PM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2.4-10

Brent T. Willey

The Who, What, Why & Where

of Being A Christian

Introduction:

1. If not careful, we can suffer from a spiritual identity crisis.
   1. Individually: 3 John 9-11} Diotrephes
   2. Congregationally: Rev. 3.1-6} Sardis
2. Consider the who, what, why & where of being a Christian.

I. WHO WE ARE…

1. Read 1 Pet. 2.7-10
   1. The disobedient stumble over Jesus. (Vs. 7-8)
   2. Christians “dare to be different.” (Vs. 9-10)
2. We are “Christians” – live up to the name! (1 Pet. 4.15-16)

II. WHAT WE ARE NOT…

1. Of the world. (1 John 4.4-5; Rom. 12.2)
2. Of human origin. (1 Cor. 6.20)
3. Of those peddling God’s word. (2 Cor. 2.17)
4. Of those who turn back. (Heb. 10.39; see vs. 26-31, 35-39)

III. WHY WE ARE WHAT WE ARE…

1. Because love compels us. (2 Cor. 5.14)
2. Because of appreciation. (1 Cor. 15.57; 2 Cor. 2.14; 9.15)
3. Because of motivation. (Rom. 8.35-39)

IV. WHERE WE WANT TO BE…

1. Now: Wherever Jesus would be if He were still on earth. (John 13.15; 1 Cor. 11.1; Phil. 2.5; 1 Pet. 2.21; 1 John 2.6)
2. Eternity: Heaven! (1 Pet. 1.3-4)

Conclusion: There is nothing like being a Christian!