Topical Sermons

THE NATURE OF CHRISTIANITY

Intro.
1. Christian found 3 times in the Bible:
  a. Acts 11:26 - Disciples (Christians) -- Compose the church.
  b. Acts 26:28 - Made with persuasion of gospel.
  c. 1 Pet. 4:16 - Glorify God through one's way of life.
2. "An adherent of Jesus," (Vine); Of, or belonging to Christ.
3. What is it to be a Christian? Some see as...
  a. Wearing a name? - Titus 1:16
  b. Joining a club? - 1 Cor. 1:12-13
  c. Self-dictated conduct? - Col. 2:20-23
  d. System of archaic "rules" - 1 Jno. 5:3
4. Unless we appreciate what Christianity is we will not be able to be faithful, effective, genuine Christians!
  a. Lack of conviction; 2nd / 3rd generation....
  b. Will fail to influence the world - Matt. 5:14f.
  c. Will be devoured by Satan - 1 Cor. 10:12.

I. CHRISTIANITY IS:
  A. Adherence To Jesus In All Things - Lk. 6:46; Jno. 8:31-32; Col. 3:17. (Relationship with Him!)
    1. Submission to Him because of who He is, what He has done, where He is now!
    2. Matt. 11:29 - Must take His yoke on us! (At home, school, work, church, etc.)
  B. Expression Of One's Love For & Fear Of God - Jno. 14:15, 21, 23; Lk. 12:4-5.
    1. 1 Jno. 5:3-4 - Combine love for God (obeying) with reverence for God -- This makes obedience desirable.
    2. Titus 2:11-12 - Helps deter sin & motivate righteousness.
    3. Application: Christianity is & must be the expression of the heart's relationship with God, by obeying Christ in all areas of life!

II. CHRISTIANITY IS NOT:
  A. Man's Religion.
    1. Jer. 10:23 - Not devised or empowered by man.
    2. Mk. 7:6-9 - Traditions of men fail to impress &/or appease God - Col. 2:8 (Man v. Christ).
    3. Application: Adhere to the revealed religion of Christ - 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
  B. Part-Time Religion - Mk. 4:16-19.
    1. Matt. 16:24 - Self-denial to follow Jesus.
    2. Matt. 6:33 - Establish principles & priorities to live by.
    3. Matt. 10:22 - Persevering lifestyle.
    4. Application: Give your all to the Master!
      a. Heart, possessions, time, energy, motives, etc. - Rom. 12:1-2.
      b. Teach ourselves & our children this truth!
  C. To Be Hypocritical - 1 Tim. 1:15; Rom. 7:21-25.
    1. Not a sham or a false show about sin. Face sin head on & obtain its remedy in Christ! - Rom. 7:24-25
    2. Application: To be a Christian we must see sin for its sinfulness & that we were once its slaves…but that now we have been released from it! - Jno. 8:34, 36; Acts 2:37; Rom. 6:1-2, 16-18.

III. CHRISTIANITY PRODUCES:
  A. A New Heart Which Exercises Self-control - Eph. 4:17-24.
    1. v. 22 - Control to put away sin.
    2. v. 23-24 - Control to live in righteous-ness & holiness of truth!
    3. 1 Cor. 9:23-27 - Control to stay under the discipline of the gospel to receive the crown (and not be rejected).
  B. A Body Of Spiritual Principles, Values, Goals.
    1. Jno. 17:17 - Anchored in truth.
    2. 2 Cor. 4:16-18 - Christian looks for unseen things.
    3. Matt. 6:19-21 - Heavenly treasure.
    4. Matt. 6:33 - Kingdom of God & His righteousness.
  C. Therefore, A Life Of Faith, Hope & Love - Rom. 5:1-2; 8:31-39.
    1. Phil. 3:20-21 - We wait for the Savior.
    2. Col. 3:4 - We shall be with Him in glory.

Conclusion
1. Christianity must be our life's conviction, not our pastime nor our "prison!"
2. Adhere to Christ's words & life - 1 Jno. 2:3-6.