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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

Lesson 5

The Christian system divides itself into three parts: the doctrine, the worship, and the moral life. The life includes blessings, privileges, and obligations. Christian character and fellowship with God is the result toward which the doctrine and worship are aimed. Everyone who obeys the gospel is to grow in the likeness of Christ and toward the perfections of God.

l. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A LIFE OF FAITH AND TRUST

A. The Christian is:

	1.	Justified by faith (Rom. 5:1-2).
	2.	Walks by faith (Heb. 10:37-39).
	3.	Is guarded through faith (I Pet. 1:5).
	4.	Receives, as the end of his faith, the salvationof his soul (1 Pet1:9).

B. His hope and trust are in God (1 Tim. 4: 10; 6:17; 2 Cor. 1:9-10).

II. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A LIFE OF BLESSING AND PRIVILEGE

A. The blessing and privilege of sonship (1 Jno. 3:1-3); which involves heirship with Christ (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 4:4-7).

B. As a son, the Christian enjoys the privilege of prayer (Matt. 6:9; 7:7-12; Phil. 4:4-7; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; 1 Pet. 3:12).

C. He has the assurance of God's continual care and presence, which enables him to face life with a sure, calm confidence (Heb. 13:5-6; Jas. 4:7-8; 1 Pet. 4:7-8).

D. Assurances the Christian can know (1 John 5:13-20)

	1.	We know that we have eternal life (1 John 5:13)
	2.	We know he answers our prayers (1 John 5:14-15)
	3.	We know that we can keep from practicing sin (1 John 5:18)
	4.	We know that we are not of the world (1 John 5: 19)
	5.	We know that we are in Christ (1 John 5:20)
	6.	We know that we can continue in Christ and protection from the evil one (1 John 1:7; 5:18)

Ill. AS A CHILD OF GOD, THE CHRISTIAN'S LIFE MUST BE ONE OF HOLINESS AND RIGHT CONDUCT.

A. An imitator of God (Eph. 5:1-2).

B. Follow steps of Christ (Jno. 8: 12; 1 Pet. 2:21-22).

C. God is his standard.

	1.	Of perfection (Matt. 5-.48
	2.	Of hoIiness (1 Pet. 1: 15).
	3.	Of purity (1 Jno. 3:3).

D. He is set apart as a vessel to God's honor (1 Cor. 1: 1-2; Heb. 12:14; Eph. 5:22-28).

E. His body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

lV. HE CRUCIFIES FLESH; FOLLOWS AFTER THE SPIRIT

A. A new creature (2 Cor. 5:17).

B. Put on a new character (Col. 3:5-17).

C. Christ dwells in his heart by faith (Eph. 3:14-19;Col. 1:26-27).

V. JESUS EXPECTS A COMPLETE CHANGE OF HEART

A. He goes back to the motive.

	1 .	"Kill-angry" (Matt. 5:21-26).
	2.	"Adultery-lust" (Matt. 5:27-30).
	3.	"Forswear-swear not at all" (Matt. 5:33).
	4.	"Eye ... tooth-.other cheek" (Matt. 5:38-42).
	5.	" Love ... hate-love your enemies" (Matt. 5:43-48)
	6.	Doers-not hearers only (Matt. 7:21-27).

B. In everything, Jesus seeks conduct from a changed heart (Matt. 12:33-36; 15:7-9; 15:18-20).

CONCLUSION: Such a disposition is not developed in a short time. It is a growth, the result of continual pruning, crucifying and developing. The Christian life is a life lived by heavenly principles, and for another world; but it is practical, the only actual life in this world.

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