LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

After we become a Christian, we are a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are in Christ and have access to all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). We have a change of mind and a change of life (Colossians 3:1-17).

Responsibilites In Living The Christian Life?

First, we must study the Bible, God's word. This is the way we can have spiritual growth. This is the way that God talks to us. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts17:11). For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).

Second, we are to pray. This is the way we talk to God. The following verses tell us why and how we should pray. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Be anxioius for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7). In this manner therefore pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (Matthew 6:9-11). The only thing in this model prayer we can no longer use is the phrase Your kingdom come. We cannot use that because the Lord's kingdom has already come (Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; Revelation 1:9). Confess your trespasses one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit (James 5:16-18).

Third, we are to assemble for worship. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another: and so much the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). If you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15). As we noted in the lesson on the identity of the church, when we assemble for worship we sing, pray, teach, and on the Lord's day, we partake of the Lord's supper and contribute money to the support of the Lord's work.

Fourth, we have the responsibility to teach the lost. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19,20). 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). And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth (2 Timothy 2:24,25). At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word (Acts 8:1,4).

Fifth, we must live a godly life. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1,2). For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present age (Titus 2:11,12). You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasonsed? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16). For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles – when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you (1 Peter 4:3,4). Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).

Sixth, we must be faithful to Christ, enduring to the end. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter (1 Peter 4:12-16). And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9). Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

CONCLUSION

Being baptized into Christ is not the end of our obedience, but the very beginning. We are born into the family of God. We must then grow in Christ. It is our hope this lesson will help each of us to better understand God's will.

 

 

 

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