Lesson 388 - Junior

Memory Verse

"For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself" (Romans 14:7).

Notes

A Christian

First of all, let us determine who is a Christian. The dictionary tells us it is one who believes . . . in Jesus Christ and the truth as taught by Him. Some African Countries are called Christian nations, but certainly everyone living there is not a Christian. A Christian is Christ-like and is expected to conduct himself in a manner becoming to a Christian. He resembles Christ in character, spirit, and actions.

The disciples were first called "Christians" at Antioch, after Christ had ascended to Heaven. In Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," the champion was called "Christian," and we remember he was the man who found himself carrying a heavy burden; but when he inquired, "What shall I do to be saved?" he was directed by a man named "Evangelist" to follow a shining light far in the distance. He was told, "Keep that light in your eye," and he would surely reach a certain "wicket-gate." His family called after him as he left, but Christian "put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, 'Life! life! Eternal life!'"

Eternal life is the goal of everyone who bears the name of Christian. That is why we must watch our life and conduct every day -" we do not want to miss our goal. That is why Paul wrote these chapters of detailed instructions to the people of his day, and also to us.

How to Become a Christian

A sinner is just the opposite of a Christian. When a sinner is convicted of his sin and knows that he is a guilty, lost soul before God, he must repent of his sins and confess them to God. God "is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" [HEB:11:6]). "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" ([1JN:1:7]).

Paul's Advice

Now that we have learned who is a Christian and how to become one, let us study the instructions contained in our text. Obedience is one of the first duties of Christians -- children should obey their parents, their teachers, principals, and superintendents, unless it is contrary to the Word of God. Police officer should be obeyed by all and given proper respect. Traffic laws are for the protection of citizens and should be observed very carefully, especially by those claiming to be Christians.

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another" -- a debt that is always due. Love delights to please its subject; it even studies how to be helpful to others and make them happy. Willfully injuring another is the spirit of the sinner, but not of the Christian. Envy, strife, bitter feelings toward another are the outgrowth of hatred, and not the result of love. "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour." A boy or girl who envies another young person for his privileges in the Gospel, in the music or singing, should search his heart and seek God for forgiveness.

The Most Important

Some of the Jews, when Christ was upon earth, were very particular what they ate, and found fault with others who were not so strict. And even today, there are religious beliefs that restrict people regarding the eating of meats or other foods. But Jesus taught us: "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man" [MAT:15:11]). "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man" [MAK:7:21-23]). So we learn from this that the words we speak and the life we live are very important. Let us guard our heart "with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" [PRO:4:23]).

Being Prepared

Paul tells the people of his day that the night of evil for this world is far spent; the day of victory is at hand. How much nearer it is for us today! "Cast off the works of darkness, and . . . put on the armour of light." The "armour" is described in Ephesians 6, and the pieces of that armour are given as Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

"We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." "Every one of us shall give account of himself to God." So we need not assume the office of judge over other people. One Christian may be weaker than another; perhaps his faith is not strong enough to raise him above small problems. Those who are strong in faith are told to "bear the infirmities of the weak," and not to please themselves. Christ died for all, even the poorest and the weakest brother, and the worth of his soul cannot be overestimated. "Even Christ pleased not himself" [ROM:15:3]). So if there is a doubt in a person's mind about doing anything, which may cause another to take offence, he should give it up. He should ask himself, "How will it affect my brother's soul?" No one should say, as Cain said, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Everyone should do all he possibly can to help his brother gain eternal life.

"Half-Christians"

There are many people in the world today who are zealous for the Lord. They may be active in church work, willing to deny themselves, and may live good, moral lives. But unless a person has the real love of God in his heart -- a love for God and a love for his brother -" he is falling short of a Christian's standard. Some may be more eager for honour and praise of men than for the souls of men. John Wesley called such people "half-Christians," but actually, one is either a Christian or a sinner.

Let us who bear the name of "Christian" always remember that a Christian is Christ-like. It should be our daily prayer and desire to be more like Christ in all that we do or say.

Questions

1. Give a definition of the word "Christian."

2. What kind of life does a Christian live?

3. What is Paul's advice to Christians regarding love?

4. How can the world tell a Christian from a sinner?

5. From whence come evil thoughts, pride, deceit, wickedness?

6. Why is it so important to read the Word and to pray?

7. What is meant by the "armour"?

8. What does Paul say about one person's judging another?

9. What is the goal of every Christian?