View Resource Online
A New Man In Christ
My mind has been working overtime. Thinking of what Christianity is and how we are to obtain it. I gathered all the thoughts in my head and what I have heard from others on what Christianity is.
· Some people would say that you’re a Christian if you get up on Sunday mornings and go to Church.
· Some would say you’re a Christian because you go to youth every week.
· Some would say that you’re a Christian because you know all the Bible stories ever written.
· Some would say you’re a Christian because you go to Bible study every week.
· Some would say you’re a Christian because your family is Christian.
· Some would say you’re a Christian because you live in America and America is a Christian country.
· Some say you’re a Christian because you believe God exists.
· Some say you’re a Christian because you are a nice person.
How do we truly define our Christianity?
What does being a Christian mean?
The dictionary says a Christian is;
adj.
1. Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus’ teachings.
3. Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
4. Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
5. Showing a loving concern for others; humane.
n.
1. One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.
By the world’s definition of a Christian, I have a lot of work to do. By the world’s definition, I am in deep trouble. I have got a lot of work to do to be a true follower of Christ. Let us look into the Word this morning. Let’s let the Lord talk to us this morning.
Ephesians 4:20-32
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[a] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[b] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
· From what I see here, the Word of God and the dictionary are pretty close on what being Christ- like is. I will not and am not judging anyone today in any way. I am gonna preach to myself a little more and if you feel like this is for you then hold on to it! Let it sink in. We will fight this battle of carnality together and reach for a more righteous way of living.
· When I started this message, I talked about what being a Christian isn’t. There is more to it. Let me biblically prove why.
· I can get up on Sunday morning and go to church…But, what have I done all week to show my walk with God?
· Have I, like the Scripture says, thrown off my old sinful nature and my former way of life, which was corrupted by lust and deception? If I haven’t, then what good is professing my Christianity? How can I say that I am a Christian if I still act like I did when I was lost? Before I received the Holy Ghost?
· Am I a Christian because I went to a youth function last night? What do I do when I am at youth? Do I edify God? Do I show myself as a Christian? What did I do In school all week or at home? Did I read the Word of God? Did I pray this week? How angry did I get? Bible says “And don’t sin by letting anger control you.” How many lies did I tell? What am I doing in secret? Is it Godly?
· The Bible says to 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
· If I know all those Bible stories am I living by them? Do I believe them? Do I tell others about them?
· I am a Christian because my mom and dad are Christian. They are living right why do I have to? The Bible says to search out my own salvation with fear and trembling. Don’t count on everybody else to get me in heaven, only I can do that.
· If I believe that God exists, then why in the world am I not living for him? If I really believed that God exists, then I would know that he requires my everything all the time. I would know that it’s more to it than just believing, it’s living it.
· You say Stephen, how do I live it?
· One day at a time.
· But it’s too hard! I can’t do it. I want the things of this world.What things do you want?
· If I wanna make it, I have got to surround myself with good people. I have got to pray for the wisdom and understanding of God’s word.
· I have got to fast so that I can get my carnality under subjection. I have got to worship so that I can feel his presence. The Bible says he inhabits our praises. So if he inhabits our praises then I probably wanna worship.
· So you say Stephen if going to church,going to youth, going to Bible studies, believing in God, being a nice person does not make me a christian, than what in the world am I doing here?
· I am saying those things alone are not at all enough. I am saying that I need to reevaluate my life and how I live it. I need to look a little closer at my functions outside of going to church.
· I need to be a Christian-minded youth member and not rely on my sometimes experiences to be enough to put me in God’s graces.
· Yes I am a youth member…because I care about the lost children and I want to do everything I can to see them saved.
· I want to win my family to God, instead of depending on them to win me. I can’t reach them if I am waiting for them to reach me.
I want to show God he exists, by obeying His commandment and living by His word.
Ephesians 3:17-21 says
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
· In order for us to accomplish this Christ-like attitude, we have to put on the new man, and walk uprightly in all things, so that we don’t offend others, and be that light that everyone sees.
· You want to gain Christianity? Start by repenting.
Altar call
