The Significance Of Being A Christian
Belonging To The Lord - Part One
In our previous lesson, we began this series by asking what is the significance of being a Christian. Starting with the idea that a Christian is "A Person Reborn" we noted that a Christian is a person reborn because in Christ; (1) they are a new creation - 2 Co 5:17; (2) They have been born again - 1 Pe 1:22-23; (3) they now have a new loyalty: to serve Jesus Christ - Ga 2:20. We begin this lesson by noting Paul’s comments to the Corinthians as recorded in 1 Co 6:19-20 "You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own. God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God."Paul challenged their thinking by asking "You surely know" The Christian needs to understand that he has been "bought at a price" and consequently is a person "Belonging To The Lord"
"Belonging to the Lord" has many connotations attached to it. One is that a Christian is God’s special person. Christians are now God’s own special people. Note how Peter describes them in 1 Pe 2:9-10 "But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say, "Once you were nobody. Now you are God's people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness."
Note: "a chosen generation", "a royal priesthood", "a holy nation", "His own special people"
These are terms that were once reserved for the physical nation of Israel. The Lord had chosen them - Deu 10:15 "Yet the LORD loved your ancestors and wanted them to belong to him. So he chose them and their descendants rather than any other nation, and today you are still his people." He made them a kingdom of priests and a holy nation - Exo 19:5 "Now if you will faithfully obey me, you will be my very own people. The whole world is mine, but you will be my holy nation and serve me as priests." Thus they had become a special people above all other nations - Deu 7:6 "Israel, you are the chosen people of the LORD your God. There are many nations on this earth, but he chose only Israel to be his very own."
What had once been limited to physical Israel, is now possible to all people who are in Christ, as promised to Abraham - Ga 3:8-9 "Long ago the Scriptures said that God would accept the Gentiles because of their faith. That's why God told Abraham the good news that all nations would be blessed because of him. This means that everyone who has faith will share in the blessings that were given to Abraham because of his faith.", 28-29 "Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman. So if you belong to Christ, you are now part of Abraham's family, and you will be given what God has promised."
Christians are special people with responsibilities to proclaim the praises of God - 1 Pe 2:9-10 "But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say, "Once you were nobody. Now you are God's people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness."
Because He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Because He showed mercy, and made us the people of God. To grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ - 2 Pe 1:8-11 "If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. But if you don't grow, you are like someone who is nearsighted or blind, and you have forgotten that your past sins are forgiven. My friends, you must do all you can to show that God has really chosen and selected you. If you keep on doing this, you won't stumble and fall. Then our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will give you a glorious welcome into his kingdom that will last forever.". To make our calling and election (as God’s people) sure. To have an abundance entrance into the everlasting kingdom.
From the example of physical Israel, let us beware of becoming hardened and not lose faith, or we may not enter the heavenly rest that awaits us! - He 3:12-4:2 "My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don't, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn. We were sure about Christ when we first became his people. So let's hold tightly to our faith until the end. The Scriptures say, "If you hear his voice today, don't be stubborn like those who rebelled." Who were those people that heard God's voice and rebelled? Weren't they the same ones that came out of Egypt with Moses? Who were the people that made God angry for forty years? Weren't they the ones that sinned and died in the desert? And who did God say would never enter his place of rest? Weren't they the ones that disobeyed him? We see that those people did not enter the place of rest because they did not have faith. The promise to enter the place of rest is still good, and we must take care that none of you miss out. We have heard the message, just as they did. But they failed to believe what they heard, and the message did not do them any good.", 11 "We should do our best to enter that place of rest, so that none of us will disobey and miss going there, as they did." A Christian is truly "a special person" because he belongs to the Lord. He can rejoice in knowing that he is one of God’s "beloved" (Ro 1:7).
God’s love for the Christian is made even more evident when we note that he is also God’s Child. Christians are blessed to be children of God. In one sense, all people are God’s children - Ac 17:26-29 "From one person God made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be. God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn't far from any of us, and he gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. "We are his children," just as some of your poets have said. Since we are God's children, we must not think that he is like an idol made out of gold or silver or stone. He isn't like anything that humans have thought up and made." In another sense, many do not have God as their Father - Jn 8:42-44 "Jesus answered: If God were your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and only from him. He sent me. I did not come on my own. Why can't you understand what I am talking about? Can't you stand to hear what I am saying? Your father is the devil, and you do exactly what he wants. He has always been a murderer and a liar. There is nothing truthful about him. He speaks on his own, and everything he says is a lie. Not only is he a liar himself, but he is also the father of all lies." Yet Christians are the children of God in a very special way. Because of their faith, and having put on Christ in baptism - Ga 3:26-27 "All of you are God's children because of your faith in Christ Jesus. And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes." Redeemed and adopted by God, they have received His Spirit into their hearts - Ga 4:4-6 "But when the time was right, God sent his Son, and a woman gave birth to him. His Son obeyed the Law, so he could set us free from the Law, and we could become God's children. Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father." Because we do the Father’s will, Jesus considers us His family - Mt 12:48-50 "Jesus answered, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and my brothers! Anyone who obeys my Father in heaven is my brother or sister or mother."’
Christians should be touched by this expression of God’s love - 1 Jn 3:1-2 "Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are. But since the people of this world did not know who Christ is, they don't know who we are. My dear friends, we are already God's children, though what we will be hasn't yet been seen. But we do know that when Christ returns, we will be like him, because we will see him as he truly is."
In this lesson we have looked at the principal of "Belonging to the Lord"; which has many connotations attached to it. One is that a Christian is God’s special person. Christians are now God’s own special people. In Part Two we will turn our attention to the blessings and responsibilities we have in "Belonging to the Lord"
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
After Conversion, What Then? Part Two
After Conversion, What Then?
Part Two
In Part One of this lesson we looked at what one is to do after conversion that will ensure remaining faithful to the Lord? There are some additional things to remember. We now turn our attention to the things we are to do. One of those is to put God first. Love Him with all your being, in the words of Jesus - Mt 22:37 “And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Seek first His kingdom and righteousness - Mt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” -- This will ensure that you do all that is necessary to remain faithful!
Study the word of God. Long for the Word, like an infant longs for milk - 1 Pe 2:2 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation”. Emulate the Bereans in their attitude - Ac 17:10-11 “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” -- Receive the Word with meekness, and it will save you! - Ja 1:21 “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
Be fervent in prayer. Jesus has made it possible to approach God’s throne - He 4:14-16 “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Wonderful blessings come through prayer - Ph 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -- Be devoted to prayer, with an attitude of thanksgiving - Co 4:2 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Be diligent in assembling. We are not to forsake our assembling together - He 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” It is a time for fellowship, prayer, and on the first day of the week, the Lord’s Supper – Ac 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”; 20:7 “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.”; 1 Co 11:23-26 “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” -- Neglecting the assemblies is a symptom of spiritual stagnation!
Help save others. The Lord wants His disciples to make more disciples - Mt 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."’ Those diligent in saving others are more likely to save themselves - 1 Co 9:19-27 -- Lose your enthusiasm for saving souls, and you may lose your own!
While not meant to be exhaustive, these are just a few things to remember and to do -- that may be helpful for someone recently converted. But not just for new Christians; but for any Christian who has left their “first love” - Re 2:4 “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” For they should “repent and do the first works” - Re 2:5 “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” -- These are some of the “first works” that one needs to do.
Are you in need of doing the “first works”...? Perhaps you even need to obey the “first steps” of the gospel of Christ... - Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 22:16
Part Two
In Part One of this lesson we looked at what one is to do after conversion that will ensure remaining faithful to the Lord? There are some additional things to remember. We now turn our attention to the things we are to do. One of those is to put God first. Love Him with all your being, in the words of Jesus - Mt 22:37 “And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Seek first His kingdom and righteousness - Mt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” -- This will ensure that you do all that is necessary to remain faithful!
Study the word of God. Long for the Word, like an infant longs for milk - 1 Pe 2:2 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation”. Emulate the Bereans in their attitude - Ac 17:10-11 “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” -- Receive the Word with meekness, and it will save you! - Ja 1:21 “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
Be fervent in prayer. Jesus has made it possible to approach God’s throne - He 4:14-16 “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Wonderful blessings come through prayer - Ph 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -- Be devoted to prayer, with an attitude of thanksgiving - Co 4:2 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Be diligent in assembling. We are not to forsake our assembling together - He 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” It is a time for fellowship, prayer, and on the first day of the week, the Lord’s Supper – Ac 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”; 20:7 “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.”; 1 Co 11:23-26 “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” -- Neglecting the assemblies is a symptom of spiritual stagnation!
Help save others. The Lord wants His disciples to make more disciples - Mt 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."’ Those diligent in saving others are more likely to save themselves - 1 Co 9:19-27 -- Lose your enthusiasm for saving souls, and you may lose your own!
While not meant to be exhaustive, these are just a few things to remember and to do -- that may be helpful for someone recently converted. But not just for new Christians; but for any Christian who has left their “first love” - Re 2:4 “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” For they should “repent and do the first works” - Re 2:5 “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” -- These are some of the “first works” that one needs to do.
Are you in need of doing the “first works”...? Perhaps you even need to obey the “first steps” of the gospel of Christ... - Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 22:16
Sunday, December 17, 2006
A Person Reborn - Part Two
The Significance Of Being A Christian
A Person Reborn - Part Two
In Part One of this lesson we introduced the reader to the significance of being a Christian as a person reborn. A new creation made possible by virtue of a new birth. What makes such a new creation and a new life a reality? It is more than a mere obedience to some new doctrine. It is possible only when such obedience is the result of a new loyalty. A Christian is a "converted person." As exemplified by the Thessalonians - 1 Th 1:9 "Everyone is talking about how you welcomed us and how you turned away from idols to serve the true and living God." Conversion inherently involves change, particularly a change of loyalties. From serving sin to serving God - Ro 6:16-18 "Don't you know that you are slaves of anyone you obey? You can be slaves of sin and die, or you can be obedient slaves of God and be acceptable to him. You used to be slaves of sin. But I thank God that with all your heart you obeyed the teaching you received from me. Now you are set free from sin and are slaves who please God." From serving idols to serving God, 1 Th 1:9 "Everyone is talking about how you welcomed us and how you turned away from idols to serve the true and living God."
A Christian is converted to Jesus Christ. He or she acknowledges the Lordship of Jesus Christ - Ac 2:36 "Everyone in Israel should then know for certain that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, even though you put him to death on a cross."; 1 Pe 3:15 "Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope." Above family, life, and self, the Christian chooses to follow Jesus - Mt 10:37-39 "If you love your father or mother or even your sons and daughters more than me, you are not fit to be my disciples. And unless you are willing to take up your cross and come with me, you are not fit to be my disciples. If you try to save your life, you will lose it. But if you give it up for me, you will surely find it." When one makes that choice, Christ will become the focus of that person’s life - Ga 2:20 "I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me."
Such a loyalty to Christ results in a new life. In which God blesses the individual through Jesus Christ, Ph 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel." In which one finds strength to live the new life, Ph 4:13 "Christ gives me the strength to face anything."
A significant thing about a Christian, then, is that he or she experiences a new creation, enjoys a new life and entertains a new loyalty. Such an individual is truly "A Person Reborn". But not all professing Christians show evidence of this rebirth...why is that? They may have not yet truly experienced the new creation. Obedience not rendered in faith will not produce the new birth - Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned." For God’s power to be at work, we must submit in faith - Co 2:12-13 "And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death. You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God's people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins." Though they may have been reborn and entered the new life, they may have gone back into sin. Hardened by sin’s deceitfulness, they have departed from God - He 3:12-13 "My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don't, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn." Entangled once again by the pollutions of the world - 2 Pe 2:20 "When they learned about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they escaped from the filthy things of this world. But they are again caught up and controlled by these filthy things, and now they are in worse shape than they were at first." In either case, their loyalty is certainly not where it ought to be!
May the promise of a new creation and a new life in Christ remind us of "The Significance Of Being A Christian", and challenge us to examine our loyalties if we do not see in our lives the evidence of "A Person Reborn" Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Would you like to be reborn in Christ to be a new creature with a new life? If you have not responded to the gospel message and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net or jimnewy@gmail.com
A Person Reborn - Part Two
In Part One of this lesson we introduced the reader to the significance of being a Christian as a person reborn. A new creation made possible by virtue of a new birth. What makes such a new creation and a new life a reality? It is more than a mere obedience to some new doctrine. It is possible only when such obedience is the result of a new loyalty. A Christian is a "converted person." As exemplified by the Thessalonians - 1 Th 1:9 "Everyone is talking about how you welcomed us and how you turned away from idols to serve the true and living God." Conversion inherently involves change, particularly a change of loyalties. From serving sin to serving God - Ro 6:16-18 "Don't you know that you are slaves of anyone you obey? You can be slaves of sin and die, or you can be obedient slaves of God and be acceptable to him. You used to be slaves of sin. But I thank God that with all your heart you obeyed the teaching you received from me. Now you are set free from sin and are slaves who please God." From serving idols to serving God, 1 Th 1:9 "Everyone is talking about how you welcomed us and how you turned away from idols to serve the true and living God."
A Christian is converted to Jesus Christ. He or she acknowledges the Lordship of Jesus Christ - Ac 2:36 "Everyone in Israel should then know for certain that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, even though you put him to death on a cross."; 1 Pe 3:15 "Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope." Above family, life, and self, the Christian chooses to follow Jesus - Mt 10:37-39 "If you love your father or mother or even your sons and daughters more than me, you are not fit to be my disciples. And unless you are willing to take up your cross and come with me, you are not fit to be my disciples. If you try to save your life, you will lose it. But if you give it up for me, you will surely find it." When one makes that choice, Christ will become the focus of that person’s life - Ga 2:20 "I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me."
Such a loyalty to Christ results in a new life. In which God blesses the individual through Jesus Christ, Ph 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel." In which one finds strength to live the new life, Ph 4:13 "Christ gives me the strength to face anything."
A significant thing about a Christian, then, is that he or she experiences a new creation, enjoys a new life and entertains a new loyalty. Such an individual is truly "A Person Reborn". But not all professing Christians show evidence of this rebirth...why is that? They may have not yet truly experienced the new creation. Obedience not rendered in faith will not produce the new birth - Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned." For God’s power to be at work, we must submit in faith - Co 2:12-13 "And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death. You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God's people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins." Though they may have been reborn and entered the new life, they may have gone back into sin. Hardened by sin’s deceitfulness, they have departed from God - He 3:12-13 "My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don't, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn." Entangled once again by the pollutions of the world - 2 Pe 2:20 "When they learned about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they escaped from the filthy things of this world. But they are again caught up and controlled by these filthy things, and now they are in worse shape than they were at first." In either case, their loyalty is certainly not where it ought to be!
May the promise of a new creation and a new life in Christ remind us of "The Significance Of Being A Christian", and challenge us to examine our loyalties if we do not see in our lives the evidence of "A Person Reborn" Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Would you like to be reborn in Christ to be a new creature with a new life? If you have not responded to the gospel message and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net or jimnewy@gmail.com
Sunday, December 10, 2006
After Conversion, What Then? Part One
After Conversion, What Then?
Part One
Wonderful blessings come to those who respond to the gospel of Christ. They receive remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit - Ac 2:38-39 “And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."’ They experience a washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit - Ti 3:4-7 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Indeed, by God’s grace they are “saved”... Saved from their past sins - Mk 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” With their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus - Ac 22:16 “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'”; Ep 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” Becoming heirs according to the hope of eternal life - Ti 3:7 “so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Yet in another sense, they are still to be “saved”.... They must make their call and election sure - 2 Pe 1:10 “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” They must be careful to save themselves - 1 Ti 4:16 “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” They must remain faithful to receive the crown of life - Re 2:10 “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
What is one to do after conversion that will ensure remaining faithful to the Lord? There are some things to remember. You are a new creature by virtue of being in Christ - 2 Co 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Having been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life - Ro 6:3-4 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” -- God has given you new potential for living!
You are a babe in Christ. We begin our new life as “babes in Christ” - 1 Co 3:1 “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.” We start with spiritual “milk” - 1 Co 3:2 “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,” -- God allows you time to grow! - He 5:12-14 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
You are in a critical period. As a babe, you can be easily “tossed about” - Ep 4:14 “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Satan often strikes hardest at the beginning of our service – for example see, Mt 4:1-11 -- Satan would love to see you fail! - 1 Pe 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
You face the possibility of falling from grace if you allow yourself to hardened by the deceit of sin - He 3:12-14 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” Especially when you think you are strong - 1 Co 10:12 “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” -- God can be trusted to help us through temptations - 1 Co 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”; 1 Jn 2:1-2 “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
You are to be a Good example. An example of those who believe - 1 Ti 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” An example in both deed and word - Ti 2:7-8 “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” -- Others should be able to look to you as to how to live for Christ - Ph 3:17 “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”
Remembering such things will certainly help keep one strong in the faith. Also helpful are the things we are to do. These will be covered in Part Two of this lesson.
Part One
Wonderful blessings come to those who respond to the gospel of Christ. They receive remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit - Ac 2:38-39 “And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."’ They experience a washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit - Ti 3:4-7 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Indeed, by God’s grace they are “saved”... Saved from their past sins - Mk 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” With their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus - Ac 22:16 “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'”; Ep 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” Becoming heirs according to the hope of eternal life - Ti 3:7 “so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Yet in another sense, they are still to be “saved”.... They must make their call and election sure - 2 Pe 1:10 “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” They must be careful to save themselves - 1 Ti 4:16 “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” They must remain faithful to receive the crown of life - Re 2:10 “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
What is one to do after conversion that will ensure remaining faithful to the Lord? There are some things to remember. You are a new creature by virtue of being in Christ - 2 Co 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Having been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life - Ro 6:3-4 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” -- God has given you new potential for living!
You are a babe in Christ. We begin our new life as “babes in Christ” - 1 Co 3:1 “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.” We start with spiritual “milk” - 1 Co 3:2 “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,” -- God allows you time to grow! - He 5:12-14 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
You are in a critical period. As a babe, you can be easily “tossed about” - Ep 4:14 “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Satan often strikes hardest at the beginning of our service – for example see, Mt 4:1-11 -- Satan would love to see you fail! - 1 Pe 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
You face the possibility of falling from grace if you allow yourself to hardened by the deceit of sin - He 3:12-14 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” Especially when you think you are strong - 1 Co 10:12 “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” -- God can be trusted to help us through temptations - 1 Co 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”; 1 Jn 2:1-2 “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
You are to be a Good example. An example of those who believe - 1 Ti 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” An example in both deed and word - Ti 2:7-8 “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” -- Others should be able to look to you as to how to live for Christ - Ph 3:17 “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”
Remembering such things will certainly help keep one strong in the faith. Also helpful are the things we are to do. These will be covered in Part Two of this lesson.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
A Person Reborn - Part One
The Significance Of Being A Christian
A Person Reborn - Part One
It is always exciting to see someone become a Christian. Even when an observer doesn’t understand all that is involved, they often sense something meaningful is going on. Especially as time goes on, and changes begin to occur in the person’s life. But often the significance of becoming a Christian appears to be lost. Sometimes even Christians fail to appreciate the significance of being a Christian. When this happens, Christians often fail to grow as they should. It never hurts for a Christian to reflect, and ask such questions as:
What did I do?
What have I received?
What are the implications and consequences of what I’ve done?
What has happened to me?
What have I become?
What is different about me?
To summarize these questions, what is the meaning, importance, and value of becoming a Christian? What am I now to do? Such are the questions we hope to answer in this series, "The Significance Of Being A Christian"
In this first lesson, we note that a Christian is "A Person Reborn". That is because in Christ one has become a new creation. A Christian rises out of the watery grave of baptism to newness of life - Ro 6:4-5 "When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father. If we shared in Jesus' death by being baptized, we will be raised to life with him." Old things have passed away, and new things have come - 2 Co 5:17 "Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new."
A new creation made possible by virtue of a new birth. A new birth produced by responding to the Word of God - Ja 1:18 "He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth."; 1 Pe 1:22-23 "You obeyed the truth, and your souls were made pure. Now you sincerely love each other. But you must keep on loving with all your heart. Do this because God has given you new birth by his message that lives on forever." A new birth produced by the working of the Spirit of God - Jn 3:3-5 "Jesus replied, "I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God's kingdom!" Nicodemus asked, "How can a grown man ever be born a second time?" Jesus answered: I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit."; Ti 3:5-7 "He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life."
In this new creation we embark on a life of renewal. The inner man is to be renewed daily - 2 Co 4:16 "We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day." This renewal is ongoing, involving the renewal of one’s mind - Ro 12:2 "Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him."
Because of the new creation which has occurred, and the renewing which continues to take place, the Christian can be said to have a new life, having passed from death to life. As Jesus promised to those who hear His words - Jn 5:24-25 "I tell you for certain that everyone who hears my message and has faith in the one who sent me has eternal life and will never be condemned. They have already gone from death to life. I tell you for certain that the time will come, and it is already here, when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen to it will live!" Once dead in sin, we are now made alive to God - Ep 2:1-5 "In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God. Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else. But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's wonderful kindness is what saves you."; Co 2:12-13 "And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death. You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God's people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins." We now have the promise and prospect of life eternal, given through God’s Son - 1 Jn 5:11-13 "God has also said that he gave us eternal life and that this life comes to us from his Son. And so, if we have God's Son, we have this life. But if we don't have the Son, we don't have this life. All of you have faith in the Son of God, and I have written to let you know that you have eternal life."
Because of the new creation which has occurred we pass from darkness into the light. Such is the objective of gospel preaching: to turn people from darkness to light. So Jesus told Paul - Ac 26:18 "I want you to open their eyes, so that they will turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then their sins will be forgiven, and by faith in me they will become part of God's holy people."’ So Peter wrote to Christians - 1 Pe 2:9-10 "But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say, "Once you were nobody. Now you are God's people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness." Though we once walked in darkness, we can now walk in the light. As children of light - Ep 5:8 "You used to be like people living in the dark, but now you are people of the light because you belong to the Lord. So act like people of the light"; 1 Th 5:5 "You belong to the light and live in the day. We don't live in the night or belong to the dark." ain The metaphor of light representing goodness, righteousness, and truth - Ep 5:9 "So act like people of the light and make your light shine. Be good and honest and truthful"
For which we should ever be thankful - Co 1:12-13 "I pray that you will be grateful to God for letting you have part in what he has promised his people in the kingdom of light. God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son,"
We will continue this lesson in a second part looking at what makes such a new creation and a new life a reality.
A Person Reborn - Part One
It is always exciting to see someone become a Christian. Even when an observer doesn’t understand all that is involved, they often sense something meaningful is going on. Especially as time goes on, and changes begin to occur in the person’s life. But often the significance of becoming a Christian appears to be lost. Sometimes even Christians fail to appreciate the significance of being a Christian. When this happens, Christians often fail to grow as they should. It never hurts for a Christian to reflect, and ask such questions as:
What did I do?
What have I received?
What are the implications and consequences of what I’ve done?
What has happened to me?
What have I become?
What is different about me?
To summarize these questions, what is the meaning, importance, and value of becoming a Christian? What am I now to do? Such are the questions we hope to answer in this series, "The Significance Of Being A Christian"
In this first lesson, we note that a Christian is "A Person Reborn". That is because in Christ one has become a new creation. A Christian rises out of the watery grave of baptism to newness of life - Ro 6:4-5 "When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father. If we shared in Jesus' death by being baptized, we will be raised to life with him." Old things have passed away, and new things have come - 2 Co 5:17 "Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new."
A new creation made possible by virtue of a new birth. A new birth produced by responding to the Word of God - Ja 1:18 "He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth."; 1 Pe 1:22-23 "You obeyed the truth, and your souls were made pure. Now you sincerely love each other. But you must keep on loving with all your heart. Do this because God has given you new birth by his message that lives on forever." A new birth produced by the working of the Spirit of God - Jn 3:3-5 "Jesus replied, "I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God's kingdom!" Nicodemus asked, "How can a grown man ever be born a second time?" Jesus answered: I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit."; Ti 3:5-7 "He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life."
In this new creation we embark on a life of renewal. The inner man is to be renewed daily - 2 Co 4:16 "We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day." This renewal is ongoing, involving the renewal of one’s mind - Ro 12:2 "Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him."
Because of the new creation which has occurred, and the renewing which continues to take place, the Christian can be said to have a new life, having passed from death to life. As Jesus promised to those who hear His words - Jn 5:24-25 "I tell you for certain that everyone who hears my message and has faith in the one who sent me has eternal life and will never be condemned. They have already gone from death to life. I tell you for certain that the time will come, and it is already here, when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen to it will live!" Once dead in sin, we are now made alive to God - Ep 2:1-5 "In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God. Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else. But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's wonderful kindness is what saves you."; Co 2:12-13 "And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death. You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God's people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins." We now have the promise and prospect of life eternal, given through God’s Son - 1 Jn 5:11-13 "God has also said that he gave us eternal life and that this life comes to us from his Son. And so, if we have God's Son, we have this life. But if we don't have the Son, we don't have this life. All of you have faith in the Son of God, and I have written to let you know that you have eternal life."
Because of the new creation which has occurred we pass from darkness into the light. Such is the objective of gospel preaching: to turn people from darkness to light. So Jesus told Paul - Ac 26:18 "I want you to open their eyes, so that they will turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then their sins will be forgiven, and by faith in me they will become part of God's holy people."’ So Peter wrote to Christians - 1 Pe 2:9-10 "But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say, "Once you were nobody. Now you are God's people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness." Though we once walked in darkness, we can now walk in the light. As children of light - Ep 5:8 "You used to be like people living in the dark, but now you are people of the light because you belong to the Lord. So act like people of the light"; 1 Th 5:5 "You belong to the light and live in the day. We don't live in the night or belong to the dark." ain The metaphor of light representing goodness, righteousness, and truth - Ep 5:9 "So act like people of the light and make your light shine. Be good and honest and truthful"
For which we should ever be thankful - Co 1:12-13 "I pray that you will be grateful to God for letting you have part in what he has promised his people in the kingdom of light. God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son,"
We will continue this lesson in a second part looking at what makes such a new creation and a new life a reality.
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