What is the Christian Life? 3

(Lesson number 3)

The Christian life is neither a bed of roses nor a pathway of thorns.

It is neither an academic endeavor nor an emotional experience.

It is a journey that begins with a simple step of faith

and continues until we see Christ in all his glory.

It reveals our fallen nature and proves God’s faithfulness.

It is our opportunity to love the One who loved us first

and to show his love to others.

It is different than I expected it to be

but it is what God has promised that it would be.

It is all that he has given me

and it is all that I have to give back to him.

The Christian life is a simple life.

“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:41-42)

It is a life that follows the old paths.

“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”

(Jeremiah 6:16)

It begins as we enter it like a little child…

“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”

(Mark 10:15)

…and it continues as we grow.

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

(Ephesians 4:14-15)

It is a life illuminated by God’s word…

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

(Psalms 119:105)

…and led by his Spirit.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

(Romans 8:14)

The Christian life is a walk of faith…

“(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”

(II Corinthians 5:7)

…and a race patiently run.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

(Hebrews 12:1)

It is a life in which we will suffer for Christ…

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”

(Philippians 1:29)

…and in which he comforts us.

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

(II Corinthians 1:3-4)

It is a life of love.

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

(I Corinthians 13:2)

The Christian life is honest.

“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”

(I Corinthians 8:21)

It is fruitful.

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”

(John 15:8)

It is full of prayer.

“Pray without ceasing.”

(I Thessalonians 5:17)

This Christian life is victorious.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(I Corinthians 15:57)

The Christian life is worth it all.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

(I Corinthians 2:9)