STUDY No. 27 - CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

We have see in Study No.4 that salvation is by faith alone. This is a fundamental doctrine we should never forget “Nothing in my hand I bring ...."  is a well-known hymn that expresses this truth.

This is “Biblical Christianity”: every other religion in the world is teaching: “Do the best you can...”, “Observe the rules we set out for you..’, implying we have to “earn” our salvation.

However, having trusted in Christ alone for our forgiveness and acceptance by God, our lifestyle should certainly be different from those who have not been “born again”. Right belief will naturally lead to right behaviour.

This is where evangelicals have encountered a problem: how do we define “right behaviour? We should be different The Bible calls us a “peculiar people”, but this does not mean “odd”.

In the back of most Trinitarian Bible Society Bibles there is a Bible Word List. If the word “pecuIiar” is consulted, a meaning is given and other references where the word is used - e.g. Exodus 19:5. It will be obvious that "peculiar people" refers to a people that have been set apart as a special treasure for the Lord.

This meaning, among others, will also be found in the Reader’s Digest Dictionary: exclusive, unique, distinctive! That defines a true Christian - one under new management! (See Galatians 2:20)

Most non-Christians will even concede that we should be different but few will state in that way.

CONDUCT IN RELATION TO NON-CHRISTIANS

2 Corinthians 5:20 - What are the privileges of an ambassador? What responsibilities?
2 Timothy 4:2 & Mark 16:15 -  Following our call - notice our commandment.

BE DEFINITE

CONDUCT IN RELATION TO THE WORLD

Numbers 6:1-6  -  Notice....
 verses 3, 4
 APPETITE
 verse 6
 APPEARANCE
 verse 6
 ASSOCIATIONS

James 1:27

Rom. 12:2 See also Titus 2:12
What is "the world"? (This world’s systems and values - so easy to follow!)

BE DETACHED

CONDUCT IN RELATION TO THE LORD

Earlier studies have already dealt with this relationship in its differing aspects. It requires discipline, the use of time, and the means of grace.

We cannot emphasise too much the importance of a daily quiet time with the Lord, and weekly personal Bible study.

BE DEVOTED

CONDUCT IN RELATION TO THE CHURCH

l Thessalonians 2:12 - What did Paul mean by "walking worthily"?

1 Thessalonians 4:9,10 - What does "brotherly love” mean? How to increase it?

Titus 3:8 - Notice the order of faith and works.

It has been said that some put the cart before the horse. - Hebrews 10:25

BE DELIBERATE

CONDUCT IN RELATION TO DOCTRINE

2 Tim. 2:15 - Notice within the context that STUDY = WORK

One of the greatest needs in the Christian Church today is for those who love the Lord to love His word and be firmly grounded in the great doctrines of the Christian faith.

In these last days, errors abound on every hand. We do not need to learn what they are, but simply to become so grounded in truth that we discern them as we encounter them. (Jude 3, 4)

BE DISCERNING

CONDUCT IN RELATION TO DUTY

A simple lesson that many Christians never seem to learn is that we are called to confess Christ; won that we might witness; saved that we might serve.

Our salvation is not the primary purpose the Lord has in mind. He has a task that we should accomplish - indeed many tasks - and it is up to us to discover what they are and do them.

See 1 Corinthians 15:58. Notice those two words "always abounding". They do not describe the average Christian, unfortunately. But they contain the secret of the satisfying Christian life.

Others Lord, yes others.
Let this my motto be:
That living, Lord, for others,
I may live more like Thee!
Here then is a directive as to the goal of your duty in the work of the LORD, whatever form it may take. Always remember:- if the Lord’s work is to be successful it must be done in the Lord’s way, in the Lord’s time and for the Lord’s glory alone. (2 Timothy 4:1-8)

BE DILIGENT

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