1. What it means to be a
Christian

2. 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?
Growing as a Christian
What hinders me from growing?
The Christian and the body of Christ
The Christian and others
Am I done yet? Is It Worth it?
What is a
Christian?

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

4. 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)
What is a
Christian?

5. What is a Christian?
One who has obeyed the gospel and is striving to live as a true follower of Jesus
What is a
Christian?

6. “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)
What is a
Christian?

7. Called Christians
IF this is a divine name, then it should apply to those God has designated as such
What is a
Christian?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. 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?

11. 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?

12. A Christian is: Convicted
One found guilty, or one genuinely and firmly believes
He realizes he is a sinner, cf. Acts 2:37-38, 41 1 Timothy 1:12-15 – Paul
He genuinely believes and his life shows it – Hebrews 10: – a true heart, 2 Timothy 1:12
What is a
Christian?

13. 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?

14. 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?

15. 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?

16. 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
What is a
Christian?

17. A Christian is:
IF we are seeking to be like our Creator, who knows better how we OUGHT to be living?
What is a
Christian?

18. 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
What is a
Christian?

19. A Christian is: Forgiven
While not perfect, A Christian cherishes forgiveness and takes care of his sins!
What is a
Christian?

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