INTRODUCTION:
There are many titles given to the Christian in the bible, each one describing a particular relationship or responsibility that we have as Christians. In fact, the word “Christian” itself is a title given to the followers of Christ. It was not a self-declared title, but one given by the community in which the followers of Christ lived.
Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
TRANSITION:
In this message I will focus on just four of those titles.
I. We are SONS
Rom. 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (KJV)
Gal. 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (KJV)
I Jn. 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (KJV)
Eph. 1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
As such, we are to be THANKFUL. We are entitled to all that belongs to the Father. We are heirs of God, joint heirs of Jesus Christ. (Rom. 8:17)
II. We are SERVANTS
Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
Rom. 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Rom. 6:16
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
As such we are to be HUMBLE
Matthew 24:44-51
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?46 “Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.47 “Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.48 “But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,'49 “and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,50 “the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 “and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
III. We are STEWARDS
1 Corinthians 4:1
Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1 Peter 4:10
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
As such we are to be FAITHFUL
1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
IV. We are SAINTS
Rom. 1:7
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 8:27
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
I Cor. 1:2
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
As such we are to be PECULIAR.
Eph. 5:3
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own peculiar people, zealous for good works.
CONCLUSION
God has bestowed upon us some very special titles. Not because of anything we have done or deserve, but because of our position in Christ. My prayer is that each of us will live up to the titles that we have received so that Christ may be honored and the Father may be glorified!
