What does it mean to be a Christian?
Being a Christian means we are saved from sin and to God. We are redeemed at an infinitely high price. We belong to God twice. We are His creation and we are His through His redemption of us. Being a Christian is really all about our response to redemption and God’s great love for us.
I. We Should Serve Christ
A. 1 Peter 4:7-11 “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever, Amen.
B. Everyone has been given a gift or gifts and it is sin not to use these for the glory of God. We are the body of Christ on earth. Literally we are His hands and His feet, and we are to be ready and willing to be used at any moment.
C. To be ready to serve we must be trained and equipped. This is why bible study, prayer and meeting with other believers for support, encouragement and teaching is vital.
II. We Should Worship Christ
A. Revelation 5:11-14 “Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne. And to the Lamb forever and ever! Then the four living creatures said “Amen”. And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Him who lives forever and ever.”
B. Eventually all of creation will worship God for who He is. Even those who have never known redemption (Angels and other heavenly beings) worship Him. How much more and greater should our song of praise be because we know him as redeemer? I truly believe that if we could see God for who He is right now that praise and worship would be our automatic and instantaneous response. Unfortunately, because of our present sinful nature we lack the proper spiritual vision and must work to maintain an attitude of praise. Getting to know God personally through prayer and bible study helps us to see God more clearly and therefore encourages our worship.
III. We Should Proclaim Christ
A. Colossians 1:28 “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom.”
B. Titus 2:11-15 “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 the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”
C. Paul says that our lives and our words are to proclaim Christ. Our service and good works proclaim Him and need to be bold in doing so. If we genuinely strive to serve, worship and proclaim Christ with all we have then God can use us to His great glory. I pray that all Christian brothers and sisters everywhere would serve, worship and proclaim Christ from this day forward.