Redeemed – Characteristics of a Christian

Redeemed – Characteristics of a Christian

Pastor Barry Kerner

Welcome once again to Delphi Falls United Church. I’m Pastor Barry Kerner and I’m excited that you’ve taken the time to join us today.

 

For the last few week we’ve been looking at what redemption means. First, we discussed the perks of the Redeemed. These benefits are only available for true believers who have become members of the family of God and are now heirs to all the eternal riches of the kingdom.

 

Last week we examined the concept of redemption. As we said, redemption is more about a man than a plan. Jesus Christ, through his sacrificial death, purchased believers from the slavery of sin to set us free from that bondage which would have resulted in our death. Biblical redemption centers on God. God is the ultimate redeemer, saving his chosen ones from sin, evil, trouble, bondage, and death. Redemption is an act of God’s grace, through His son Jesus Christ, by which he rescues and restores his people. It is the common thread foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament which finds its completion in the New Testament person of Jesus Christ.

 

This week we’ll be looking at Characteristics of Christians. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;” Peter calls the redeemed of the Lord a peculiar people. There are traits that distinguish one who is redeemed and which sets the true believer apart from the world.

 

Let’s take a moment and go to the Lord in prayer.

 

Almighty God, you have kept us alive to praise and worship your holy name. We have gathered to thank you for your grace and praise you no matter where we are today. Your presence brings us strength, peace and hope in our lives. While we may be sinners, we can be washed clean through your mercy. May your grace aid us in our journey toward you. We have gathered to renew the love within our hearts. Allow us to live and serve you for all of our lives. May all of our works glorify you and make you glad to have us as your servants. We ask this all in the name of your son Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus said one of the most disturbing things found in the New Testament. He warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

 

Jesus warned those who professed to be redeemed that not everyone who claims Jesus as their Lord is sincerely saved. This means that many think they know Christ, but will come to find out that they never truly knew Him in a saving way. Jesus foretold that His visible church would be comprised of those who are truly saved and those who are under the delusion that they are children of God.

 

The false-conversion idea is echoed in three of Jesus’ parables. First, the Parable of the Sower found in Mark 4:1-20. There are four types of soils found in this Parable: one that flat-out rejects Christianity, two that seem to be interested in Christianity but don’t prove genuine (they are distracted by the cares of the world or disinterested after hardship), and one “good” soil that truly believes and bears fruit for Christ. Just like the fruitless seed that fell upon rocky and thorny ground, there are Christians who hear the Word of God and attend church regularly who do not show the signs of being saved and are not genuinely converted.

 

Second, the Parable of the Mustard seed reveals that while the visible church will grow and spread like a great tree, fowls of the air, will come home to roost. These birds are unbelievers who have made themselves at home in the pews of our churches.

 

Third, the Parable of the wheat and Tares found in Matthew 13:24-30 tells us that the church, as we know it, is comprised of both believers and unbelievers. The redeemed of the Lord and those who are not truly saved sit beside each other Sunday upon Sunday and are for the most part indistinguishable. But it is the fruit of the wheat and the tares lack thereof which will distinguish the redeemed from the lost.

 

First of all it’s important to note that John 3;16 and John 1:12 tells us that a person becomes a born again Christian simply by genuinely putting his/her trust in Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior. Romans 6:23 tells us that salvation & eternal life is a free gift of God through His son Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2;8 that we are saved by grace and not by our own merit or works and John 14;6 that Jesus is the only way by whom we can be reconciled to God and have eternal life. We, the redeemed of the lord have not become born again, Christians as a result of our own works or personal merit but we become Christians by the grace of God through placing our faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).

When we become Christians we must allow the Holy Spirit to gradually work in us and to change our lives, our thoughts, our desires, our goals so that our lives are more Christ-centered instead of being self-centered. John 3;30 says, “He must become greater; I must become less.” Therefore Christ increases in our lives while we decrease. Galatians 2:20 says “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  

 

Christians are not perfect. Christians make mistakes. However, in Matthew 7:20, Jesus said that true genuine Christians will be recognized by their fruit and as we looked at earlier that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of Heaven. As we genuinely grow in Christ we become distinguished from those who are of the world; we become distinguished from the hypocrites & pretenders; as the sheep we are distinguished from the goats; as the wheat we are distinguished from the tares.

 

These are some of the characteristics and traits of true believers who have been redeemed from the world.

 

(1) A True Christian is Saved by Grace Through Faith In Jesus Christ & Not By Personal Merit or By Works. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

We are not saved by keeping the law or by our own works. We are saved because of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross who paid for all our sins. Salvation is therefore by Jesus Christ alone and a Christian must realize that his/her salvation is a free gift. When a person believes that they can be saved because of their personal merit without Christ or by keeping the law, they are in error. Salvation is a free gift for the Christian and through Christ alone. Galatians 2:21 warns, “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

 

(2) A True Christian Imitates God. In Ephesians 5:1, Paul said, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.” People in the world love role models. Some look to Hollywood for role models; some look to sportsmen for role models. But the Christian’s role model is Jesus. When Jesus came to earth, He not only came to die for us, but He also came to set an example through His life on earth and through His teachings as to how we should practically live a life that is pleasing to God. Therefore the life that Jesus lived is the life that we should follow and imitate.

(3) A True Christian Obeys The Lord. In John 14:15, Jesus told His followers, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Obedience to the will and word of God is important in the life of a true Christian. Jesus said that our love of Him is proved if when we obey Him. Therefore God desires our obedience to His word.  Luke 6:46 , Jesus said, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” We cannot say we love God but yet follow values and philosophies that are contrary to His word.

 

(4) A True Christian Does Not Conform To The World’s Standards. Romans 12:2 tells believers,  “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.” The world has its own values; its own systems; and its own priorities that are totally contrary to the values and laws of God. The Lord expects our values as Christians to align with God’s ways and teachings. When we become friends with the world and allow the values and philosophies of the world to influence our decisions, our lifestyle and our character, then the scriptures say that we automatically become enemies of God James 4:4-5 wars, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” A true Christian is therefore a friend of God and not a friend of the world.

 

(5) A True Christian Exercises Power Over The Enemy. Mark 16:17-18 describes the power held by true believers, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” God has given every believer the authority and power to overcome the world and the enemy. With the position and title of being a child of God, comes the authority to exercise the power that God has given you. Therefore as a Christian, you have the power and authority to pray for the sick; to cast out demons; and to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is not just for the pastor or the prophet or the religious leader to exercise authority – but God has given every person who is a born again believer the authority to exercise the power of God in his/her life for the glory of God.

 

(6) A True Christian Walks In Love. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul wrote, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” When God sent His begotten Son Jesus to die for our sins it was out of one motivation – His LOVE for us. God is motivated by love, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-11 tells us, “ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

 

(7) A True Christian Bears Good Fruit. In Matthew 7:18-20, Jesus said,  “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” A true Christian will not live like a hypocrite; The Pharisees for example, were hypocrites because they did not walk the talk; they did not practice the law that they professed to believe in. A true Christian will display the values and character of God in word and deed. Galatians 5:22-25 lets us know, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

 

(8) A True Christian Glorifies Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:23-25 tells believers, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” A Christian does not live for his church; he does not live for his pastor and he no longer lives for himself. However, a Christian lives for Jesus Christ because Jesus is Lord over his/her life. Therefore the life of a Christian should not be to impress men, but the life of a Christian should aim to please God – even if it means being persecuted for living for God. The Pharisees & other hypocrites, were more focused on being glorified and adored by men rather than focusing on glorifying God. Isaiah 42:8 reminds us that our words and our deeds must speak of the goodness and love of God so that only God is glorified because God will not share His glory with anyone

 

James 1:22-25 tells the Redeemed of the Lord, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” A true born again Christian is not just a person who attends church regularly and participates in various church related activities. Christianity is a daily lifestyle by which one lives for Christ Jesus and lives to glorify the Lord. Christianity is lifestyle of obedience where the true born again believer is an obedient doer of the word and not simply just a hearer

 

That Christ told us that there would be some who under the delusion that they are redeemed when they are not should be cause for alarm. First and foremost we should be concerned to determine if we ourselves are truly saved or if we have been deceiving ourselves and trusting in something or someone other than Jesus Christ. Second, we should be genuinely concerned for those who worship alongside us every Sunday. Our mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors. Could it be that they have been living under false pretenses. Have we and the church failed warn them of the danger of false religion? Although we are not called to Judge we have been given a spirit of discernment. Is the fruit of their lives contrary to the characteristics of a Christian? By failing to speak up, are we allowing them to toe the line between the world and the Kingdom of God without truly ever having made a decision for Christ? If we are truly saved, then in our hearts should be a burning desire for those who we know are truly lost and for those who profess to be Christians but who have been deceived by Satan – the Father of Lies to experience the redemptive power to be found in Jesus Christ.

 

In 2 Corinthians 13:5-7, the Apostle Paul told believers, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.”

Let’s take some time and look at 12 tests which distinguish the redeemed of the lord. In Matthew 25:34, Jesus tells us what awaits those who pass the test. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

 

Test 1: We know that we are Christian because we walk in the light (1 John 1:4-7). Our style of life is gradually conformed to what God has revealed to us about His nature and will.

 

Test 2: We know that we are Christian because our lives are marked by sensitivity to sin, repentance, and confession (1 John 1:8-10).

 

Test 3: We know that we are Christian because we keep God’s commands (1 John 2:3-4). We desire to know God’s will, strive to obey it, and mourn our disobedience.

 

Test 4: We know that we are Christian because we walk as Christ walked (1 John 2:4-5). We desire to imitate Christ and grow in conformity to Him.

Test 5: We know that we are Christian because we love other Christians, desire their fellowship, and seek to serve them in deed and truth (1 John 2:7-11).

 

Test 6: We know that we are Christian because of our increasing disdain for the world and because of our rejection of all that contradicts and opposes God’s nature and will (1 John 2:15-17).

 

Test 7: We know that we are Christian because we continue in the historic doctrines and practices of the Christian faith and remain within the fellowship of others who do the same (1 John 2:18-19).

 

Test 8: We know that we are Christian because we profess Christ to be God and hold Him in the highest esteem (1 John 2:22-24; 4:1-3, 13-15).

 

Test 9: We know that we are Christian because our lives are marked by a longing and practical pursuit of holiness (1 John 3:1-3).

 

Test 10: We know that we are Christian because we are practicing righteousness (1 John 2:28-29; 3:4-10). We are doing those things that conform to God’s righteous standard.

 

Test 11: We know that we are Christian because we have overcome the world (1 John 4:4-6; 5:4-5). Although we are often hard pressed and weary, we press on in faith. We continue following Christ and do not turn back.

 

Test 12: We know that we are Christian because we believe the things that God has revealed concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. We have eternal life in Him alone (1 John 5:9-12).

 

If we have these qualities, and they are increasing in us, we have evidence that we have come to know God and bear the fruit of a child of God. However, if these qualities are absent from our lives, we should have the greatest concern for our souls. We should be diligent to seek God regarding our salvation. We should reexamine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. We should be diligent to make our calling and election sure.

 

Perhaps your listing to this message and have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior. Or maybe, you had thought that you were redeemed but after comparing your life to the characteristics of a Christian and examining and testing yourself you find that you not 100% sure of your calling. If you find yourself in either position, remember that salvation is a FREE GIFT. Salvation is not received by works but it is received by FAITH in Jesus Christ. It is that simple. A person must repent & by faith accept Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior because Jesus is the only way, the truth & the life and the only Mediator between God & man.

 

The steps to redemption and salvation are simple

 

First, you must acknowledge that you are a sinner who has broken God’s commandments and that you therefore need Jesus in your life. Romans 3;23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This means that we have all broken God’s laws and God’s 10 Commandments like those mentioned in Exodus 20:1-17. For example, if you have told a lie; if you have stolen something; if you have lusted after somebody or if you have coveted. This means you are guilty of breaking at least one or more of God’s 10 Commandments. Breaking God’s commandments makes us sinners. The fact that we are sinners who have broken God’s law means that we are accountable to God who is the Lawgiver. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death BUT the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

2. Second, God wants you to repent of sinful values and of sinful living. Luke 13:3 warns, “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Acts 3;19 tells us, “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out.” Repenting means: to change your mind; a sincere turning away, in heart, mind and action. Instead of living for yourself, God wants you to decide to follow Him and to make Jesus the Lord of your life.
3. Third, you must not just acknowledge that we are sinners but that we mus confess our sins. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Romans 10;9 tells us, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) If we confess our sins we will find that God is a forgiving God. God will forgive any sin that you have done because Jesus died for ALL your sins and to set you free from the bondage of all types of sin in your life.

 

4. Fourth, you must believe. You must believe that ONLY Jesus can save you and restore your relationship with God. You must believe that Jesus is the ONLY way by which you can have everlasting life and escape from eternal separation from God. You must believe that Jesus died on the cross for you and resurrected from the grave. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 1:11-12 says, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive him, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”
   By faith, You must receive Jesus as Your Lord & Savior and therefore; you become a child of God; you become born again; you become a Christian; you restore your broken relationship with God

 

Why Not Make Your Eternal Decision NOW? Salvation is a FREE gift received through FAITH in Christ. We become born again Christians by GRACE through FAITH or TOTAL TRUST in Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior.

I pray that you have been heartened and encouraged by today’s message and I hope that you will join us again next week. Let’s close today in a word of prayer.

Father, thank you for all the marvelous things you have said today. We thank you for the mighty things you have done in our lives, your love that you have revealed to us, and for the love that we share together as your body.
We pray for all the words that you have sown into our hearts this day will take root, prosper, and bear good fruit which will be a great blessing to many. As we now go our separate ways, we thank you that you will continue to walk with us. May we be alert to your promptings and live in your endless love. For yours is the kingdom, the power and glory, in this age and forevermore. Amen