Trap Set by Wolves
Series: The Gospel Can't Be Contained
January 23, 2022
Frank Foreman
What does it mean to be called a Christian? We accept that the term itself essentially means, "of Christ," or if you prefer, "one who follows Christ." But in a larger sense, what perception or expectation do people have when they refer to someone as "Christian." ---------- For some, it might be descriptive of a person with a charitable nature in their actions. For others it could be an expectation of a behavior, good or bad: "That's the Christian thing to do..." or, "That's not very Christian of you." Still others see it as a profession of one's "religious" affiliation or group. Literally, the term can mean so many things depending on the one using the term and that particular person's intended meaning. ---------- For the one who claims the name of Christian, there is a responsibility associated with the name. It's not a responsibility to act in a certain manner--although our actions and behavior should be like Christ. It's not a responsibility to speak or think in a certain manner--although our words and thoughts should be echo and reflect Christ. Instead, our responsibility is to be committed to God's truth above all else: All we do must be consistent with what we believe and who we are in Christ.
Episode Notes
Big Idea: All we do must be consistent with what we believe and who we are in Christ.
1. Genuine Christians are naturally drawn to others who embrace truth.
(Journal) Mark 12:13
Acts 18:12-15, But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.”
Galatians 2:9a, ….and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me,
2. Authentic Christians speak truth regardless of its consequences.
(Journal) Mark 12:14a
Matthew 23:13-15, But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the Kingdom of Heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.
1st Peter 2:20-21, For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.
3. Sincere Christians pursue God’s truth above all else.
(Journal) Mark 12:14b-17
Acts 5:37, After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.
John 18:37b-38a, For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”
Next Step: Give to God the things that are God’s.
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