What it means to be a

1. What it means to be a Christian

2. 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 it means to be a Christian What is a Christian?

3. 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? What is a Christian?

4. The Biblical definition • Χριστιανός, (Christianos) • One associated with ChristA 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? What is a Christian?

5. 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 Called Christians What is a Christian?

6. 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) Called Christians What is a Christian?

7. 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 Called Christians What is a Christian?

8. 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 A Christian is: What is a Christian?

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

10. Convicted • One found guilty, or one genuinely and firmly believes • He realizes he is a sinner, cf. Acts 2:37-28, 411 Timothy 1:12-15 – Paul • He genuinely believes and his life shows it – Hebrews 10:22 – a true heart, 2 Timothy 1:12 A Christian is: What is a Christian?

11. 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 A Christian is: What is a Christian?

12. 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 A Christian is: What is a Christian?

13. 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 A Christian is: What is a Christian?

14. 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? A Christian is: What is a Christian?

15. 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! A Christian is: What is a Christian?

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