A True Christian

A True Christian

Text: 1 John 3:7-10

Introduction: There is a saying among children that shows their dislike of liars. They say “Liar, liar, pants on fire.” Every child used to know that a lie found out by parents would bring swift punishment in the way of a warm behind. In fact, not so very long ago, if a child was found to be lying, parents would put so much heat on the posterior, that the offender would not be able to sit down for a while. God also hates lying. If we are found to be liars when it comes to our Christianity, then we are bound to get more than a hot seat. The Bible says that “the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Re 21:8 NIV)

Central Idea: We will be found out liars unless our profession of Christianity is accompanied by the expression of Christianity.

I.         A True Christian Believes God Concerning Jesus (1 John 1:1-4; 2:22; 5:10-12)

A.      The Life of Christ Witnessed

B.      The Life of Christ Confessed

C.      The Life of Christ Possessed

II.       A True Christian Loves God More Than the World (1 John 2:15-17)

A.      Gaining An Eternal Perspective

B.      Hearing A Heavenly Directive

C.      Seeing A World that’s Defective

III.     A True Christian Listens to God concerning Sin (1 John 3:4-10; Heb. 10:26)

A.      Holiness is God’s Expression

B.      Holiness is Christ’s Mission

C.      Holiness is Man’s Privilege

IV.    A True Christian Imitates God Concerning Love (1 John 3:14; 4:20)

A.      Love is Explained in Christ

B.      Love is Expressed Practically

C.      Love is Essential to Life

Conclusion: Every person who claims to be a Christian is not necessarily what they claim. Many do not live up to their confession. A true Christian is one who has received eternal life through Christ Jesus, and Loves God more than all this world has to offer. A true Christian will listen to God concerning sin and take by faith the grace God offers to overcome sin and live in obedience. A true Christian will reproduce the love of God in their lives, loving, not hating their fellow man. If these truths are not present in those who profess to be Christian’s then their confession is empty, and they are living a lie. Don’t live a lie. Come to Christ in faith, and believe on Him who came to destroy the works of the Devil. Christ Loved you so much, and hates sin so much that He died to rid you of sin, and he lives today to fill you with His love and power. He wants to give you power over sin, and power to Love God with all your heart, mind soul, and strength, and to love not the world, but to love your neighbor as yourself.