just goes through the motions What is a Christian?

One who has obeyed the gospel (more in our next lesson) A Christian is: One who has obeyed the gospel (more in our next lesson) What is a Christian?

A Christian is: Convicted One found guilty, or one genuinely and firmly believes He realizes he is a sinner, cf. Acts 2:37-28, 41 1 Timothy 1:12-15 – Paul He genuinely believes and his life shows it – Hebrews 10:22 – a true heart, 2 Timothy 1:12 What is a Christian?

A Christian is: A new creation 2 Corinthians 5:17 Romans 12:1-2 – transformed Romans 6:2, 6; Ephesians 4:22 Being a Christian means you have changed! It is noticeable - Cf. 1 Peter 4:3-4 What is a Christian?

A Christian is: A child of God A blessing – we belong to the FAMILY of God! My creator! 1 John 3:1 Romans 8:16-17 – heirs together James 4:7, cf. Matthew 5:44-45 – we submit to Him! 2 Corinthians 6:18 - separate Privilege of prayer – 1 Peter 1:17 What is a Christian?

A follower, an adherent. A learner who seeks to imitate A Christian is: A disciple A follower, an adherent. A learner who seeks to imitate Matthew 28:19-20 – make disciples. Acts 11:26, disciples first called Christians What is a Christian?

A Christian is: A partaker of His divine nature 2 Peter 1:4 Describes one seeking to be like God NOT deity itself, but possessing the qualities He has Ephesians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:1, cf. Philippians 2:5 IF we are seeking to be like our Creator, who knows better how we OUGHT to be living? What is a Christian?

The world has a sin problem! A Christian is: Forgiven The world has a sin problem! And a failure to understand how to deal with it Not earned, but received through His grace Acts 2:38, 22:16 Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:7-9 While not perfect, A Christian cherishes forgiveness and takes care of his sins! What is a Christian?

We are here because we realize we need to be Christians – everywhere and at all times! Are you a Christian?