What is a Christian?

John 14:21

Theme: A Christian is someone who loves Jesus, has His commands and obeys His

commands.

19/04/09 (am)

Context of John 14:21

• Last Supper

• Jesus teaching His disciples

• Jesus comforting His disciples

• In John 14:21 Jesus gives a precise definition of a Christian.

Jesus’ Description of a Genuine Disciple (14:21a)

Jesus says that a Christian is marked by three interdependent

characteristics:

1.Someone who loves Him.

• John may be using a word for love that speaks of a deep seated, purposeful love involving the entire personality – mind, emotions, will, cf. Mk. 12:30.

• Do you have such love for Jesus? It is a mark of a Christian.

2. Someone who has His commands. What does has mean?

• Not just possess or have access to.

• Means to grasp with the mind and make them your own.

• Have you grasped Jesus’ commands?

3. Someone who obeys His commands (cf. 14:15 & 23).

• General bent of life is obedience.

What a Christian is not

A Christian is not essentially defined by:

• Birth into a Christian home or ‘country’.

• The bald profession Jesus loves me & I love Jesus.

• An act of water baptism.

• Membership of a local church.

A Christian is someone who loves

Jesus, has His commands and

obeys His commands.

Conclusion – How do you measure up?

• Have you misunderstood what a Christian really is?

• Are you beginning to see what a Christian really is?

• Are you hearing His voice?

Be encouraged if you can say I love

Jesus, I have His commands and

the bent of my life is obedience to

His commands.