Sermon: Who is a Christian?

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN? 

•A Christian is someone who strives to be more like Christ.
•A Christian is someone dedicated to serving God.
•A Christian is someone who prays sincerely and meaningfully. 
•A Christian is someone who worships God in spirit and truth. He worships God genuinely, avoiding anything that opposes Him.
•A Christian's life reflects Christ's teachings and shows they belong to God.
•A Christian is someone who actively shares their faith with others.
•A Christian is someone whose life pleases the Lord and he lives in a way that honors God.
•A Christian is someone who hears the voice of the Lord and obeys Him. He listens for and follows God's guidance.
•A Christian regularly engages with the Bible. He meditates on the word of God daily.
•A Christian is someone who doesn’t emulate the world or worldly patterns. He avoids Conforming to worldly values.
•A Christian dresses modestly, respecting their body as God's temple.
•A Christian is a new creation in Christ(2 Corinthians 5:17)
•Christians are God's special people set apart for His purpose(1 Peter 2:9)

FACTS ABOUT CHRISTIAN IDENTITY AND LIFESTYLE FROM THE BIBLE 
□ Christians are encouraged to live distinctively from the world but being transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2)

-Romans 12:2,"And do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
□ A Christian should subdue sinful desires such as fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness. They should reject worldly behavior.(Colossians 3:5)

- Colossians 3:5,"Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth:fornication,uncleanness,passion,evil desire,and covetousness,which is idolatry."
□ A Christian should bridle his tongue.If a person's speech is harmful or unkind, it shows a lack of genuine faith.(James 1:26)

-James 1:26,"If anyone among you thinks he is religious,and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart,this one's religion is useless."
□A Christian should seek to do the will of God.True faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's will, not just verbal acknowledgment.(Matthew 7:21)

-Matthew 7:21,"Not everyone who says to me,Lord,Lord,'shall enter the kingdom of heaven,but he who does the will of my father in heaven."
 □A Christian should focus on doing the will of God to live eternally with Him. (1 John 2:17)

-1 John 2:17,"And the world is passing away,and the lust of it,but he who does the will of God abides forever."
□A Christian should be  kind, tenderhearted and forgiving;these are core aspects of a Christian character.(Ephesians 4:32)

-Ephesians 4:32,"And be kind to one another,tenderhearted,forgiving one another,even as God in Christ forgave you. 
□Christians should be doers of the word of God, and not hearers only(James 1:22)

-James 1:22,"But be doers of the word,and not hearers only,deceiving yourselves. "
□Contentment is crucial for a fulfilling Christian life, countering materialism.(1 Timothy 6:6)

-1 Timothy 6:6,"Now godliness with Contentment is great gain."
□Christians should serve God with lowliness, gentleness, long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, and endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit. There is a need for humility, gentleness, and unity among believers; it is essential for community living.(Ephesians 4:2-3)

-Ephesians 4:2-3,"With all lowliness and gentleness,with long-suffering,bearing with one another in love,endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
□Christians should not speak evil of one another and they should not judge others. (James 4:11)

-James 4:11,"Do not speak evil of one another,Brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother,speaks evil of the law and judges the law..."
□Christians as believers of Jesus, are not condemned but stand in the position of grace through their faith(John 3:18)

-John 3:18,"He who believes in Him is not condemned..."
□A Christian should respond to evil with good and are encouraged to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:17-18)

-Romans 12:17-18,"Repay no one evil for evil.....If it is possible,as much as depends on you,live peaceably with all men."

□A Christian should not love the world or the things in the world.A Christian should prioritize their relationship with God over worldly desires. They should live a lifestyle that resists worldly temptations, focusing on spiritual pursuits. 

-1 John 2:15,"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."
□A Christian should continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God and give thanks to His holy name(Hebrews 13:15)

-Hebrews 13:15,"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God,that is,the fruit of our lips,giving thanks to His name."
□Christians are created for good works in Christ Jesus(Ephesians 2:10).

-Ephesians 2:10,"For we are His workmanship,created in Christ Jesus for good works.."
□Christians are encouraged to be merciful, reflecting God's character in their interactions with others(Luke 6:36)

-Luke 6:36,"Therefore be merciful,just as your Father also is merciful. "
□The fruits of the spirit should characterize the lifestyle of a Christian(Galatians 5:22-23)

-Galatians 5:22-23,"But the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy,peace,long-suffering,kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,self-control.."
□Christians should let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts.A Christian should live a lifestyle of peace and gratitude. 

-Colossians 3:15,"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,to which also you were called in one body;and be thankful."

□Walking in light(fellowship with God) is essential to the Christian identity(1 John 1:6-7)

-1 John 1:6-7,"If we say that we have fellowship with Him,and walk in darkness,we lie and do not practice the truth.But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,we have fellowship with one another.."
□Integrity of the upright reflects the moral identity expected of Christians. Integrity and trustworthiness are key elements of a Christian lifestyle.(Proverbs 11:3)

-Proverbs 11:3,"The integrity of the upright will guide them.."
□Christians should put off their old self (Colossians 3:9)

-Colossians 3:9,"Do not lie to one another,since you have put off the old man with his deeds."
□Christians should prioritize God's kingdom and His righteousness. A Christian should live a lifestyle that prioritizes God’s kingdom over earthly concerns, leading to true fulfillment.(Matthew 6:33)

-Matthew 6:33,"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,and all these things shall be added to you."
□Christians should live a lifestyle of generosity, laying up good works that have eternal value(1 Timothy 6:19)

-1 Timothy 6:19,"Storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

□Christ is the foundation of a Christian's life .Christians should build their lives on the foundation of Christ, focusing on spiritual growth and stability.(1 Corinthians 3:11)

-1 Corinthians 3:11,"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid ,which is Jesus Christ. "
□Christians should make disciples and baptize others in the name of Jesus.A Christian should have an active lifestyle of evangelism and discipleship.(Matthew 28:19)

-Matthew 28:19,"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father,and of the son and of the Holy spirit."
□Christians should be imitators of God. They should live a lifestyle that imitates God’s love and grace in daily interactions. (Ephesians 5:1)

-Ephesians 5:1,"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. "
□Christians should not be covetous, they should be satisfied with what God provides. (Exodus 20:17)

-Exodus 20:17,"You shall not covet your neighbor's house;you shall not covet your neighbor's wife...."
□Christians should be content with what they have. They should trust in God's provision.(Hebrews 13:5)

-Hebrews 13:5,"Let your conduct be without covetousness;be content with such things as you have."
□A Christian should live a lifestyle that avoids sin and seeks righteousness, leading to spiritual fruitfulness. (Psalm 1:1)

-Psalm 1:1,"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,nor stands in the path of sinners,nor sits in the seat of the scornful."
□A Christian should live a lifestyle of seeking God's direction, ensuring that his life aligns with God's will(Proverbs 3:6)

-Proverbs 3:6,"In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths."

WHAT TYPE OF CHRISTIAN ARE YOU?

Are you a part-time Christian who serves and worships God when it’s suitable for you?

◇Part-time Christian: A person who engages with faith only when convenient

(James 1:8)

-James 1:8,"He is double-minded man,unstable in all his ways."

Are you a lukewarm Christian that is neither cold nor hot?

◇Lukewarm Christian:Someone who is indifferent in their faith,not fully committed to God(Revelation 3:15-16)

-Revelation 3:15-16,"I know your works ,that you are neither cold nor hot..So then,because you are lukewarm,and neither cold nor hot,I will vomit you out of my mouth."

Are you a conditional Christian that serves christ when it will be useful to them?

◇Conditional Christian:One who follows Christ only when it benefits them.(Matthew 6:24).

-Matthew 6:24,"No one can serve two masters;for either he will hate the one and love the other,or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other."

Are you a clueless Christian who is unaware of what is happening in the church?

◇Clueless Christian:A person who lacks understanding or awareness of biblical teachings.(Hosea 4:6)

-Hosea 4:6,"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. "

Are you a devoted Christian who serves God wholeheartedly?

◇Devoted Christian:Someone who wholeheartedly serves God and seeks to follow His will( Colossians 3:23)

-Colossians 3:23,"And whatever you do,do it heartily,as to the Lord and not to men. "

Are you a genuine Christian who serves God and is known by their works?

◇A person whose faith is authentic and evidenced by their actions.(Matthew 7:20)

-Matthew 7:20,"Therefore by their fruits you will know them."

SATAN'S AGENDA IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN:Satan's tactics include deception, temptation and oppression,all designed to lead Christians away from their relationship with God.
● Stealing,killing and destroying:Satan seeks to rob Christians of their joy,peace and spiritual vitality.

-John 10:10,"The thief does not come except to steal,and to kill,and to destroy..."
●Devouring Christians: Satan is eager to devour those who are vulnerable or unguarded.There is need for vigilance in a believer's life.

-1 Peter 5:8,"Be sober,be vigilant;because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion,seeking whom He may devour. 
●Inducing sin:Satan can make a believer to sin against God or lead him into habitual sin,severing their relationship with God.

-1 John 3:8,"He who sins is of the devil,for the devil has sinned from the beginning. "
●Disguising as an angel of light:Satan can mislead believers by disguising as an agent of light or by presenting falsehood as truth,leading them into spiritual danger.

-2  Corinthians 11:14,"For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."

●Satan tempts believers to sin:Satan exploits human weakness.Believers are encouraged not to indulge in behaviors contrary to God's will.

-1 Corinthians 7:5,"So that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."
●Satan opposes believers:Satan opposes believers by bringing accusations against them in an attempt to undermine their standing with God.

-Zechariah 3:1,"Then He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord,and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him."
●Satan can make a believer to lie:By instigating lies,Satan can influence Christians to engage in deceit.

-Acts 5:3,"But Peter said,"Ananias,why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy spirit."
●Satan can oppress a believer:Satan's agenda includes oppression which can hinder a believer's ability to thrive in faith.

-Acts 10:38,"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power,who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.."
●Satan can possess a believer(Mark 5:15)

Possession of a believer can lead to suffering from oppression and influence that can derail their spiritual walk.

-Mark 5:15,"Then they came to Jesus,and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion,sitting and clothed and in his right mind."

●Satan can divert a believer from the truth about eternity:Satan aims to divert believers' focus away from eternal truths and promises,instead drawing them into wordly concerns.

-2 Corinthians 4:17-18,"For our light affliction,which is but for a moment,is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,while we do not look at the things which are seen,but at the things which are unseen..m"

HOW TO CONFRONT AND DISMANTLE SATANIC PLANS OR AGENDA
▪︎Resist the devil:To combat satanic plans,you have to resist the devil. Submitting to God and resisting the devil creates a spiritual defense against evil forces.

-James 4:7,"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. "
▪︎Do not give place to the devil:Do not allow any foothold for the devil.Identify and eliminate sin,this can prevent the enemy from gaining access to our lives.

-Ephesians 4:27,"Nor give place to the devil."
▪︎Withstand Satan with the whole armor of God:Equipping oneself with the whole armour of God is essential for spiritual warfare. God's armour provides protection and empowers the believer to stand firm against attacks.

-Ephesians 6:11,"Put on the whole armor of God,that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. "
▪︎Cry out to the Lord in prayers:Prayer serves as a powerful weapon against satanic plans.Persistent and heartfelt prayer invites divine intervention and fortifies the believers' resolve.

-Psalm 34:17,"The righteous cry out,and the Lord hears,and delivers them out of all their troubles. 
▪︎Order your steps in God’s word:By seeking guidance in the scriptures, believers can make choices that reflect divine wisdom,thus steering clear of paths that may lead to deceit.

-Psalm 119:133,"Direct my steps by your word..."

▪︎Use the authority given to you by Christ Jesus:Believers are endowed with authority through Christ.We should exercise authority over Satan.

-Luke 10:19,"Behold,I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions,and over all the power of the enemy,and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
▪︎Destroy satan and his plans:Believers can dismantle the schemes of the enemy through divine power. 

-Deuteronomy 33:27,"The eternal God is your refuge,and underneath are the everlasting arms;He will thurst out the enemy from before you,and will say,'Destroy."
▪︎Rebuke Satan in Jesus' name:Invoking the name of Jesus, forces evil to retreat and ensures one's victory over powers of darkness.

-Matthew 17:18,"And Jesus rebuked the demon,and it came out of him.."
▪︎Cast out devil:Believers are encouraged to exercise their faith and cast out devils through prayer and fasting.

-Matthew 10:8,"Heal the sick,cleanse the lepers,raise the dead,cast out demons."

▪︎Being vigilant:Regular self-reflection,prayer and community support help believers to remain alert to potential danger.

-1 Peter 5:8,"Be sober,be vigilant;because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. 

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and I accept you as my Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that you died and rose again so I could have a full life. Today, I open my heart to you and invite you in. Please take control of my life and help me to serve you faithfully every day. Amen.

PRAYER

1.I declare that I will not allow negativity to take root in my life. I reject every thought, word, and influence that seeks to bring negativity or discouragement.In Jesus' name. 

2.Lord Jesus, I call upon Your power to restore everything that the enemy, Satan, has destroyed in my life and in my family. I declare that everything lost is being brought back, and Your restoration is evident in every area, in Jesus' name.

3. I speak life to anything that Satan has killed or tried to destroy in my life. I declare revival, restoration, and renewal in every aspect of my existence. What was dead shall live again, in Jesus' name.

4.In the name of Jesus, I recover all that the enemy has stolen from my life, my family, and my future. Every good thing that has been taken from me, I claim it back now by the authority of Christ.

5. I reject and renounce any form of spiritual blindness in my life. In the name of Jesus, I pray for divine clarity and understanding, that I may see God's truth clearly and walk in His light.In Jesus' name.

6.I cancel every accusation or condemnation of the enemy against me.I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and no accusation shall stand. I am justified and redeemed in Christ.In Jesus' name.

7. Lord, I ask You to deal with every agent of darkness that is oppressing me. Let them be consumed by the fire of God, eating their own flesh and drinking their own blood, as a judgment from heaven, in Jesus' name.

8.I destroy every weapon Satan has used against me. I command these weapons to be nullified, powerless, and ineffective against me.In Jesus' name.

9. Every good thing that Satan and his agents have destroyed in my life, I declare full restoration now, in the name of Jesus. I receive the complete healing and renewal of everything that was taken.In Jesus' name.

10.In Jesus’ name, I destroy every satanic plan and scheme designed to bring destruction into my life. I dismantle every attack, and I declare that no weapon formed against me shall succeed.

11. Father, I ask that You frustrate every plan of the enemy aimed at destroying my relationship with You. I come against every spiritual hindrance, and I declare that my walk with God will grow stronger every day, in Jesus' name.

12. Anything that is hindering my spiritual growth and intimacy with God, I command it to be destroyed now, in Jesus’ name.

13. I destroy every foundational power, spiritual stronghold, or generational curse that seeks to prevent me from fully serving the Lord. I declare that I am free from all spiritual hindrances, and I will serve God with all my heart, in Jesus' name.

14. Father, I ask You to deliver me from every tie, habit, or addiction that keeps me bound in sin. I break free from any sinful patterns in my life, and I receive Your strength to walk in holiness, in Jesus' name.

15.I declare, in the name of Jesus, that as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. We dedicate our hearts, our lives, and our futures to God’s purpose. Our household will live for His glory.

16.I declare that I will not labor in vain. Every work of my hands shall prosper, and I will see fruit from my efforts. My labor is blessed, and I will experience divine increase in every area.In Jesus' name.

17.Father, put to shame all those who serve other gods, engage in satanic worship, or seek to do evil. I pray that their works be exposed, and may Your justice and righteousness prevail.In Jesus' name.

18. I declare that my service to God will not be in vain. Every sacrifice, every act of service, and every prayer I offer will bear fruit for the kingdom of God.In Jesus' name.

19.Lord, I ask for Your help to serve You wholeheartedly. Grant me the grace to seek Your will above all else, to walk in obedience, and to be diligent in fulfilling my calling in Christ.In Jesus' name.

20. I destroy any barriers that prevent me from seeing Your truth and understanding Your word. Open my eyes, Father, that I may know Your will, comprehend Your word, and walk in the fullness of Your revelation.In Jesus' name.

Thank you, heavenly father, for answering my prayers in Jesus' name.Amen.