1. What it means to be a
Christian

2. What it means to be a Christian
In this study we will notice:
What is a Christian?
Becoming a Christian
What hinders me from becoming a Christian?
Growing as a Christian
What hinders me from growing?
The Christian and the body of Christ
The Christian and others
Am I done yet?
What it means to be a
Christian?

3. The
Christian
& others

4. The life of a Christian IS about others
It is not about me! Monasticism is not how we live, nor is selfishness John 17:14-17 – we are in the world
Look out for interests of others Philippians 2: Corinthians 10:24
1 Corinthians 9:27
The Christian & others

5. The life of a Christian IS about others
Love your neighbor as yourself - Matthew 22:37-39 Galatians 5:14, all the law is fulfilled in this Romans 13:8-10
As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men Romans 12:18
Who is my neighbor? Luke 10:29-37
The Christian & others

6. The life of a Christian IS about others
Following the example of Jesus Philippians 2:5-7, He left heaven for us Matthew 20:28, He gave His life a ransom for many
The Christian & others

7. The life of a Christian IS about others
Others includes Christians and unbelievers
Nearly 60 “one another” passages directed toward brethren. Every part of body – toward brethren Concerns about evangelism and our example point toward unbelievers
The Christian & others

8. The life of a Christian IS about others
NOTE: Our concern for others comes with this caution – do not let ungodly influences affect your faith
2 Corinthians 6: Corinthians 15:33 Ephesians 5:11 2 Timothy 3:5
The Christian & others

9. My responsibility to others
We have to care about them!
The idea of love is that we care!
Jesus cared – Matthew 9:36, 14:14
Paul cared – 2 Corinthians 12:14-15, 1 Corinthians 9:22 cf. 2 Corinthians 5:11
They cared about souls!
The Christian & others

10. My responsibility to others
Be an example
More than anything else, a powerful tool with impact
We ARE influencing others
Matthew 5:16
The Christian & others

11. My responsibility to others
Be an example
Do we seek to make the gospel as attractive as possible?
Inherent in our faith is some hostility from others – John 3:19-21, 15:18-19, 1 John 3:13
We cannot hide the truth from others. BUT what we can control we need to! (Attitudes, pure actions, etc.) – Peter 2:11-12
The Christian & others

12. My responsibility to others
Help them when we can
We are to be servants! That is about others!
Jesus came to help others - Matthew 20:26-28 cf. John 13:12-15
Caring for the needy – James 1:27, Luke 14:12-14
The Christian & others

13. My responsibility to others
Help them when we can
Sadly, many seek to “hire” the church to do their part!
We can step in where the church is limited (cf. 1 Timothy 5:16)
The Christian & others

14. My responsibility to others
Pray for them
Something we can all do, and perhaps more often than we do now.
James 5:16, Ephesians 6:18 – for our brethren 1 Timothy 2:1-2 – for all men Matthew 5:44 – for our enemies
The Christian & others

15. My responsibility to others
Evangelism is about others
Christians realize that souls are lost and desire to reach them.
Acts 8:4
Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15
2 Corinthians 5:11
1 Peter 3:15
The Christian & others

16. My responsibility to others
Evangelism is about others
While not everyone has the same abilities in this, there is always something we can do.
IF we desire to change our society, it will be done one soul at a time
The Christian & others

17. Opportunities toward others
Galatians 6:10
It begins with you – do you take your faith seriously? cf. Jeremiah 20:9 Be salt and light – you have to LIVE your faith!
The Christian & others

18. Opportunities toward others
You have to be looking –
Walk circumspectly (mindfully) – Ephesians 5:15
Cf. John 4:7-10
When they mention “church”, moral issues, Bible words. Can you lead secular topics toward spiritual topics? Invite people to services
The Christian & others

19. Opportunities toward others
Pray about it –
Prayer is needed in every situation
Ephesians 6:18-19 Colossians 4:3, “open doors”
The Christian & others

20. Opportunities toward others
Study God’s word –
2 Timothy 2:15
The more you know, the more confident you will be in telling it to others. (cf. 1 Peter 3:15)
The Christian & others

21. Opportunities toward others
Be willing to sacrifice –
There is cost to serving Him. Will we pay it? Will we give time to pursue opportunities? Will we give up other things for them?
2 Corinthians 12:15
The Christian & others

22. The richness of being a Christian is more developed and more appreciated when we include others – whether it be our brethren or in seeking others to teach.

23. How important are others to you?