By Edwin D. Roels


Introduction

Many people are eager to accept the salvation that Jesus gives. However, they often have questions about living as a Christian. Some wonder whether they will be able to live a Christian life. Others aren’t sure that they are willing to do all that Jesus might ask of them. Still others are afraid that Christianity will take all the fun out of their lives.

What does it mean to live as a Christian? Can anyone really live a life that is pleasing to God? Does Christianity really take all the fun and joy out of life?

Before trying to answer those questions, it is important for us to reflect on Jesus’ own life. Jesus’ life was never easy! He had no home of his own, he had very few personal possessions, and he likely had no personal means of transportation (such as a donkey on which to ride). He was often rejected, misunderstood, ridiculed, falsely accused, and mistreated. Even though he performed many wonderful miracles of healing, fed multitudes of people when they were hungry, showed love and compassion to the poor, showed grace to people whom others ignored and forgave people whom others condemned, there were still many people who hated and despised him and tried to find fault with him. Most of the members of his own family misunderstood him at first. One of his closest followers denied him. Another betrayed him. And the rest deserted him when he was confronted by a mob of people in the middle of the night.

If we want to be true followers of Jesus, therefore, we should not expect that our lives will always be easy or pleasant or free from pain. Our blessings will be greater than any we have ever had before, but our challenges and trials may be greater, too. But whatever our circumstances may be—times of exceptional joy or times of suffering and sorrow, Jesus has promised that he will never leave us or forsake us. He will graciously forgive us when we fail, uphold us when we are weak, comfort us when we are rejected or hurt, and continue to shower us with his mercy, grace, and love.

Read thoughtfully and humbly what the Bible says about both the challenges and the blessings of living as a follower of Jesus.


1.  What challenge does Jesus give to those who want to follow him?

Jesus challenges us to give up everything for him—even our lives, if necessary.

Scripture References

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. (Mark 8:34-35)

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:27)

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:37-38)


2.  What will motivate us to live for Christ?

We can never repay Jesus for all that he has done for us, but when we humbly reflect on his great love and his incredible sacrifice, we should gratefully seek to live every moment in a way that pleases him. When we think about the wonderful home he is preparing for us in glory, it should not be difficult to give up any earthly treasure or pleasure which does not please him or honor him. Jesus is truly a priceless treasure, and nothing on earth can compare with him. If we truly love him with all our heart, we will not get swept away with the concerns and pleasures of this world.

Scripture References

If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:23)

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. . . . Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)


3.  Who makes it possible for us to live a Christian life?

God himself does. We are not able to live a consistent Christian life on our own—and, thankfully, we do not have to. God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live the kind of life that pleases him.

Scripture References

It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)


4.  How can we show that God is truly at work in our lives?

We should live in such a way that others can see our changed lives. If there is no significant difference between our lives and the lives of those who are not believers, our witness will likely have very little effect. People are much more impressed by how we live than by what we say. If they are able to see that we have truly been transformed by God’s grace and power, they will often be eager to know what has happened in our lives.

Scripture References

Paul wrote: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

The grace of God . . . [trains us] to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. . . . [Jesus Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-12, 14)

We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures. . . . But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. I [Paul] want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful . . . to devote themselves to good works. (Titus 3:3-5,8)


5.  Is it important for Christians to show genuine love to one another?

Yes. The two greatest commandments in both the Old Testament and the New Testament are these: Love God above all, and love others as yourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). As Jesus himself said, others will know that you are his disciple if you have genuine love for others—even for people who might be considered unlovable. Since God loved us when we ourselves were unlovable, our lives demonstrate what God can do in any life that is committed to him.

Scripture References

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. . . . if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:11-12)

Jesus said: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:9-10)

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . . For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? . . . And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? (Matthew 5:44-47)


6.  What is Christian love like?

Genuine Christian love is self-giving, consistent, helpful, thoughtful, and often sacrificial. It is primarily love in action rather than simply love in words or feelings. It is basically a reflection of Christ’s love for us and within us. Without Christ’s love and the power of the Holy Spirit within us, it would impossible for us to love others in the way that God commands and which the Bible describes.

Scripture References

Greater love has no one than this that someone lays down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Love does no wrong to a neighbor. (Romans 13:10)

Love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)


7.  What does the Bible teach about worldliness?

“Worldliness” is thinking and living according to the standards and desires of the sinful and unbelieving world rather than living according to the teachings of the Word of God. Those who live by the world’s goals and standards are not living in a way that pleases God. Friendship with the world makes a person an enemy of God.

Scripture References

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. (1 John 2:15-16)

The grace of God . . . [trains] us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. (Titus 2:11-12)

Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4)


8.  What are some of the specific sins which the Bible warns against?

The Bible warns against sins of every kind—sins of thought, word or deed. Some of the specific sins listed in the New Testament include idol worship, disobeying parents, murder, lying, stealing, fighting, bad language, immorality, drunkenness, uncontrolled anger, greed, bitterness, and many others. 

Scripture References

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. . . . Do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal . . . Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up . . . Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you ... Sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. . . . Do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 4:25-31; 5:3-5, 17-18)

In the last days . . . people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with deceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)


9.  Is it possible for us to overcome temptation and live a holy life?

Yes. God provides a way out of each trial and temptation if we sincerely look for it and desire it. But if we do not sincerely look for a way out of the temptation, we very likely will not find it.

Scripture References

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:7-9)

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God our Savior . . . be glory before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)


10. Is God willing to forgive us if we fall into sin even after confessing Christ?

Yes. God will graciously forgive us if we sincerely confess our sins and humbly ask him to forgive us. However, that does not mean that we should take our sins lightly. God is indeed gracious and merciful, but our sins and failures grieve the Holy Spirit who lives within us. Our sins also dishonor the name of God and may also diminish the effectiveness of our personal testimony.

Scripture References

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. (Psalm 32:5)


11. How can we help each other live a Christian life?

We should worship together, encourage one another, pray for each other, and be careful never to tempt one another or lead one another into sin.

Scripture References

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints [believers].  (Ephesians 6:18)

Take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. (1 Corinthians 8:9)

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)


12. What attitude should we have toward money and possessions?

It is a wonderful blessing to have sufficient funds and resources for daily living. We should be very careful, however, not to put too much emphasis on material things or value them too highly. We should be grateful for all that the Lord entrusts to us, be content with what we have, and not be envious of others who have more than we do. We should also recognize that we are only stewards of the things the Lord has entrusted to us. Everything we call our own really belongs to him. When possible, we should also use our possessions to serve the poor and the homeless in the name of the Lord so that he is glorified while we help to meet the needs of others. And we should also use our financial resources to help spread the good news of the Gospel around the world.

Scripture References

Be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. (Luke 12:15)

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have. (Hebrews 13:5)

If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? (1 John 3:17)

We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare . . . For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:7-10)


13. What does the Bible teach about giving?

We should give generously, regularly, and cheerfully. A special object of our giving should be believers who are in need, though we should also remember the needs of others.

Scripture References

As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

As you excel in everything . . . see that you excel in this act of grace also. . . . For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:7,9)

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)


14. What are the results of generous and cheerful giving?

Those who give are blessed, the needs of others are met, and God is honored and praised.

Scripture References

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. (Proverbs 19:17)

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail. (Luke 12:33)

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

The ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints [believers] but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:12)


15. Doesn’t living as a Christian take the fun and joy out of life?

Not at all. Living as an obedient Christian in a non-Christian world can certainly be challenging and difficult at times. But the blessings of living for Christ far outweigh any difficulties involved. Not only has Jesus promised that we will live with him forever in glory, but he also promised that our Father in heaven will graciously meet all our needs in our present life. In fact, God often gives us material and physical blessings which go far beyond what we actually need. In addition, he also gives us gifts of love and joy and peace which the world can never give. Even though we may experience trials or difficulties in this life because we are Christians, God promises that whatever suffering and difficulties we experience as believers will eventually turn out for our spiritual and eternal good.

Scripture References

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Rejoice in the Lord always . . . and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

According to his great mercy he [God] has caused us to be born again to a living hope . . . to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. . . . Though you have not seen him [Jesus], you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. (1 Peter 1: 3-8)

This slight and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. . . . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:28,35,37)


16. Should believers witness to unbelievers about Jesus Christ?

Definitely. We should be prepared to witness to others whenever possible. However, we should also be wise and humble as we talk to people who are not yet believers. If we have an attitude of superiority when we talk to them, this will often turn them away from both us and Christ. Also, we must be very careful to make sure that our lives reflect what we profess. If our lives are not consistent with our testimony, our witnessing will usually produce little fruit. We must continually seek to live in the love of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit so that our witness will be meaningful and effective.

Scripture References

Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders; making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6)

The apostle Paul wrote: “I have become all things to all people, that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)

Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)


17. Where can we get the wisdom and power we need to witness effectively to others?

We can receive all the wisdom and power we need from the Holy Spirit.

Scripture References

Jesus said: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come up on you, and you will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Jesus said: “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

Jesus said: “When the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)

Jesus said: “Do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12)


18. What general guidelines should we follow as we seek to live a Christian life?

We should always seek to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, obey the Bible, live lives of thankfulness, do all things in the name of Jesus, and seek to do all things to the glory of God. 

Scripture References

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

 

Остання зміна: понеділок 6 серпня 2018 12:03 PM