Do you have the marks of a Christ follower?
Introduction
1. Let’s turn to Galatians 6:16.
2. Have you ever heard of Robin Warren or Barry Marshall?
a. They were two researchers that discovered the cause of ulcers.
b. The current research had identified stress, excess stomach acid as potential causes.
c. They identified the bacteria called, , as a potential cause.
· The response of the scientific community was incredulous.
· They lacked credibility due to several factors (unknown PhD candidates, Perth, Australia, common a sense says it’s the stomach acid, etc).
· The lack of respect forced to actually drink water laced with the bacteria; he said, “It tasted like swamp water!” (What does swamp water taste like?)
· He began to experience symptoms of stomach irritation and onset of ulcers.
d. It took 20 years, but they eventually won the Noble Prize for medicine and eventually the respect of their peers.
Transition: Credibility is something that Christianity desperately needs in America; watching the TV ministries makes one wonder if there is such a thing in our country.
3. What are the marks of a Christian?
4. We are finally concluding our study of Galatians.
a. We have spent 20 weeks studying this wonderful book
b. We have learned about the preeminence of grace over the law.
· But that no one is justified by the law in his sight is evident for the just shall live by faith (3:11).
c. We are closing our look at the practical results of grace (historical, and theological).
5. This morning, I want us to see the marks of a sincere Christian; do you have these marks?
I. Paul validates his message and ministry with the marks of Jesus Christ.
A. Those that walk according to the rule, peace and mercy.
1. The rule is the rule of being a new creation rather than rely on circumcision.
2. Those who are born again experience the peace and mercy of God.
3. Just who are the Israel of God?
a. This is an interesting scripture that just seems to come out of nowhere.
b. There are several ideas about just what Paul means.
· Some think that this is a reference to the Church, the new Israel – I don’t think so!
· Some would argue that Paul is referring the Jewish people who have become Christians – that’s a possibility.
· Possibly, Paul is refereeing to the Israel that God acknowledges (Romans 9:6).
· This could be a reference to the 18 Benedictions of Israel eventually put down in the Talmud
v Grant peace, welfare, blessing, grace, loving-kindness and mercy unto us and unto all Israel, Your people. Bless us, O our Father, even all of us together, with the light of Your countenance.
c. Regardless of our view, we should not reinterpret Scriptures we understand with one that we don’t!
B. No one can trouble me anymore because my body has the marks of authentic faith.
1. The early disciples rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41).
2. Jesus told Paul that he would suffer for his name’s sake; he did!
a. Paul was whipped with 39 stripes five times, 3 times beaten with rods, stoned once.
b. Paul was shipwrecked, lost in the ocean, in perils of robbers, countrymen, and Gentiles.
c. Paul worked hard, he experienced sleeplessness, and he was tired, hungry, thirsty, cold, and unclothed (2 Corinthians 11:24-27).
3. His body bore the marks of following the crucified Christ; this lends a lot of credibility to Paul’s message.
C. Brothers and sister, may you experience the grace of Christ in your spirit – Amen!
II. What are the marks of a Christian? Do you have these marks?
A. There are certain external marks that distinguish believers.
1. The most important external mark that distinguishes believers is obedience.
a. To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)
b. He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me (John 14:21)
2. There are external marks that we call ordinances.
a. We practice the ordinance of baptism – this is an external mark.
b. We practice the ordinance of communion – this is an external mark.
3. There are external marks of practice.
a. We go to Church
b. We give our time, talents, and treasure to the advancement of the Kingdom.
c. We pray before meals
d. We practice regular individual prayer and Bible study
e. These are external marks that evidence we are a believer.
B. There are certain internal marks that distinguish believers.
1. Jesus said, “By this shall all know that you are my disciples by the love you have for each other” (John 13:33).
2. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
C. Sometimes there are even certain circumstantial marks
1. Circumstantially, we will all experience tribulation (John 16:33).
a. Paul and Barnabas were “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
b. Paul told Timothy, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12
2. We will see some examples of individuals bearing the marks of Jesus, the eye patch of Christ.
3. We have not be called to suffer real persecution for Christ yet; Loved ones, if we can’t die for Christ, can we at least live for Christ?
Conclusion
1. Paul validates his message and ministry with the marks of Jesus Christ
2. My question to you as we close, do you bear some of the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ?
a. We will share an external mark this morning – that’s good.
b. Do you have the internal marks of Christ?
c. Have you experienced some of the circumstantial marks? Would you welcome them in your life?