"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN"

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" I SAMUEL 16:5-7 What Measure Do We Use?

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" INTRODUCTION • When Samuel was sent to anoint the new king of Israel, he learned that God's measure of a person was different than of man's – 1 Samuel 16:5-7 “And he said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice." Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice. So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, "Surely the LORD's anointed [is] before Him!“ But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For [the LORD] does not [see] as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" The Rest of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. Vs 11. “And Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all the young men here?" Then he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here." Vs. 12 “So he sent and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, "Arise, anoint him; for this [is] the one!" 2. The same is true today...God's measure of a Christian is more often than not very different than that applied by many people in the world and in the Church.

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 3. Jesus considered this an important topic to discuss in His first Sermon - MATTHEW 7:1-6 4. In this lesson... • We will review the measures often used by ourselves to evaluate one another as faithful Christians, is it the RIGHT measurement to be used? b. Then we will consider what is God's measure. After our comparison I believe we will find that there needs to be a change, not in God’s way, but in our way.

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" I. THE MEASURE OFTEN USED BY BRETHREN WE OFTEN MEASURE CHRISTIANS BY... Their ATTENDANCE at the services of the Church If they attend ALL of the services, then they must be "faithful brethren" If they attend SOME of the services, they must be "weak brethren" While Attendance is important - Is this a fair measure of one’s Christian’s strength ?

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 2. Their PARTICIPATION in church-related activities • If they participate in ALL of the activities... 1) Such as Bible classes 2) Or Evangelism classes, Visitation programs, etc. -- Then they truly must be "strong brethren" b. But if for ANY reason they do not participate in all that the church offers, their "commitment" is certainly suspect! Right?

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 3. Their LEADERSHIP abilities • MEN are considered strong Christians if they... 1) Lead singing, prayers, help serve the Lord's Supper 2) Teach classes, preach sermons b. WOMEN are considered strong Christians if they... 1) Teach children's classes, women's classes 2) Prepare communion, clean the building

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" B. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS MEASURE... • It tends to measure the OUTSIDE of man a. People can do all these things, and still be spiritually destitute on the INSIDE (I have known some like this) b. "Hypocrites" can exist very comfortably with such a measure! c. Brethren can remain in "spiritual immaturity" if this is the only measure given to them

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 2. This measure tends to neglect the multi-faceted nature of the body of Christ a. Especially if emphasis is on the PUBLIC functions of the church b. And if emphasis is placed on one function over another(e.g., teaching over service) the nature of the body of Christ is missed Note the Words of Paul in Romans 12:3-8

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 3. “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5. so we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let us use them]: if prophecy, [let us] [prophesy] in proportion to our faith; 7. or ministry, [let us use it] in [our] ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8. he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" Because of these "tendencies," the use of such measures is filled with the potential of misjudging and condemning one another. This is something we want to avoid - James 4:11-12 11. “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?”

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" II. THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN • IS FOUND IN SCRIPTURES SUCH AS... 1. Galatians 5:22-23 ”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” a. Here are qualities of a man who is truly SPIRITUAL b. This is evidence that one is truly led by the Spirit of God

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" c. Now one who is truly "spiritual" will certainly be involved in the various "activities" of the church - e.g., Galatians 6:1-2 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ ” d. But this measure requires that the "inner man" be changed first!

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 2. Colossians 3:12-17 ”Therefore, as [the] elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13. bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also [must do]. 14. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17. And [whatever] you do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. “

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" a. Again, this measure begins with the "inner man" b. Then it carries over to our relationship with one another in such activities as Bible study and singing

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 3. Consider other passages, such as those given to: • Preachers • One may preach a great sermon, but what of his personal life? - 1 Timothy 6:11 – “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness”; 2 Timothy 2:22 “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 2) He may be willing to contend for the faith, but in the right spirit? – 1 Timothy 6:12;“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 2 Timothy 2:23-25 “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25. in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,”

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" b. Bishops (elders, pastors) • They may be married and have children who believe - Titus 1:5-6 2) But are they quick to anger, unable to teach others? Titus 1:7-9 “For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8. but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9. holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" c. Members, young and old • They may be attending the services faithfully • 2) But is their conduct becoming their stage in life? – Titus 2:1-8 “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2. that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3. the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, 4. that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 5. to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. 6. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7. in all things showing yourself [to be] a pattern of good works; in doctrine [showing] integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8. sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" B. THE CHALLENGES OF SUCH A MEASURE... • It emphasizes the reformation of the INSIDE of a person first, trusting that the outside will naturally follow a. i.e., it requires "transformation," when conformation would be a lot easier

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" b. Transformation takes more time than simply conforming • Time some brethren may not wish to take 2) Either for themselves, or for those whom they want to quickly conform to their ideas and programs 3) E.g., trying to get involved in teaching before one is ready, just to make oneself look good - James 3:1-2

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 2. This is a measure that often only the LORD sees a. We see each other only for a short time each week • It is easy to "put on a front", to pretend to be something we are not 2) But the Lord sees us as we really are!

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" b. On the other hand, brethren who may seem "passive" when we are together may be extremely "active" when apart • Active in their warfare against personal sin • 2) Active in their daily service to others in the name of Christ • -- Activity which we may never SEE, but the Lord knows!

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" CONCLUSION • The purpose in discussing the true measure of a Christian... a. Has NOT been so we can go around and judge others b. But to suggest caution in how we measure others! c. And to make sure that we are properly measuring our own selves!

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN" 2. The statement of the Lord to Samuel still applies today: "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 Let's be sure the "measure" by which we examine ourselves and others is the same one used by the Lord!

What Must You Do To Be Saved? • Hear The Word Of God Romans 10:17 • Believe His Word Mark 16:16, John 8:24 • Repent of your sins Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38 • Confess your belief Romans 10:10, Acts 8:37 • Be Baptized Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38 For the Remission of Your Sins Acts 22:16 Galatians 3:26, 27 • Live Faithfully Titus 2:11-14

"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN"