The Christian Life
Is it that I am giving up all of the good stuff that I like to do, that I know Christians don't do? Things such as drinking, swearing, and inappropriate jokes.
What do people think the Christian life is?
So what really is the Christian life?
The Christian life is one of an emulation of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We strive to be like him everyday, in everyway of our lives. We no longer want to participate in some of the activities we used to. Our desires have changed because our life has changed. (Psalm 37:4)
There is no greater joy than that of a life given to him. Be faithful to serve him with your very best, you can never outdo God's kindness and mercy. (Matthew 25:21)
Psalm 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Matthew 25:21 - His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Can I really do this?
If you're anything like me, probably not very well!
The Bible says we are sinners and will continue to be so even after becoming a "Christian". But, after accepting Jesus as our Savior (becoming a Christian) we should want to be more like HIM and be convicted by the Holy Spirit when we are involved in sin. An unsaved person has no tendency to obey GOD and on the surface has no desire to do so. But the LORD created people for Himself (Pr 16:4) and deep down every person can only be fulfilled and truly find their purpose by serving HIM. See what Moses did in Hebrews 11:24-27. Here's the real question... Do I want what I want or do I want what HE wants for me? Which leads to the question...
whose am I?
You see, this Christian Life isn't one of ease and pleasure, it's also not a life of trying to do good so that maybe, hopefully I'll earn my way to a chance at heaven. It's simply trusting (believing) that Jesus died to pay the penalty of my sin (past and future) then acknowledging that i am HIS. The Bible speaks about rewards in Heaven for good works we do but that's not what gets us to heaven. Good works are simply our obedience to our Savior while doing what He created us to do. Honoring and Glorifying HIM in whatever we do.
Read Matthew 5, known as the "sermon on the mount".
Wow, that's a real high bar set for perfection. I know that I can't attain it but I know that having trusted Jesus as my savior, HE took all the punishment for my sin, promises me eternal life, guaranteed, can't be taken away!
(John 3:16, John 10:28,29, Ephesians 4:30, Romans 8:38-39)
Hebrews 11:24-27, 39,40
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.
Read v. 28-38 to see how this Christian Life worked out for the "great heroes of the faith."
39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
40 because God had provided SOMETHING BETTER for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Romans 10:9-13
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
1 0 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The long term benefit
Obviously the long term benefit of accepting GODs gift of salvation is eternal life. Life after death in heaven as opposed to an eternity in hell. But the peace and purpose of living the Christian Life while we're here is so, so rewarding and gives the opportunity to reap rewards in heaven. I know we keep saying this but it truly is a matter of life or death.
See Romans 12 for a truly detailed look at "the Christian Life."