WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?

The churches of Christ Greet You (Romans 16:16)
 

Introduction
A. Many accept the concept of Christianity without knowing its true meaning.
     1. To some-being baptized.
     2. To others-just one's name on a church roll.
     3. To still others-a way to please family or business influence.
B. True Christianity-it is a special life.
     1. Surrendered to the Lord (Matthew 16:24).
     2. Can't do as we please-do what pleases God.
     3. “Servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:17,18).
C. In this lesson, we will look at this special kind of life.

I. CHRISTIANITY IS A SURROUNDED LIFE
A. Read Job 1:10.
B. God did not deny this hedge.
     1. Allowed devil to try him-kept hedge to protect his life.
     2. Thus, a hedge of protection-not ornamental.
C. The Christian life today is a surrounded life.
     1. Hedge of grace around us on all aides.
     2. Ephesians 2:8.
     3. Romans 5:20.
     4. Titus 2:11,12;
     5.  Romans 1:16,17.
D. Christ and grace greater than the world.
     1. 1 John 4:4.
     2. 1 John 2:1.
     3. Psalm 119:11.
E. Example: God protected Paul in storm and shipwreck
     (Acta 27:39-44).

II. CHRISTIANITY IS A SERVING LIFE
A. Many want to be served, never to serve.
B. The greatest example of a servant is our Master, Jesus.
     1. Mark 10:45.
     2. Paul served God (Acts 27:23).
     3. Serve all men (Galatians 6:10).
     4. Some unhappily say, "Here I am-serve me."
     5. Need attitude of Saul-“Lord, what would you have me do” (Acts 9:6).
     6. Jesus completed His job (John 17:4).
C. Christianity must be personal.
     1. Can't give by proxy.
     2. Can’t just pay others to serve for you, etc.

III. CHRISTIANITY IS A SPIRITUAL LIFE
A. A spiritual walk (Romans 8:1-5).
     1. Flesh minds flesh - spirit, things of Spirit (Romans 8:5).
     2. Must live life in flesh, but not after it.
B. What does it mean to live life after Spirit?
     1. Be crucified (Galatians 2:20).
     2. Abstain from fleshly lust (I Peter 2:11).
     3.  Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 22-25).
C. Put Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

IV. CHRISTIANITY IS A SHINING LIFE
A. Must be light (Matthew 5:14; John 8:12).
B. Shine as lights of the world (Philippians 2:15).
     1. This is a natural light.
     2. Not a blinding or weak light.
C. Many cover their lights (give examples).

V. CHRISTIANITY IS A HAPPY LIFE
A. Must love life (1 Peter 3:10).
B. God wants HIS children happy-even when sad.
     1. “Rejoice with them that do rejoice ...” (Romans 12:15).
     2.  1 Thessalonians 5:16.
C. Too much unhappiness is a symptom that one has heart trouble.
D. Get busy as a Christian and happiness will come after you.

CONCLUSION
A. Are you a Christian in these ways described?
B. Would you consider obedience today?

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