The Marks of a Christian
The sermon outlines four essential marks of a true Christian based on the teachings in Galatians.
Theodore Epp emphasizes four essential marks of a Christian as outlined in Galatians. Firstly, a true Christian has Christ living within them, signifying a personal relationship with Him. Secondly, the presence of the Holy Spirit is crucial, as He transforms believers and shapes their character. Thirdly, Christians share in the experience of the cross, which is fundamental to overcoming personal struggles. Lastly, a Christian embodies a divine life that transcends mere external regulations, reflecting the transformative power of God.
Text
Galatians 2:1-10
Four marks of a Christian are set forth in the Book of Galatians. First, a Christian is one who has the living Christ living in him. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).
Second, a Christian is one who has the Holy Spirit within him, for in Galatians 4:6 we "And because ye are sons [if we are born again into His family], God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts." He is the One who really begets us, or creates us anew, and makes us believers. He also creates in us the new character from which Christian conduct comes. Christian conduct does not make a Christian, but a true Christian, one who is born of the Holy Spirit, will have Christian conduct as well.
In the third place, a Christian is one who has shared the cross experience with Christ as the basic solution of his personal problems. We all have come under this experience of the cross although we may not all have understood it. The key text on this subject is "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (2:20). When Christ died, I died with Him, and when He arose, I arose with Him.
In the fourth place, the Christian is one who is possessed of a life that is so divine, so ideal, that it cannot be pushed into a mold of external regulations. We have a new life, a life from God, which is Christ Himself.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Cor. 13:5).
Sermon Outline
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I
- A Christian has the living Christ within.
- Reference to Galatians 2:20.
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II
- A Christian possesses the Holy Spirit.
- Reference to Galatians 4:6.
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III
- A Christian shares the cross experience with Christ.
- Understanding the significance of being crucified with Christ.
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IV
- A Christian's life is divine and cannot conform to external regulations.
- The new life is from God and is Christ Himself.
Key Quotes
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” — Theodore Epp
“And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts.” — Theodore Epp
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Reflect on whether you have the living Christ in your life.
- Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your personal faith journey.
- Evaluate how your life reflects the divine nature of Christ.