This message is intended as instruction for Christians. So, the first thing we will establish is "who is a Christian"? If you are not a Christian this message is of no value to you YET. You need first to experience the salvation of God, the new birth, ye must be born again - then this message will give you a road map to follow in your new life. If you are a long time Christian, then this message will help you to examine your life and fruit in light of the scriptures. Now - lets look at "who is a Christian"..
| WHO IS A CHRISTIAN? | ||
| Jn.3:16 | For God so loved the world He gave - that whosoever believes- shall live | |
| IJn.1:9 | If we freely admit our sins He will forgive | |
| 1:3 | Fellowship with Father & Son is distinguishing mark | |
| Gal.2:16 | Man is justified, not by works, but by Faith and trust in Jesus | |
| IPet.1:3-4 | Born into inheritance - imperishable | |
| 1:23 | Regenerated - born again - not mortal, but immortal | |
| Col.3:3 | You have died - your new life is hid in Christ | |
| Eph.2:19 | No longer outcasts --- God's own people | |
| Gal.3:7 | Those who live by faith are the true sons of Abraham | |
| 3:26-29 | Sons of God thru faith - heirs according to the promise | |
| IPet.2:9-10 | Chosen race - royal priesthood - God's OWN people | |
| Jn.14:21 | Person who has My commands and keeps them - really loves me | YOU WILL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUIT |
| Gal.6:7-8 | As a man sows so shall he also reap | |
| Mt.12:33 | A tree is known by it's fruit | |
| Mt.7:16 | You will fully recognize them by their fruits - do you pick grapes from thorn | |
| 7:20 | Therefore you will fully know them by their fruits | |
| Mat.7:20-23 | You will fully know them by their fruits | |
| Jas.2:16-17 | Faith w/o fruit is nothing | |
| Heb.12:14 | Without HOLINESS no one will see God | |
| Jn.15:12 | Command - love one another | |
| Jn.15:5-8 | When you bear much fruit - you prove to be true followers of mine
Love - joy - peace - patience - kindness - goodness - faithfulness - gentleness - self control | OBLIGATION OF CHRISTIANS |
| IJn.2:6 | NKJ- He who says he abides in Christ ought himself to walk just as He walked
NIV- Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did AMP- Whoever says he abides in Him ought - as a personal debt - to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself NEB- Here is the test by which we can make sure we are in Him: whoever claims to be dwelling in Him, binds himself to live as Christ lived | WHAT CAN (SHOULD) THE CHRISTIAN EXPECT? |
| Expect to be tested - hairdresser - ins sales - Dr. - realtor - driver license - child in school, all are tested so why should a Christian not expect to be tested? | ||
| IPet.1:4-7 | Christian - trial- temptation - to test genuineness of your faith | |
| 4:3-6 | End to old - old friends abuse and misunderstand you | |
| 4:12-17 | Don't be amazed at fiery ordeal | GOD'S REQUIREMENTS |
| IPet.1:15-16 | be Holy for I am holy | |
| 2Tim.2:19 | Let God's people give up all iniquity | |
| Eph.1:4 | Chosen - holy - set apart - consecrated | |
| Phil.2:5-16 | Jesus - Example | |
| IPet.2:12-25 | Conduct your selves properly | |
| Eph.4:1-3 | Walk worthy of your call | |
| 21-32 | Cont'd | |
| Eph.5:1-18 | Cont'd | |
| IThes.4:3-12 | Cont'd | |
| ITim.5:8 | Provide for family | |
| 2Tim.3:17 | Man of God - well fitted /equipped | |
| IPet.5:8-10 | Be well balanced | |
| Gal.5:16-26 | Live by the Holy Spirit
Desires of flesh vs/ Fruit of Holy Spirit | GOD'S PROMISES TO THEM THAT FOLLOW AFTER HIM |
| Phil.1:6 | He who called /will complete the work He started | |
| IPet.5:10 | He will make you what you ought to be | |
| IPet.3:12 | The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous | |
| Col.3:4 | When Christ appears /you appear with Him | |
| Deut.28:1 | Listen and DO and in due time He will exhalt you | |
| IPet.5:5-6 | Humble yourself and in due time He will exhalt you | |
| Phil.3:20-21 | They shall be changed /transformed | |
| Mt.10:22 | They will be SAVED | |
| Jn.5:30 | Will be a SON OF GOD | |
| Col.1:22-23 | Will be reconciled to God | |
| Heb.3:6 | Will share in all Christ has & is | |
| Heb.10:36 | CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS! | |
| Jas.4:17 | He who knows what is right and does it not -- SINS | |
| IPet.4:17-18 | Judgement begins in the house of the Lord | |
| Mt.21:43 | I tell you... the Kingdom will be taken away ...given to them that will produce its fruits | |
| Jude 5 | Tho the Lord delivered a people/He destroyed the unbelievers | |
Charles LaFoe