This Is What It Means to Be a Christian | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes that being a Christian is not just about following a set of doctrines or attending church gatherings, but about having a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It's about recognizing Him as our treasure, our joy, and our satisfaction in life. The speaker encourages listeners to look beyond the external trappings of Christianity and focus on the person of Jesus, who is the source of true fulfillment and happiness.

Key Scripture References

• Psalms 90:14 - This verse highlights the idea that every morning we should wake up satisfied with God's love, which enables us to rejoice and be glad all our days. It emphasizes the importance of having a steady and unwavering trust in God's steadfast love.
• Psalms 17:13-15 - This passage contrasts the behavior of believers with that of unbelievers. The psalmist says, "Arise, oh Lord, confront him... deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword." He is saying that as believers, we should be focused on God and not on earthly treasures or relationships.
• Psalms 73:25 - This verse emphasizes the psalmist's trust in God, saying, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." It shows that true satisfaction and joy come from knowing and experiencing God's presence.
• Ephesians (contrast with Psalm 17) - This book of the Bible emphasizes the importance of living a life that is centered on Jesus Christ, rather than being focused on earthly treasures or relationships. It encourages believers to live a life that is pleasing to God and to seek His glory above all else.
• Psalms 73:25-26 - This passage emphasizes the psalmist's trust in God, saying, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." It shows that even in times of weakness or struggle, God remains our rock and our source of strength.
• Psalms 17:14 - This verse contrasts the behavior of believers with that of unbelievers, saying, "You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children." It highlights the difference between those who trust in God and those who put their hope in earthly treasures or relationships.

Key Takeaways

• We should not confuse Christianity with a set of doctrines or external practices, but rather focus on having a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the key to true fulfillment and happiness in life.
• As believers, we should be focused on God and not on earthly treasures or relationships. We should trust in His steadfast love and seek to know Him more deeply every day.
• True satisfaction and joy come from knowing and experiencing God's presence. When we have a deep relationship with Jesus, we can wake up every morning satisfied in the love of Christ and be glad all our days.
• We should not look forward to heaven just because we want to see loved ones again, but because we desire to be near Jesus and experience His presence. This is what it means to be a Christian – to have a heart that longs for God above all else.

This Week's Challenge

Take time this week to reflect on your relationship with Jesus Christ. Ask yourself: "Do I truly know and experience the love of Christ in my life?" "Am I satisfied in His love, or do I still seek fulfillment in earthly things?" This week, take two specific steps to deepen your relationship with Jesus:

* Set aside time each day to read Scripture and pray, seeking to know God's presence more deeply.

* Identify one area in your life where you are still seeking fulfillment in something other than Christ, and ask God to help you turn your eyes upon Him.

Reflection Questions

• What is the difference between being a Christian and just following a set of doctrines or attending church gatherings? How can I deepen my relationship with Jesus this week?
• How do I know if I am truly satisfied in God's love, or if I am still seeking fulfillment in earthly things? What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's steadfast love?
• What does it mean for me to look forward to heaven not just because of loved ones, but because of Jesus Himself? How can I cultivate a heart that longs for God above all else?