what are you? who are you? maybe it is time for a little introspection

What Are You?

Different Responses

Defining “self”

• Not accomplished by saying what you do

• Nor is it done by naming your relationships

• Jobs and relationships can “change” – but WHAT you are (or WHO you are) should not change so easily.

Looking Inside

• Can be painful

• Encouraged by scripture

• 2 Corinthians 13:5

The Christian

• Needs to know WHAT he is

• While he is a child of God (relationship) – being a Christian is so much more

• The Christian is a transformed individual who is NO longer what he used to be

• A Christian is a NEW CREATURE

A Christian

• Not altogether defined by “what he does”

• However, there are certain things that Christians do

• Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them

If you are a Christian

• What really defines you?• What makes you what

you are – IN Christ?

A New Creature

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new

To BE a Christian

• The old man of sin has to die

– Romans 6:11-12

• You have to be transformed

• You must learn to deny self

– Matthew 16:24

1 John 3:3-6

3. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4. Every one that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5. And ye know that he was manifested to take away sins; and in him is no sin. 6. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither knoweth him

Romans 1:14-16

14. I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

15. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are in Rome.

16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Paul became a DEBTOR

vs. 14. I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish

• Paul’s debt was first and foremost to God

• 1 Timothy 1:15-17• And yet, Paul considered himself to be in

debt to ALL men

Paul was READY

vs. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are in Rome

• What are you? A gospel preacher?

Ready – to what degree

• “as much as in me is”• 2 Corinthians 12:15

And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls

Paul was BOLD

vs. 16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”

• Paul prayed for boldness

• Ephesians 6:17-20

What are you, Paul?

• A prisoner? (sometimes)

• A preacher (always)

• Bold?

• Paul was NOT ashamed to preach the gospel – for it is the power of God to save those who believe

What are you? For Christ

• What have you become?

• Are you a new creature – transformed in spirit – obedient, selfless

• Do you feel the debt you owe?

• Are you ready to preach to others?

• Are you BOLD?

Are You Ready

• To become a Christian?• HEAR• BELIEVE• REPENT• CONFESS• BE BAPTIZED