We began discussing God's definition of a Christian, and we will finish what we started. I won’t spend much time reviewing what we covered earlier, as there’s a lot of material we still need to go through.
Earlier, we addressed the question of whether the name "Christian" is divinely authorized or if it originated from humans. From our study, we concluded that the name "Christian" is indeed divinely approved by God, as supported by Scripture. Therefore, we should not be concerned about whether the name is the right one or whether we should seek a different name. It was given by mankind in Antioch, and we examined the grammatical construction of the word and the influence of the region where it originated.
We also began discussing how God defines a Christian.
A Christian is One that Talks the Bible!
God defines a Christian as someone who talks about the Bible.
- Acts 11:20
In Acts 11:20, we read that some men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they arrived in Antioch, "spoke to the Greeks, preaching the word." The word translated as "preaching" here is the same Greek word from which we get the English term "evangelize." These individuals came to Antioch with a specific purpose: to share a message of good news.
εὐαγγελίζω - Euangelizō - Evangelize
- “Therefore, they that were scattered abroad when everywhere preaching the word.” — Acts 8:4
Later in Acts 8:35, Philip speaks to the Ethiopian eunuch, sharing the good news about Jesus. It's the same word used in these passages.
- Acts 8:35
The word translated as "preaching" is often translated as "speaking" in other translations, such as the Revised Standard Version, the American Standard, and the ESV.
We need to be speaking about the Bible. We have conversations all the time—about politics, the weather, sports, or whatever else is on our minds. But how often do those conversations turn to the Word of God?
It doesn't necessarily have to be with someone who is unfamiliar with it. How often, in our conversations with fellow Christians, do we discuss doctrinal matters? For some of us, it doesn’t take long before we’re discussing something we recently heard in a podcast or a lesson from another speaker. Those conversations can branch out in many directions when it comes to doctrinal issues, and there is nothing wrong with that.
The more we talk about the Word of God, the more interested we become in understanding what it has to say.
A Christian is One Who is Not Concerned About Who Gets Credit
God also defines a Christian as someone who is not concerned about who gets the credit for any good that is done.
Who Planted the Church in Antioch?
Consider this question: Who planted the church in Antioch?
The answer is—we don’t know.
The Scripture provides no information about who planted the church there because the focus is not on individuals. There are some theories and ideas about who it might have been, but that doesn’t matter. In fact, it matters so little that I’m not even going to bring them up this evening.
Not Stephen!
- Acts 7
The only name mentioned in this context is Stephen, but it cannot be Stephen, as he was martyred at the end of Acts 7. So, it wasn’t Stephen who planted the church in Antioch.
This silence in the Scripture should serve as a warning, especially for us today.
Warning to Those Who Seek Preeminence in the Church!
If we or others seek preeminence within the body of Christ, God’s silence speaks volumes. It does not matter if anyone besides you and God knows about a good deed you’ve done in His kingdom. The recognition or credit is irrelevant.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen congregations torn apart because certain individuals sought to have the preeminence. I remember, when I was growing up, we moved to a congregation that had 280 members and 7 elders. Thirteen months later, when we left, the congregation had shrunk to 120 members, and there were no elders.
It turned out that one particular elder, many years before, had done something very similar. He had run off the other elders, dissolved the eldership, and then waited several years before being reappointed. When we were there, he dissolved the eldership again.
This man had a lot of influence in that congregation, influence he never should have had. But he wanted everyone to know that it was either his way or he would take his money elsewhere. That kind of behavior is a problem. If we are seeking preeminence within the church, then we are not aligning with God’s definition of what it means to be a Christian.
As Christians, we should not care who gets the credit for any good that is done. The focus should always be on God and His glory, not on ourselves.
A Christian is one who is not a Quitter!
A Christian is also someone who is not a quitter.
- Acts 11:19
We read about Christians who were scattered from Jerusalem. This scattering was the result of persecution, which began after the death of Stephen in Acts 7. Saul’s persecution of the church, described in Acts 8, led to the faithful brethren leaving Jerusalem, with the apostles remaining behind. These Christians, despite being forced to relocate, did not quit. Instead, they continued their mission. They were faithful, and a true Christian, in God's eyes, is not a quitter.
Consider the values of the first-century Christians.
1st Century Values:
- Persecuted by Other Jews - Acts 8
- Imprisoned/Put to Death - Acts 9
- Understood the Value of the Gospel - Acts 8:4
- Forced to Relocate/Spread the Word!
They faced persecution from other Jews, with Saul leading the charge in Acts 8. They were imprisoned, put to death, and forced to stand trial for their faith. By the time we reach Acts 9, Paul is on his way to Damascus with letters from the chief priests to arrest those faithful to "the Way" and bring them back to stand trial and be executed. This was the persecution they endured, yet they valued the gospel so highly that even in the face of death, they refused to turn away. They understood the cost of their faith, but they did not quit.
When they were scattered, they did not simply give up; they went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4).
Now, let's contrast this with some of the values we see in the 21st century church. How often do we hear people say they leave a congregation because their feelings got hurt? This might happen over a disagreement, an unmet expectation, or feeling overlooked. But can we truly call that persecution? Or do we sometimes fail to grasp the full benefits of being a Christian?
21st Century Values:
- Feelings Hurt/Change Congregation
- Benefits of Christianity?
- The Church is not enough
- “Spiritual Burnout”
We may not fully understand the depth of what it means to have our sins forgiven, to have the Holy Spirit standing before God on our behalf, and to have Jesus interceding as our advocate before the Father. The spiritual benefits are immense, but when we face challenges or our feelings are hurt, we sometimes fail to appreciate what it means to be a part of God’s family. Some individuals leave the body of Christ because they feel the church hasn’t done enough for them.
Yet, when you look at their time as a Christian, they may not have contributed much themselves. They expected the church to meet their needs, but when those expectations weren’t met, they left.
Is there a difference between the first-century values and the values we sometimes see today? In the first century, Christians faced severe persecution and went everywhere preaching the word. Today, we may face spiritual burnout or setbacks, and instead of persevering, we may say, "I didn’t sign up for this" and give up. But do we realize that when we say we’re spiritually burned out to the point that we no longer want to gather with the saints, our very souls are on the line?
We’ve witnessed this in our own time. Many of us are still recovering from the effects of spiritual burnout caused by trials and difficulties. But we must understand that we can’t afford to quit. A Christian, in God’s eyes, is someone who is not a quitter. No matter the hardships or challenges, we must remain faithful.
A Christian is one with a Supreme Purpose!
Finally, a Christian is someone who has a supreme purpose. Their purpose transcends any struggles they face or any difficulties they encounter. A Christian’s life is centered on fulfilling God’s will, sharing the gospel, and living in a way that honors God.
Purpose: “Setting-forth of/with Intentions”
When we keep that supreme purpose at the forefront, it helps us endure the challenges that come our way, knowing that we are part of something much greater than ourselves.
- Acts 11:23
The Christians in Antioch were determined to be God's people, and they were clear about their intentions. Barnabas, the great encourager, urged them to continue in their commitment to remain faithful to God. He encouraged them to remain steadfast, not wavering in their loyalty to the Lord.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." — Matthew 6:33
We should focus on ensuring that we are the Christian God wants us to be, and God says the other things will be provided—perhaps not always to the degree we desire, but they will be provided. Our fellow brothers and sisters will help us along the way.
- Philippians 3:13
Paul was mission-oriented in every aspect of his life. When he persecuted the church, his mission was to wipe it out. When he was on God’s side, his mission was to save as many as possible. At no time did Paul take his eyes off the prize—the high calling of God. He was always pressing forward toward the goal of eternal life in heaven. Christ must remain at the center of our Christian life, and like Paul, we must keep our focus on that goal.
A Christian is One who Cleaves to the Lord!
God defines a Christian as one who cleaves to the Lord. The word "cleave" here in Acts 11:23 is not the same as in Matthew 19:5, where husbands and wives are called to cleave together. The word here carries the idea of remaining loyal to the Lord. Barnabas was encouraging the Christians in Antioch to remain faithful to God in all things. We must persist in our loyalty to God.
- “Abide still” – Titus 1:3
- “Been” – Mark 8:2
- “Continue” – Matthew 15:32
- “Continueth” – 1 Timothy 5:5
- “Tarried” – Acts 18:18
Persistence is essential.
A Christian is a Good Person!
A Christian is also defined by God as a good person.
- Acts 11:24
A good person is one who reflects the character of Christ. As Christians, we cannot be mean. It is a contradiction to call someone a "mean Christian." We may have bad days or strong emotions, but we must control those emotions and not allow them to turn us into mean people.
Even Jesus, who displayed anger at times, was never mean. Anger is simply an emotion. If God can feel anger, it’s not inherently wrong for us to feel it. But what we do with our anger is what matters. When we feel angry or disappointed, especially with fellow Christians, we cannot act in meanness. We are called to respond with love, compassion, and patience.
- Luke 15:25
In Luke 15, in the parable of the prodigal son, the elder brother refused to join the celebration of his brother’s return. His anger prevented him from seeing the value of his brother’s repentance. Instead of rejoicing, he became resentful. His father explained that the return of the lost son was a cause for celebration because he was lost and now found.
This story reminds us that we cannot let jealousy, pride, or anger lead us to behave in un-Christlike ways. Just as the father sought reconciliation with the elder son, we too must always strive for reconciliation and love within the body of Christ.
We need to make sure that we treat our brethren as we would want to be treated by our Lord and our fellow man. We do not have the authority to be mean to our brethren, whatever the stakes.
A Christian is one that Accepts Responsibility!
- Acts 11:29
A need arose at some point after these individuals in Antioch heard the word, believed it, and accepted it. The church was established, and they decided to do the right thing as each had the opportunity or ability. It says, “every man according to his ability.” Does that mean everyone contributed equally or did the same thing at the same level? No, it does not. It simply states that each person gave or helped according to their ability.
No doubt, there were differences in talents and socioeconomic status among the Christians in Antioch. They were not all called to do the same thing at the same level. But notice what they did—they did what they could.
How often, though, do we have the mindset of What is the least I can do as a Christian and still receive a reward? How often do we wait for someone else to act first, thinking, I just can’t help right now, but I still want the reward when my life is over?
These Christians in Antioch did what they could with the abilities they had. They sent support back with Barnabas and Paul, giving what they could, and it was then delivered to the elders in Jerusalem. By the way, this is the first time we see elders referenced in this particular sense—Acts 11.
Their mentality was not What is the least I can do and still receive heaven as my reward? but rather, What can I do?
- 1 Corinthians 16:1
We take up the offering at a specific time during worship, not because it’s merely convenient, but because it aligns with when we are assembled as saints. That’s why we do it on the first day of the week—because this is where we are supposed to be.
Now, look at verse 3: “And when I come, whomsoever you shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.”
The context here is Paul bringing funds from various congregations to Jerusalem for the saints in need. He emphasizes that the offering should be ready when he arrives because he won’t have time to wait. The collection is to be gathered in advance, ensuring that when he comes, it can be immediately sent where it is needed.
Paul’s instruction highlights an important principle: Christians accept their responsibilities. This passage specifically addresses financial giving, but the principle applies broadly to all areas of Christian responsibility.
We could also consider the responsibility of assembling together on the first day of the week. As mentioned earlier, this is why it is seen as the proper time for giving—because the first day of the week is when we should be gathered together to worship God. And when we do, we have the opportunity to give as we have prospered, supporting those in need and furthering the work of the church.
A Christian is One in the Lord’s Church!
A Christian is one that is in the Lord's Church.
- Acts 11:26
No Christians in Antioch who were not Members of the Church
Notice that in Antioch, there were no Christians who were not members of the Lord’s body. Every Christian there was a member of the church.
No Christians in Antioch who were Members of any other Church
Likewise, there were no Christians in Antioch who belonged to any other religious group. If someone followed a faith other than what had been delivered by those who came from Cyprus and Cyrene, they were not following the true faith.
As we discussed this morning, in Athens, people mocked believers by calling them Christians—meaning Little Christs. Yet, that name distinguished them from everyone else. One cannot be a Christian while following anyone other than Jesus.
The Church is God’s House
We must remember that the church—which is you and me—is not defined by a building. The appearance of a building doesn’t matter, nor does having one at all. Even today, some criticize the use of church buildings, claiming too much emphasis is placed on them. But the building itself is irrelevant. If someone had a house large enough for all of us to gather, we could meet there and still be the church that Jesus established, as long as we are doing what God commands.
- 1 Timothy 3:15
You and I have to be in the right place in order for God to recognize us as Christians.
Are You a Christian in the House of God?
This evening, where are you? Are you in the kingdom that God said he was going to establish? Are you when God calls your name? Are you, on the Day of Judgment, going to be able to stand with confidence and say that you are a child of God?
Or is God going to have to express His displeasure in you because you never were a part of His Kingdom?
- Matthew 7:33
If you are a member of the body of Christ, but you've forgotten what it means to be a Christian, it's time to remember. It's time to be a Christian again so you can let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in Heaven.
If you haven't done that, we would encourage you to consider your state, understanding that the church is the only way to be saved when this life is over. If we can assist you in any way, we encourage you to contact us.
