What is a Christian?

Text: 1 Pet. 4:14-19

By: John Cripps - edited/rearranged by: M. Allen

 

FILING INFORMATION:

98031

Subject:  Christianity

Preached Originally: 6/14/98 - Rapid City, SD

 

I.  Introduction.

A.    In this day and time when everybody is claiming to be a Christian it is important that we study this subject and see what are the identifying marks of being a true Christian.

1.    Being called a Christian does not make one a Christian in the sight of the Lord.

a.    On the Fourth of March 1990 a truth was manifested to the whole world.

b.    Doctor Zeus, has since the beginning of his writings claimed this title of "Doctor". However in a documentary on His life it was told how that he attended medical school for a short time and then quit, but he liked the title of "Doctor" and thus calling himself Doctor Zeus.

2.    I use this illustration for the sole purpose of showing you that by just claiming that you are a "Christian" does not make you anymore of a Christian than Doctor Zeus claim's to be a doctor made him a doctor.

B.    The name Christian is only found three times in the Entire Bible.

1.    Acts 11: 26 ; Acts 26:28 ; I Peter 4:16.

2.    Defined Christian means..."a person who believes in the doctrines of Christ and acknowledges His divinity, a person having the qualities expected of one who professes Christianity." (Webster's Dictionary p. 175)

a.    As we can see this definition is truly in accord with that of Scripture:

b.    John 14:15 ; II John 6,9.

C.   Having established this fact the questions that still needs to be answered are:

1.    Who is a Christian?

2.    How may you and I know whether or not we are Christians in deed?

D.   Fortunately, we have reliable information as to the fundamental characteristics of Christians.

1.    The Inspired Word of God has thoroughly furnished us with the answers to every question man might ask of it.

2.    We are thus able to compare our lives to the Characteristics that is given in the scriptures, to ascertain as to whether or not we measure up.

3.    Also in the scriptures we can find the true meaning of becoming a Christian as well as good reasons for being a faithful Christian.

E.    Such a scripture can be found in our text for this morning I Peter 4:14-16.

1.    An in depth study of these verses will reveal the Divine and inspired characteristics of true Christians.Body:

 

II.  v. 16 - A christian is someone who suffers for Christ.

A.    Through out all the ages God's faithful people have always paid the price for serving Him... II Tim. 3:12.

B.    Faithfulness to God has always brought about a struggle between Saints and sinners.

1.    This is inevitable because: The life of a faithful Christian is a REBUKE and a CONDEMNATION of the life of the one who is rebelling against God and living in sin ... Heb. 11:7 ; John 3:19-21.

2.    Secondly the Christian should not be unafraid to EXPOSE, to REPROVE and to preach against the unfruitfulness of the world ...Eph. 5:11.

C.   In times gone by and in times to come, Christians will suffer physically for the cause of Christ ... II Cor. 11:22-28.

1.    However, in today's time more often than not Christians will suffer verbal abuse!

2.    Peter in discussing the change in some lives, remarks on the former friends and associates actions ..... I Peter 4:4.

D.   With this in mind, one cannot but help wonder about the life and experiences of the noted man of lititure who said:

1.    "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"

a.    Did this man ever feel the cutting sword of unjust criticism?

b.    Was his heart ever pierced with the sharp spear of ridicule?

2. The answers to these questions are I don't know!

E.    However, look at the example of one who did feel these things. Jesus Christ felt the effects of verbal abuse and ridicule while on this earth!

1.    He was accused of being a deceiver, of breaking the Law of the Sabbath and the traditions of the elders, accused of being a blasphemer.

2.    He was condemned as a wine bibber.

3.    He was assailed as casting out demons by the prince of the Demons.

4.    He was ridiculed at his trail and on the cross, spat upon and beaten.

a.    Yet through all this verbal and physical abuse Christ:

1.    Still felt it in his heart to weep....Lk. 19:41.

2.    He still found it in his heart to forgive...Lk. 23:34.

5.    Yet when compared to us when we are rebuked, ridiculed, or verbally abused how do we react in contrast to Christ.

a.    Turn the Other cheek?

b.    Or do we retaliate with greater violence and verbal abuse.

F.    Thus the first of the questions who is a Christian?

1.    A Christian is one who will pay the price to follow Christ, be it physical or verbal abuse from others.

2.    Lk. 14:27... Christ says we need to bear our crosses to be acceptable to Him.

3.    Any sacrifice, hardship or abuse I suffer for Christ's sake is indeed the cross that I bear.

 

III. A Christian is to have a high standard of morality.

A.    I Peter 4:15 deals with the standards of morality that Christians should display.

1.    In the wake of all the tele-evangelism scandals, many are left doubting as to who truly is a man of God.

a.    The man of God is I Peter 4:8-11 and not II Tim. 3:2-5.

2.    Our morality should be seen by others, that God might be seen in us and that He might be praised and given the glory by our actions.

a.    To many times we hear the "statements made, I'm just as good as any one of your members.."

b.    Christians we need to live the live that brightly beams our Father's message.

B.    Christians are gentle and kind people not murderers ... II Tim. 2:24-26.

1.    We have all being around people who are violent in nature, or are just plain evil in their deeds.

2.    However the true Christian is not that type of person.

a.    You should love to be around people like this, He will not try to murder you or hurt you, or try to steal your wife/husband but rather is kind and gentle.

b.    Christians need to remember that one does not physically have to murder anyone to be guilty of murder, all one needs to do is Gossip about another.

c.     It is said of Gossip..."Gossip is worse than the assassins bullet, it murders the character of many good people."

d.    Christians think about this!

C.   "Let none of you suffer as a thief"...vrs 15. - this is to say that a true Christian is an honest Person.... Matt. 5:33-37.

1.    The world does not have to worry about true Christians breaking in and stealing from others.

a.    We as Christians live by a different standard ...Matt. 5:38-48. ;Matt.22:37-39.

2.    Christians do not have to worry over other Christians trying to seduce your wife of husband.

a.    Christians live by the rule "Thou shalt not steal" ... Rom. 13:9.

D.   Furthermore - Christians are not evil doers.

1.    They have a degree of Faith that prompts them to return good for evil ...Rom. 12:20-21.

2.    They try to live peaceably with all men... Rom.12:13.

a. They do not succumb to wrath for it worketh not righteousness unto God... Rom. 12:19.

3.    Rather the Christian does good, in order that Christ can be seen in us.

E.    Christians morality stops them from being "busy bodies".

1.    "Busy bodies" both lend themselves to gossip and character assassination.

a.    With the modern technology one does not have to wait long to destroy another persons character, it is right at our finger tips.

b.    Note the words of this poem.

c.     "If you would keep your lips from slips. Five things observe with care: To whom you speak, of whom you speak.              And How, and when and where!"

F.    These High standards of morality are given from the word of God in which true Christians stand firm.

 

IV.  v. 19 - The Christian Is one who places his soul in the hands of his Creator.

A.    In light of v.18... that the Christian is going to be saved with difficulty... Matt. 22:11-14.

1.    It is no wonder that Peter concludes his Christian characteristics with one who entrusts His soul to the Lord.

B.    "Therefore" --- In the light of the severity of the judgment.

C.   "Let those who suffer" --- All of God's People.

D.   "Commit their souls to Him"

1.    This is literally -- to deliver as a deposit.

2.    The Christian is to deposit his soul, the most precious possession he has in the hands of his best friend of all, the Creator...Gen.1:26-27. and the Father of His Spirit.. Heb.12:9.

E.    How does the Christian Commit His Soul?

1.    Through a constant obedience to His will.

F.    Why does the Christian commit his soul?

1.    God will keep whatever is committed to him...II Tim.1:12.

2.    He will aid those who rely and lean on Him...Heb.13:20-21.

 

V.  Conclusion.

A.    Having studied the inspired characteristics of a Christian how do you stand or measure up?

B.    Are you one who suffers for Christ?

1.    Are you one who maintains a high moral standard

2.    Are you one who had realized the difficulty of salvation and the need of placing your soul in God's Hands.

C.   Or are you a Christian as Doctor Zeus is a Doctor in name alone?

D.  I N V I T A T I O N