Christian Doctrine For Everyman

PART VII THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

REVIEW In our first lesson we concluded that the Christian experience does not end with salvation; it’s just the beginning! The process of Christian maturity is called the doctrine of “sanctification,” which will be examined later in our study. We also examined the first of two-sides of the Christian Life – The Contemplative Side or the “Devotional Life. This aspect of the Christian Life consists of two Elements:

1.PRAYER a.Adoration b.Communion c.Thanksgiving d.Intercession e.Confession 2.BIBLE STUDY a. Spiritual Cleansing b. Strength To Resist Evil c. Godly Direction d. Godly Wisdom e. Develop Maturity

SESSION #38 The Mission & Work Of The CHRISTIAN

In this session we will be studying the second aspect of the Christian Life. It is appropriately called “The Active Side.” Being saved means more than just going to church occasionally; it involves getting involved. The Apostle James puts it this way: James 2:19–20 (KJV) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? There are two essential aspects to the active side:

# 1 - WITNESS Every Christian should be a witness for Christ. That is, he should be actively engaged in bringing others into a saving relationship with Christ. In light of the New Testament teaching this must be considered one of the most important of all Christian activities. The early Christian church considered witnessing to be the responsibility of every Christian, But God used men such as Paul and Peter to lead the efforts.

# 2 - GOOD WORKS This term is recorded 28 times in the KJV of the Bible. But it must be emphasized that “good works” are NOT a REQUIREMENT for salvation; it is a REACTION to salvation! They are the natural result of a genuine Christian experience. Thus, good work proves conversion. According to our Study Guide some have referred to this aspect of Christian activity as social action. It has to do with doing good toward others.

Making It Make Sense

WHAT IS A WITNESS? The word witness is defined as “ one who gives a report of what they have seen, encountered or experienced. ” As Christians, we are not only called “TO” witness, but to “BE” a witness. This dual responsibility means that first, we are to tell people about the saving grace of Jesus from a personal point of view. Secondly, we are to live a life which shows the affects of what we have experienced.

THE WITNESS WORK The biblical term for witness is “evangelism.” Evangelism is both a calling and commission. THE CALL And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelistsand some, pastors and teachers Ephesians 4:11 (KJV) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists ; and some, pastors and teachers ; THE COMMISSION But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 (KJV) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

WHAT ARE GOOD WORKS? Although our Study Guide focuses mainly on, what the Bible calls “alms,” good work is more than that. Alms are good deeds toward those who are less fortunate than we are. But even the unsaved can give of their resources. From a Christian perspective, good works that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5:16, includes the spiritual life style:

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16 KJV) The Greek term translated as “good works” is used in contrast with “evil works.” It is used in this passage to denote one’s entire life-style. By seeing how believers conduct themselves, others will come to understand what God is like and be drawn to Him. This brings glory to Him.

BIBLICAL REFERENCES Titus 1:16 (KJV) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Colossians 1:10 (KJV) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:10 (KJV) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;.

CONCLUSION There is more to the Christian Life than being a “witness” and doing “good works.” And even with our best efforts, most of us will stumble and fall. Why? Because there is only One Person who can live the Christian Life – JESUS THE CHRIST. Therefore, the Christian Life can only be lived if Jesus is in us. The power of the HOLY SPIRIT has to have control!

No one understood this better than the Apostle Paul: Galatians 2:20 (ESV) I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Jesus said: John 15:4 (ESV) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. We can neither be effective witnesses nor do good works without the power of the LORD through the Holy Spirit.

STUDY ASSIGNMENT Continue reading PART VII, “THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE,” section # 39, Doctrine Of Sanctification (page 79). Then answer the below questions: 1. What does the word “sanctify” mean? 2.What is the basic idea in sanctification? 3. What is the goal of sanctification?