Gospel Truth Project

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.” James 3:17.

A question I used to ask myself constantly when I was younger, what is my role in the kingdom and how do I play that part? I will start this off saying the “ideal Christian” has been skewed by the “American dream” and the power lust of those who want to take advantage of people. You may have heard or seen that the ideal Christian walk has been more about “self righteousness” than anything else. Unfortunately the current media coverage of Christians is a group of people doing “good” and pointing out others sin to then make themselves look better. This is a reality for a great many people who claim to be Christian. So what is a true Christian and what does that look like?

Lets start off by defining the word and where it came from. We use the word Christian, this was first used in Acts 11:26. The Greek word is Christianos and means follower of Christ. This brings up a very important question, what does it mean to follow Christ? Lets start off in 1 Corinthians 11. Firstly, Scripture was originally written without chapter and verse divisions. Those were added many centuries later, to make it easier for readers to locate specific passages. In some cases, those traditional boundaries are questionable, at best. In this case, verse 1 is best understood to conclude Paul’s teaching in chapter 10, more so than to begin a new thought in chapter 11.

In the previous verse, 1 Corinthians 10:33, Paul described his practice of setting aside his personal freedoms and rights and preferences in order to please everyone in everything he does. Paul did not mean that pleasing other people was his ultimate goal. Rather, he has a responsibility to remove anything possible from his own personal practice that might trip someone up on their way to faith in Christ. Of course, Paul would not set aside his convictions about Christ or his practices of prayer and preaching, for instance. Beyond those core elements of his faith, however, he was willing to set aside anything he had a right to do in order to lead as many people as possible to faith in Christ.

To add more context here, 1 Corinthians 10:23 through 11:1 shows that merely asking, ”Is this lawful?” is the wrong question for Christians. Instead, we must continue by asking, ”Will this glorify God?” and ”Will this build up our neighbors?” Paul instructs them to act on this by refusing to eat meat they know has been offered to an idol. The reason is to avoid causing anyone to think Christians approve of idol worship in any way. They are free, though, to eat any meat they don’t know to have been offered to an idol, with a clear conscience, and with thanks to God. The key message of this passage is that our intent, and the effects of our actions on others, are more important than the physical things involved.

We can see this mentality of thinking even in other passages. Such as James 4:17 says, “So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it.”
The entire passage leading up to this verse has been about the difference between earthly, worldly wisdom, and heavenly, godly wisdom. Most recently, James has pointed out that speaking about human plans without acknowledging the influence of God is evil. It’s a form of bragging and fits only with the arrogant attitude over which he’s been scolding his readers.

Then, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, James makes this profound and challenging statement. This verse is a bit jarring, and it is probably meant to be. James has offered several arguments about what it means for a Christian to live out our faith in God. He has been clear that many of the “normal” ways we’re used to thinking about our lives are arrogant, self-serving, and faithless.

Most religions frame moral obligations in a very passive way. They emphasize the avoidance of evil. Here, James follows the example of Jesus, who gave us a much more difficult, more powerful command: to actively pursue the good of others (Matthew 7:12). James’s intent here is to make the need for obedience to God very personal. Christianity does not accept the idea of passive spirituality, a response is required from all men.

So what do we do? How can we tell if someone is a true believer or not? This question is actually simpler than most would think. A good example of this is Galatians 5. Galatians is sometimes called “a short Romans” for its similar themes of justification and sanctification through faith. A group of Christians known as “Judaizers” were preaching a gospel of legalism, rather than grace. Paul’s main purpose in writing the letter to the Galatians was to reiterate the true nature of the gospel: we are justified (made righteous) and sanctified (made more Christlike) through our faith in Jesus Christ alone.

So, lets look at Galatians 5:16-26. Galatians 5:16-26 focuses on how God’s Spirit gives those in Christ the power to serve others in love. We must allow the Holy Spirit to lead, however. When we don’t, our selfishness will lead us into all kinds of sinful lifestyles. When we live by the Spirit, on the other hand, we gain more than just being able not to live in sin. What comes out of us are a collection of powerful, positive characteristics. Those who trust in Christ have been set free. Paul’s readers were in danger of wasting that freedom, by veering off in one of two directions. On the one hand, false teachers were pressuring them into circumcision in order to be sure of being right with God. On the other hand, freedom can also be squandered on serving only our sinful desires instead of investing it through serving others in love. God’s Spirit gives us the power to do that when we let Him lead us. Life in the Spirit bears powerful and positive fruit in a Christian’s life.

Verse 22-26 shows us what a follower of Christ reflects through their character. Those verses say, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” We can look at people who claim to be Christian and see if their character shows these traits.

Here is a important note in all this, you CANNOT be a true Christian if you do not have the Holy Spirit within you. As a follower of Christ, you allow the Holy Spirit to LEAD your life, thus you are a follower. So these characteristics show when the Holy Spirit LEADS your life. If someone does not show these characteristics, then they do not follow Christ. Is this statement biblical? Lets check it, Galatians 3:2 says, “I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard?” Or what about Romans 8:9 that says, “You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.” Or even Jude 1:19 that says, “These people create divisions and are worldly, not having the Spirit.”

In these passages we see a constant declaration that you choose to have faith that Jesus is the Christ and salvation then you are gifted the Holy Spirit to guide you in every day life. Following Christ and letting the Holy Spirit LEAD will bring the good fruits and characteristics we see in Galatians 5.

So how do we do this walk? What does this look like?
Outside of everything we have discussed above, a good place to start is Ephesians 4:1-7 which says, “Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit (just as you were called to one hope at your calling) one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”  Paul urges his readers to live according to the calling they have received as believers (Ephesians 4:1). This includes humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:2). Unity and peace were essential (Ephesians 4:3), with Paul noting the importance of one Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God, and Father of all (Ephesians 4:5–6). Grace is given to each as Christ desires (Ephesians 4:7).

Later in Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Paul quickly rattles off six areas of sin which Christians should make a conscious effort to avoid. Lets break these two verses down.

In verse 31 we see the things we are told to put away. First is bitterness, a defect in our attitude which can cause trouble with other people (Acts 8:23; Romans 3:14; Hebrews 12:15). Bitterness is closely related to jealousy (Romans 13:13), and to dissatisfaction (1 Timothy 6:6).

Paul’s second flaw to be “put away” is wrath. The Greek term here is thymos, which implies something hot, fierce, and passionate. This could fairly be described as “rage.” Anger which boils over to the point that it controls us, causing us to act wildly or carelessly, is not righteous anger, it is “wrath.”

Third, Paul notes anger. Paul has recently made it clear that not all anger is a sin (Ephesians 4:26). And yet, anger is mentioned here as something to be “put away.” While there is such a thing as “righteous anger,” that kind of feeling is temporary, based on a specific situation, and rooted in a sense of righteousness. Jesus’ clearing of the temple is the classic example (John 2:13–17). Paul’s reference here is to the more worldly type of anger, which results from frustrations in life. This is the “persistent” anger which becomes a habit. Irritations and annoyances cannot always be avoided, but we can work to limit how much anger we express in our lives.

Fourth, Paul lists clamor, using the Greek word kraugē. This term implies noise, commotion, and uproar (Acts 23:9). Believers are not to be known as obnoxious, riotous, troublemaking, annoying people. This word is also translated as “quarreling,” with Paul emphasizing that believers are to “put away” an argumentative attitude.

Fifth, Paul speaks against slander, which involves speaking false evils about others. The concept of slander doesn’t only include lies, however. Any attempt to put others down, in an inappropriate way, is still “slander.”

Sixth, Paul adds malice. In this case, he uses the word kakia, which implies evil intent. The word carries the idea of deliberate harm, or an intent to injure. This is the attitude which actively hopes to see others suffer consequences, harms, or troubles. Malice is the attitude which leads to revenge (Proverbs 20:22; Romans 12:19). Believers are not to be known for evil, but are to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

In verse 32, Paul offers three brief commands. First, he explicitly tells his readers to exhibit kindness. The focus is not merely on generic helpfulness. Paul is specifically thinking of compassion for other believers in the congregation.

Second, Paul uses the Greek word eusplanchnoi, which means to be “tenderhearted,” or “compassionate.” It is sometimes taken to mean “strong-hearted,” as well. Paul’s use of it here focuses on the idea of showing sympathy. Believers are not to be known for a harsh attitude, but rather for compassion. The account of the Good Samaritan offers Christ’s picture of living with compassion toward others (Luke 10:25–37).

Third, Paul commands readers to forgive one another. This instruction comes with an explanation, referring to the forgiveness believers have received from Christ (Matthew 18:21–35). Forgiveness is a unique characteristic of the Christian faith. Scripture often includes reminders of God’s forgiveness toward us. For example, Matthew 6:12, part of the “Lord’s Prayer,” asks God to “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 26:28 reminds us that the blood of Jesus was specifically “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

As we come to a close, I want to share this passage. John 15:12 Jesus says, “”This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you.” The context here is John 15:12-17 which builds on Christ’s explanation of the vine and branches. Once again, Jesus commands His followers to demonstrate love toward each other. This is phrased, in no uncertain terms, as an obligation given directly by Christ. Jesus once again ties willingness to obey to the legitimacy of one’s love for Him. This contrasts with the hatred shown by the unbelieving world, which He discusses in the following passage.

In prior verses, Jesus used the analogy of a vine and branches to explain how behavior signifies a relationship with Him (John 15:1–11). In that discussion, Jesus reiterated that obedience to His teachings is an expected sign of those who truly believe (John 14:15). Among the more crucial commands given by Jesus is the requirement for believers to love one another (John 13:34). This instruction is echoed here.

It’s tempting to read this edict from Jesus Christ with discouragement. Christ was sinless and perfect (Hebrews 4:15), so when He commands us to love each other the way He loved us, it’s challenging. Worse, it can seem impossible: as fallible people, we don’t always feel happy thoughts about others, even fellow Christians. The thought that we’re obligated to feel perfect, joyful affection towards others is daunting. The prospect of martyrdom can be terrifying (John 15:13). However, that is not what Christ means in this statement.

Of course, His life and conduct are a born-again believer’s goal (John 13:15). So far as we can, we want to respond to other people in a Christlike way. But Jesus is not telling believers “feel about other people the way I do.” Nor is He demanding we be sinlessly, infallibly perfect. Rather, our love needs to echo the character of Christ’s love. This involves two main ideas.

First, we should realize the “love” Jesus speaks of is practical, not emotional. We don’t need to “feel warm thoughts” for others, but we do need to act lovingly towards them, even when they’re hostile to us (Romans 12:17–21; Matthew 5:43–48). When this evening of discussion and teaching began, Jesus initiated it with an act of love: washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:3–5). Affection will sometimes grow as we serve others. But, even when it doesn’t, the command to “love” remains.

Second, we are meant to echo the nature of Christ’s love. This means humility (John 13:6), sacrifice (John 15:13), and service (John 13:35). Our approach to others, especially between fellow Christians (1 John 4:20–21), should be characterized by those traits. The idea of laying down one’s life, stated in the next verse, means something more constant than a single act.

I hope this article helps lead you to live a more Christ-like lifestyle and the correct way to interact with others around you. Use this to determine if those you follow, look up to, or use for counsel fall within the characteristics of Christ.