What is a Christian?

1. Read: 1 Peter 4:16

2. About the Text:

1) The word “Christian” is only used three times in the Bible.

2) 1 Peter 4:16 presumes the definition of a Christian.

3) In Acts 26:28, Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

4) This leads us to conclude that what Paul said was designed to produce Christians.

5) Acts 11:26 says, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

6) These disciples used the word first.

7) The word “Christian” itself means “little Christ.”

8) A Christian is a person who believes, obeys, and is faithful to Jesus Christ.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. The person of Christ.

1) He is the Son of God – “Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” (Matthew 16:16).

2) He is the Savior of the World – “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

3) He is God in the flesh – “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23).

2. The purpose of Christ.

1) To seek and to save the lost – “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

2) To pay the price for the sins of man – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

3) To build the church of Christ – “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18).

3. The plans of Christ.

1) Plans of Salvation – Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:47.

2) Plans of Unification –

a. John 10:16 – “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.”

b. Luke 13:29 – “They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God.”

3) Plans of glorification for some and condemnation for others.

a. John 5:28-29 – “Marvel not at this . . . .”

b. Matthew 25:31-46.

1. The teaching of Christ.

1) John 14:15 – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

2) “He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me” (John 14:24).

3) “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” (John 8:31-32).

2. The example of Christ.

1) “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

2) John 13:15 – “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

3. The apostles of Christ.

1) “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).

2) Matthew 28:20 – “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

1. He worships God through Christ.

1) “Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, Truly You are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).

2) John 4:23-24 – “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

2. He serves the body of Christ.

1) “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

2) “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all” (Mark 10:44).

3. He makes disciples for Christ.

1) “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8).

2) “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16).

1. A Christian is a person who . . .

1) Believes Christ

2) Obeys Christ

3) Is Faithful to Christ

2. How do you know that you are a Christian?

3. How do you become a Christian?

4. Invitation