Matthew - THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN

THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN

Text:  Matthew 5:1-16

Thesis:  To show that the life of a Christian is the greatest life to be lived.

Introduction:

1.      Many view the Christian’s life as a sad, unenjoyable life.

2.      Many view the life of a Christian as only on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night.

3.      One must live for Christ daily (Phil. 1:21).

4.      The life of a Christian is the greatest life possible, and it is to be lived every hour and day.

5.      We will look at 3 points of the life of a Christian.

Discussion:

I.                   The attitude of a Christian.

A.    We are to be dependant upon God (Mat. 5:3).

1.      We can’t make it ourselves.

2.      We must let go of self and submit unto God, and He will take care of us (Mat. 6:25-34).

B.     We must desire not to sin (Mat. 5:4).

1.      Sin will separate one from God (Isa. 59:1,2).

2.      We must have Godly sorrow (II Cor. 7:10).

C.     We must determine to be strong in the Lord (Mat. 5:5).

1.      Meekness is not weakness.

2.      Moses was meek (Num. 12:3).

3.      The strength is in the Lord.

4.      We must fight in the name of the Lord (I Sam. 17:45).

D.    We must be diligently seeking righteousness (Mat. 5:6).

1.      The soul of the diligent shall be made fat (Prov. 13:4).

2.      The ASV—“Give diligence…” (II Tim. 2:15).

E.     We must demonstrate mercy to others (Mat. 5:7).

1.      We must extend mercy in order to obtain mercy.

2.      We must forgive in order to be forgiven (Mat. 6:15).

F.      We must be dedicated to seeking purity (Mat. 5:8).

1.      Our whole being should be acceptable in God’s sight.

2.      We must buy the truth and sell it not (Prov. 23:23).

G.    We must display peace in our lives (Mat. 5:9).

II.                The afflictions of a Christian (Mat. 5:10-12).

A.    Men will revile a Christian (Mat. 5:11).

1.      We will suffer persecution (II Tim. 3:12).

2.      Men persecuted Christ.

B.     We must rejoice when we are persecuted (Mat. 5:12).

1.      We must not be ashamed (I Pet. 4:16).

2.      We must count it worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ (Acts 5:41).

C.     We will be rewarded for overcoming (Mat. 5:12).

1.      We will receive a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

2.      We will inherit all things (Rev. 21:7).

III.             The appearance of a Christian (Mat. 5:13-16).

A .We must always have a daily influence upon others.

B.     Men should be able to imitate out lives (I Cor. 11:1).

C.     Glorifying God is the incentive of living a pure life (Mat. 5:16).

Conclusion:

1.      We have looked at the attitude, afflictions, and appearance of a Christian.

2.      It truly is the greatest life for one to live.

3.      If Christianity became illegal in the United States:

1. Would you be found guilty of being a Christian?
2. Would there be any evidence to convict you?
3. Would there be any witnesses to convict you?