Biblia

279. ACT 11:26. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

279. ACT 11:26. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

Act_11:26. The Christian Character

"The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."’97Act_11:26.

In this chapter is detailed the success of the Gospel in the various places where the disciples were scattered by the persecution of the church at Jerusalem. See8:1. Among other places to which they fled was Antioch, where the hand of the Lord was with them, so that a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord ver. 21. It was here that the heart of Barnabas was so gladdened, by seeing the grace of God; and where he and Paul had labored together for a whole year. Up to this period believers had been denominated by themselves, disciples, brethren, &c.; and by their enemies, Nazareans, Galileans, &c. But now, for the first time, at Antioch, they were called Christians. Whether so denominated by the people, or whether this name was given them by divine authority, cannot be determined.

Let us consider,

I. The Nature,

And,

II. Excellency of the Christian Character,

I. The Nature of the Christian Character.

What is it to be a Christian? It necessarily involves,

1. A cordial belief in the person and work of Christ.

This belief must be both the intellectual act of the mind, and the cordial act of the heart. Rom_10:10. And it must have especial respect to Christ’s divinity, to his Lordship. That he is the son of God. That he is the anointed Messiah. And that by the sacrifice of himself he hath taken away the sin of the world. And it is the soul resting on his mediatorial work for acceptance and eternal life.

A Christian,

2. Participates in the nature of Christ.

"Partaker of the divine nature." 2Pe_1:4. We possess the mind of Jesus. Are created anew in the likeness of the second Adam, the Lord from heaven. Become the brethren of Jesus, and partakers of his holiness.

A Christian,

3. Possesses the spirit of Christ.

"For as many as are led," &c. "I any man hath not the spirit of Christ," &c. Rom_8:11-14.

A Christian,

4. Follows the example of Christ.

"He hath left us an example," &c. If any man will be his disciple, he must take up his cross, and follow him. Conformity to Christ, and obedience to him, are vitally essential to the Christian character. "Ye are my friends," &c. "If ye love me keep my commandments," &c. "My sheep hear my voice and follow me," &c.

A Christian,

5. Delight in the ordinances of Christ.

Christ’s ordinances are all suitable and appropriate. All spiritual, and adapted to he new nature of the believer. Baptism, Lord’s supper, apostles’ doctrine, prayers, &c. Act_2:46.

A Christian,

6. Is concerned for the glory of Christ.

He identifies himself with all that belongs to Christ. His prayers, self-denials, exertions, and toils, are freely consecrated to his service and glory. "If we live, we live to the Lord," &c. "I beseech you, brethren," &c. Rom_12:1.

Notice,

II. The Excellency of the Christian’s Character.

The Christian character is one,

1. Of superlative dignity.

Dignity of birth, born from above. Sons of God. Dignity of titles. Heirs of God. Kings and priests unto God, &c. Dignity of riches. "All things present and to come theirs." Heirs of eternal glory. Dignity, arising from knowledge. Not perhaps linguists, philosophers, &c.; yet they know God, and the mystery of redemption. Wise unto salvation, &c. Dignity of power and of influence. Like Jacob, have power with God. Hold intercourse with the skies. God pledged to hear and answer their supplications.

2. Of solid enjoyment.

Enjoyment to be solid must bear retrospection. Now the Christian looks both to sins pardoned, heart changed, blessings conferred, peace bestowed, &c. It must bear examination. Now, it arises from union with God, and the love of Christ shed abroad in the heart, by the Holy Spirit, &c. It must also bear testing by the future. The Christian’s enjoyments are not such as will vanish by adversity, sickness, or death, but they are from heaven and lead to heaven. A well of water springing up unto eternal life.

3. Of extensive usefulness.

Every Christian is more or less useful. They are philanthropists to their species’97patriots to their countries’97blessings to those around. Salt of the earth. Lights of the world. See Joseph, Moses, &c. They bear about them the mind of knowledge, and the spirit of love.

4 Of prospective and eternal glory.

Now happy and dignified; but then glory is yet to be revealed, &c. "Now sons of God, but it doth not yet appear, &c. We cannot judge rightly yet, of the kingdom, the throne, the crown, the joys, &c., reserved for them.

Application

1. Let the subject correct those mistakes as to the sorrow and gloom of true piety. A Christian is truly happy’97really joyous. The child of consolation.

2. Christianity is a personal thing. No national religion. No church religion. No merely theoretical piety. Religion is in the heart, life, and character. It may be seen, felt, &c.

3. Let believers rejoice in their high and celestial calling, and always labor to exalt the Saviour, and exhibit the power of his grace in their lives and conversation.

4. Invite men to believe in Jesus, and thus receive the Christian name, and nature, and blessedness.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS