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Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19

 

The Disciples Were Called Christians

 

Intro.

1.  Zion’s glory and new name predicted, Isa. 62:2, 4, 11-12.

2.  Christian (citizen of Zion): “an adherent of Jesus”; “follower of Christ.”

3.  “Christian” is a glorious, worthy, God-endorsed name. Many prefer to be called by human names, or names that extol a practice. 1 Cor. 1:12

4.  “Christian” is used three times in NT. Each context says something special about this God-given designation.

 

I.  A CHOICE IS MADE TO BE IDENTIFIED AS A CHRISTIAN, Acts 26:28. (Free will: Choice, cf. Rom. 7:3called an adulteress)

  A.  It is an Informed Choice (not blind, coerced, tradition, family, peer pressure).

    1.  The gospel call comes through learning Christ, Eph. 4:17-21.

    2.  We preach a gospel that is reasonable and persua­sive, Acts 19:8; 26:25 (2-23); Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21; 2:1-2.

  B.  It should be an Immediate Choice, Acts 16:30-33. Without delay; Not ceremonial, not a performance

  C.  It must be an Enduring Choice, Rom. 6:1-4; Rev. 2:10 (Heb. 6:4-6).

 

II.  A CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN ONE DECIDES TO BE IDENTIFIED AS A CHRISTIAN, Acts 11:20-26.

  A.  A Conversion Occurs.

    1.  Believed, turned to the Lord, Acts 11:21.

    2.  Cleave with purpose of heart to the Lord, Acts 11:23.

    3.  A change:

      a. Of Masters (disciple), Acts 11:26, 21 (“Lord”), 23.

      b. Of mind and conduct, cf. 1 Pet. 4:1-5.

  B.  Repentance Must Occur, Acts 11:18.

    1.  Radical change in life because:

      a.  Die to sin, Rom. 6:2; Gal. 2:20.

      b.  Put on Christ, Gal. 3:27.

    2.  Stop practicing sin, Ac 26:20; Rev. 9:20-21 (Lk. 11:32; Jon. 3:8-10)

    3.  The teaching of some brethren implies this is not always necessary as they redefine the law, they redefine sin and repentance.

      a.  Unscriptural remarriages: “When converted, remain in present marriage regardless of past/present marriage.” Why? Some say aliens not under Matt. 19:9; Others, “one loosed, both loosed”).

      b.  Comment on 1 Cor. 7:20: “Yes, you are supposed to remain in the marriage that you’re in, when you’re called as a Christian.” (Dann Walker, Kaysville, UT, 7/9/95)

      c.  Can the same be said of other sinful relationships: Polygamy, idolatry, homosexuality? (Can’t remain in adultery!)

      d.  Context: Non-sinful relations: Marriage of believer to unbeliever, 7:12-17; Circumcision, 7:18-20; Slavery, 7:21-23. Therefore...7:20, 24.

    4.  The gospel calls all sinners to repent, Acts 2:38; 17:30. Repentance demands that one stops practicing sin.

        -Adulterers, polygamists, extortionists, thieves, liars, etc.

 

III.  A CHALLENGE IS ACCEPTED WHEN ONE DECIDES TO BE IDENTIFIED AS A CHRISTIAN, 1 Pet. 4:12-19.

  A.  The Challenge to be Identified with (participate in) the Sufferings of Christ, 4:12-16 (Matt. 5:10-12). Reproached, yet blessed.

    1.  Not ashamed (“shrink back”) to suffer for Christ and for His truth, 1 Pet. 4:16; 2 Tim. 1:8.

    2.  Fellowship with His sufferings, Phil. 3:10.

    3.  Rejoice, 1 Pet. 4:13; Acts 5:40-41.

  B.  The Challenge to be Judged Worthy of our Name, 1 Pet. 4:17-19.

    1.  God’s house undergoes judgment, too, 4:17.

    2.  Strive diligently, 4:18; Lk. 13:23-24 (Matt. 22:14).

    3.  Commit your soul to God by doing good, 4:19.

 

Conclusion

1.  Christians must walk worthy of our calling, Eph. 4:1.

2.  In our words and our actions, let us truly be Christians, Lk. 6:40.

 

 

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: December 6, 2013