0095. 91. Characteristics of a Believer in Christ

91. Characteristics of a Believer in Christ

As Revealed in John 15

Every metaphor and simile of the Christian life elucidates some trait of the character of a Christian.

1. A Branch for Fruitfulness—Joh_15:5. A branch in a vine is the outcome of the productive quality of the root and stem, and is dependent for its fruitfulness from them. Through the branch the vine manifests itself in fruit. It needs to be cleansed, and pruned to bring its fruit to perfection. Being united to Christ, we bring forth fruit, and as we allow the Vine-dresser to develop us, we bring forth the “more fruit,” yea, “much fruit,” and the fruit that remains—Joh_15:2, Joh_15:8, Joh_15:16. The fruit is “love” (Gal_5:22).

2. A Disciple for Faithfulness—Joh_15:8-10. Discipleship is evidenced by fruitfulness. Being a disciple, we “learn” of Christ, we follow Him, and we are obedient to Him—Mat_11:29; Luk_9:23; Joh_13:34.

3. A Friend for Communion—Joh_15:15. Three things evidence friendship, namely, confidence, sympathy, and fellowship. We might call these love in exercise, like the love of Jonathan for David.

4. A Chosen One for Holiness—Joh_15:16. When anyone or anything is set apart for a given purpose, and that purpose is achieved, the election is seen. We prove our election by selecting the things that faith adds to itself—2Pe_1:10.

5. An Ordained One for Benefit—Joh_15:16. Fruit is produced for another’s benefit, is lasting in its blessing, and is a forerunner of answered prayer. See the “that” in Joh_15:16.

6. A Servant for Employment—Joh_15:20. To serve such a Master is a privilege, even though we may have to suffer because of our association with Him. He has saved us to serve, and we save ourselves from many things in serving.

7. A Witness for Testimony—Joh_15:27. A witness is one who knows, and is able to tell out what he has seen and heard. The thing that gave power and brought conviction in the early days was what was evidenced in the disciples—Act_1:8; Act_2:37; Act_4:13.

92. CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S WORD

The following characteristics of the Word will indicate in some measure what it means to preach it.

1. “The Word of God” to reveal (Heb_4:12).

2. “The Word of the Lord” to command (1Th_1:8).

3. “The Word of Christ” to inspire (Col_3:16).

4. “The Word of the Gospel” to gladden (Act_15:7).

5. “The Word of Salvation” to deliver (Act_13:26).

6. “The Word of Reconciliation” to preach (2Co_5:19).

7. “The Word of Grace” to build up (Act_20:32).

8. “The Word of Faith” to assure (Rom_10:8).

9. “The Word of Truth” to arm (2Co_6:7).

10. “The Word of Righteousness” to feed (Heb_5:13).

11. “The Word of Life” to attract (Php_2:16).

12. “The Word” in its exclusiveness (Mat_13:19-20, Mat_13:21-22, Mat_13:23).

13. “The Faithful Word” to instruct (Tit_1:9).

14. “The Engrafted Word” to save (Jas_1:21).

15. “The Sincere Milk” to feed (1Pe_2:2).

16. “The Sure Word of Prophecy” to enlighten (2Pe_1:19).

By: DR. F. E. MARSH