Defining a Christian
Turn and Trust • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 2 viewsChristians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe. This section covers what it means to be a Christian, or one who follows Christ. Is it orthodoxy? Is it common doctrine? Or is it something much more simple...
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Transcript
Catechism
Catechism
A Christian is one who Turns and Trusts in God. Turning is the act of repentance which demonstrates our intent away from sin and toward God. Trusting is giving allegiance to Christ as the sovereign of all to whom all dominion has been given. In this way, a Christian follows the model uttered by our Savior time and time again to pick up our cross and follow after Him.
If You Want To Follow...
If You Want To Follow...
Christian —> One who follows Christ (duh)
Jesus outlines the requirements for following Him
23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. 25 For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself?
Two components of the entire model:
(1) Deny Yourself in favor of the cross (turn)
(2) Follow me (trust)
Reinforcement — Three aspiring “Christians”
57 As they were traveling on the road someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 Then he said to another, “Follow me.” “Lord,” he said, “first let me go bury my father.” 60 But he told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” 61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say good-bye to those at my house.”
Guy 1 - Desired comfort
Turn - Be willing to walk away from comfort
Trust - Realize God cares for you
Guy 2 - Wanted his inheritance
Turn - Be willing to walk away from what you are ‘owed’
Trust - Realize God will provide for you
Guy 3 - Insisted on control (when the time was right)
Turn - Be willing to walk away from your plans
Trust - Realize that God has a better one
Here we see that the model of Turn and Trust is well illustrated throughout the scriptures. Christ requires these very basic things because they illustrate the heart of an individual willing to eschew the fallen world and pursue something even when it is uncertain.
Trust… Also known as Faith
Trust… Also known as Faith
While we might say “trust” in common terms, this would connect directly to the Biblical word “Faith”.
Hebrews 11 tells us of Faith’s power.
1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2 For by this our ancestors were approved.
Follows with examples of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Hebrews entering the Promised Land, Rahab, multiple judges, kings, and prophets
Each had to TURN from a worldly plan, preference, or pursuit and TRUST in God’s call.
Their faith is what justified them in the eyes of God. It set the heart-conditions whereby God could display His glory in them.
Faith = Gk. pistis.
20 Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years approached from behind and touched the end of his robe, 21 for she said to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I’ll be made well.” 22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Have courage, daughter,” he said. “Your faith has saved you.” And the woman was made well from that moment.
The woman’s pistis-FAITH saved her!
pistis - Also means… loyalty and allegiance (AKA… trust)
What we see is that trust isn’t simply admiration or affection; it is a deliberate allegiance action wherein we act on our rejection (turning) of the world and reorient ourselves to God.
Do You Turn? Do You Trust?
Do You Turn? Do You Trust?
Ask yourself these questions: do you turn and trust?
TURN: Have you turned away from those things which seek to drag you deeper into rebellious sin? Have you turned from desire for comfort, convictions of your entitlement, and your insistence on control?
TRUST: Have you redirected that desire, conviction, and eagerness to control towards the source of truth and life?
If not, then by what standard do you call yourself “Christian” and is that the standard which will save you?
