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15 Characteristics Of A Christian

There are certain distinct characteristics that should mark every child of God. In this particular message, we would like to examine fifteen of them and see how we compare in our walk with the Lord.

#1 They Hear God's Voice

John 10:3-4 - "To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice."

All of God's sheep know the voice of the Shepherd. They can discern His mind and distinguish it from that of a stranger. A stranger they will not follow.

Do you know God's voice? Can you distinguish it from all the other voices in the world? Does the Great Shepherd know you by name? Are you following His leadings?

#2 They Are Blameless And Harmless

Philippians 2:15 - "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."

Every child of God is called upon to be "Blameless and Harmless" in this "crooked and perverse nation."
Being "Blameless," he must give no occasion for others to accuse him of any wrongdoing,. He must never come under just suspicion of sin.
As "Harmless," he must at all times be sincere, pure, and without guile, at no time ever injuring or bringing hurt to another in word or deed.

Are you "blameless and harmless"? Are you guileless, innocent, uncontaminated, faultless, and unrebukable in the midst of this crooked and wicked generation? What kind of testimony do you have with those who are outside the fold? What report can be heard about your life among others?

#3 They Are Bold As A Lion

Proverbs 28:1 - "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."

The righteous man has true courage.
Acts 24:16 - This courage stems from a conscience void of offence toward God and man.
He is fully aware of his innocence and the approbation of his God on his life.
He is not moved by any foe or circumstance for he knows that he is in right standing with God and that He fights his battles.

How about you? Do you display undaunted courage in the face of your foes?
Acts 20:24 - Can you say with the Apostle Paul when hearing bad news - "...none of these things move me..."?

#4 They Have A Contrite Spirit

Isaiah 57:15 - "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Isaiah 66:2 - "For all those things hath Mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word."

Every child of God should be of a "contrite spirit." This is the one with whom God chooses to dwell. This is the one to whom He looks.

A "contrite spirit" is one in total opposition to a proud, haughty, self-confident, and self-righteous one. One who is of a "contrite spirit" is self-abasing and self-denying. He is borne down with a sense of unworthiness. He is deeply affected by sin. He trembles at God's Word - fearing Him and revering His commands lest he, in any way, should disobey and offend Him. He has an awe of God's majesty and a dread of His justice and wrath.

Which is the case with you - do you have a contrite and humble spirit or a spirit that is proud, haughty, self-confident, and self-righteous? Do you recognize your utter unworthiness before such an awesome Being? Do you fear displeasing Him? Are you deeply affected by sin?

#5 They Are Faithful

Revelation 17:14 - "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful."

Every child of God should be "faithful."
To be "faithful" is basically to be trustworthy, true, and someone who can be relied on. It also refers to those who have kept the Faith and trust in the Promises of God.

Are you "faithful"? Are you trustworthy? Can you be relied on? Are you standing on the Promises of God with a staunch Faith?

#6 They Fear The Lord

Malachi 3:16 - "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name."
Acts 10:2 - "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."

Every child of God should Fear God.

What does it mean to Fear the Lord?
It is to -
...stand in awe of Him.
...have a reverence for the Majesty of God.
...submit to His authority and to humbly comply with His Word and Law.
...have a dread of His wrath, fearing at all times of ever offending this Holy One.

Do you Fear God? Do you have a holy reverence for the things of God? Are you submitted to His authority and dread offending this Great Judge in any way?

#7 They Are Godly

Psalm 4:3 - "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto Him."
2 Peter 2:9 - "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished."

A godly person is one who demonstrates love toward God and man with a great desire, ardor, and zeal.
1 John 3:18 - He loves not only in word and tongue, but in deed and in truth.
He is devout, kind, and benevolent.

Are you godly? Has God set you apart for Himself and for His purposes because you are a man or woman of lovingkindness? Do you love Him with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength and your neighbor as yourself?

#8 They Have No Guile

John 1:47 - "Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!"

A child of God is sincere and upright. He is never crafty, subtle, deceitful, or hypocritical. At all times, he is what he professes to be. He makes no profession that he does not live up to. He can surely be trusted in all of his commitments and pursuits.

Does this describe you? Is there any falsehood or duplicity in your walk with God? Are you a pretender? Do you wear a spiritual disguise in front of the church folk, trying to impress others?
Can you be trusted in your everyday dealings with others? Do you always keep your word?

#9 They Are Humble

Proverbs 16:19 - "Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."
1 Peter 5:5 - "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, AND GIVETH GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

Like the Lord Jesus, the child of God is meek and lowly in heart. He is willing to take the lowest place and will perform any office in order to benefit others. He has the least confidence in his own merit and sufficiency.

Are you willing to take a lower position in order to benefit others? Are you filled with Self-Confidence or Confidence in God? Do you have a meek and quiet spirit or are you a Know-It-All?

#10 They Hunger And Thirst After Righteousness

Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

"Hunger and thirst" is an expression used to denote a strong and intense desire for anything. Hence, to "hunger and thirst after righteousness" is to crave ardently or seek with eager desire for all spiritual blessings - holiness, the fullness of God, the grace of God, integrity, virtue, purity of life, and correctness of thinking, feeling, or acting.

How much do you crave after holiness in your life? Do you ardently desire to be right with God at all times? Are you earnest and importune in your yearnings for a pure and clean heart?

#11 They Are Merciful

Matthew 5:7 - "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

The Scriptures tell us that God is full of compassion and abundant in mercy. Likewise, the child of God is so affected by the sufferings of others. He is inclined to pity, help, and comfort all those in misery and grief. He is willing to supply the need of those who lack. He easily pardons the injuries of those who offend him.

How merciful are you? How do you react to the sufferings of others? Is your heart inclined to comfort those who are brokenhearted and of a sorrowful spirit? Are you willing to share your finances with those who lack? Do you hold grudges toward others, or do you easily forgive all wrongdoings directed at you?

#12 They Are Led By The Spirit Of God

Romans 8:14 - "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

To be "led by the Spirit of God" is to submit to His influence, suggestions, and control.

The Holy Spirit is said to conduct, guide, direct, and move us. However, we must yield our wills to His influence and submit to His control.

To what or whose influence are you daily yielding? Who or what is in control of your life - the Flesh or the Spirit?

#13 They Are Liberal

Isaiah 32:8 - "But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand."

A liberal man is noble, large-hearted, and generous. He is a man of large views. He is one who has risen above covetousness, self-seeking, and avarice and devotes himself to the task of promoting the best interests and welfare of others.

Are you a liberal person? Are you in this world for yourself or for the benefit of others? Are you stingy with the blessings God has abundantly given to you, or are you generous and willing to share so that others may be blessed as well? Are you devoted to fulfilling the interests of Self or others?

#14 They Are Obedient

Romans 16:19 - "For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil."
1 Peter 1:14 - "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance."

The child of God is attentive to God's commands. He is in compliance and submission to each one. He has a mild disposition to learn and improve upon his walk with the Lord.

Are you one of God's obedient servants? Are you willing to forsake the old in order to cling to the new? Are you willing to let go when God says - "Let Go" and stay when He says - "Stay"?

#15 They Are Watchful

Luke 12:37 - "Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them."

Lastly, the child of God is vigilant; awake at all times; giving strict attention to his surroundings and happenings; always taking heed lest through love of sleep and pleasure, some calamity should overtake him. He is discerning of the times in which he lives. He commits himself to no man for he knows what is in man. He is keeping his garments white and watching both day and night for His Master's Return. He continues in a waiting frame, while occupying until the Lord does come.

Are you awake or asleep, spiritually speaking? Are you aware of the times in which you live? What are you doing about it? Have the Love of pleasure, the lust of other things, and the cares of this life intoxicated you so much so that you are asleep to the lateness of the hour in which you live? Are you doing all that you can do in service to Your Master? Are you using the talents that He has given you or have you buried them in the ground so to speak? Are you all caught up with the rat race of going to work and then coming home and working some more, but never having time for God and His Word?

This message portrayed fifteen characteristics that should mark the life of every Christian.
How does your walk with the Lord appear in comparison to this list ?
What are your strengths, and what are your weaknesses?
Where do you lack in your Christian walk?

Why not take time this day to allow the Word of God to penetrate your heart and show you where you need to make some necessary changes?

Colossians 2:10 - The Scriptures tell us that We are Complete in Jesus.
May we cry out to God in earnest prayer that we will not fall short in any way of His plan for our lives.
May we be filled to overflowing with the Fullness of God, being filled with God's Wisdom, lacking nothing.



May God Bless His Word.
Connie

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