Embracing Our Christian Identity: Lessons from Antioch

Summary

### Summary

In Acts chapter 11, we delve into the early Christian church's development and the significance of embracing our Christian identity. The chapter highlights the spread of the gospel beyond Jewish communities, particularly focusing on the city of Antioch, which became a central hub for Christianity. Barnabas was sent to Antioch, where he witnessed the grace of God and encouraged the believers to remain steadfast in their faith. He then sought Saul (Paul) to help with the growing number of converts, emphasizing the importance of teaching and discipleship within the church.

The term "Christian" was first used in Antioch to describe the followers of Christ, signifying their Christ-like behavior and dedication to spreading the gospel. This identity was not just a label but a reflection of their actions, attitudes, and commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. The sermon also touched on how societal expectations and cultural norms have historically shaped identities, using examples of teachers and gentlemen from the past to illustrate how identity is often defined by behavior and societal roles.

The early Christians' identity was marked by their inclusiveness, obedience to God's call, and their generous giving, even in times of need. This generosity was a testament to their faith and commitment to supporting their fellow believers. The sermon concluded with a call to self-reflection, urging believers to assess whether their actions and words align with their Christian identity and to ensure that their faith is evident to those around them.

### Key Takeaways

1. Embracing Christian Identity: Our identity as Christians should be evident in our actions and attitudes. Just as the early believers in Antioch were first called Christians because they were like Christ, we too should strive to reflect Jesus in our daily lives. This means being intentional about our behavior and ensuring that our faith is visible to others. [06:24]

2. Inclusiveness of the Gospel: The gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background, race, or previous beliefs. The early church's acceptance of Gentiles into the faith, as seen in Acts 11, underscores the inclusive nature of Christianity. We are called to share the gospel with all people, breaking down barriers and extending God's love to everyone. [20:38]

3. Obedience and Discipleship: Barnabas and Saul's dedication to teaching and discipling new believers highlights the importance of obedience to God's call and the need for continuous spiritual growth. As Christians, we should seek to learn and grow in our faith, helping others to do the same through discipleship and teaching. [26:00]

4. Generosity as a Mark of Faith: The early Christians' willingness to give generously, even in times of scarcity, is a powerful demonstration of their faith and commitment to supporting one another. Our giving should be a reflection of our love for God and our desire to help others, showing that we trust God to provide for our needs. [32:10]

5. Living Out Our Faith: Our Christian identity should be evident in how we live our lives. This includes being kind, encouraging, and Christ-like in our interactions with others. If our actions and words reflect Jesus, people will recognize us as Christians. It's essential to assess whether our lives truly reflect our faith and to strive to be more like Jesus each day. [37:48]

### Youtube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - The Mask and Identity
[02:19] - Reading from Acts 11
[03:14] - Barnabas Sent to Antioch
[04:02] - Assembling with the Church
[05:16] - Purpose of Gathering
[06:24] - First Called Christians
[07:28] - Embracing Christian Identity
[08:29] - Historical Identity Examples
[12:18] - Gentlemanly Conduct
[15:27] - Cultural Impact on Identity
[18:05] - Foundation of Christian Identity
[20:38] - Inclusiveness of the Gospel
[23:22] - Obedience to God's Call
[24:59] - Witness of Christian Identity
[26:00] - Barnabas and Saul's Ministry
[29:36] - Name of Our Christian Identity
[32:10] - Generosity and Giving
[37:48] - Living Out Our Faith
[40:10] - Reflecting on Our Identity
[42:11] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Acts 11:22-26 (NIV)
> "News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Barnabas' reaction when he saw the grace of God at work in Antioch? ([03:14])
2. Why did Barnabas go to Tarsus to look for Saul, and what did they do together in Antioch? ([04:02])
3. What significant term was first used in Antioch to describe the followers of Christ, and what does it signify? ([06:24])
4. How did the early Christians in Antioch demonstrate their faith through their actions? ([32:10])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for our Christian identity to be evident in our actions and attitudes, as seen in the early church in Antioch? ([06:24])
2. How does the inclusiveness of the gospel, as demonstrated by the early church's acceptance of Gentiles, challenge our current approach to sharing the gospel? ([20:38])
3. In what ways did Barnabas and Saul's dedication to teaching and discipling new believers highlight the importance of obedience to God's call? ([26:00])
4. How does the generosity of the early Christians, even in times of scarcity, serve as a model for our own giving and support of fellow believers? ([32:10])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily actions and attitudes. How can you ensure that your Christian identity is evident to those around you? ([06:24])
2. Think about the diversity in your community. How can you actively break down barriers and extend God's love to everyone, regardless of their background? ([20:38])
3. Are there areas in your life where you feel God is calling you to be more obedient or to grow spiritually? How can you take steps towards this growth? ([26:00])
4. Consider your current level of generosity. How can you demonstrate your faith through giving, even when resources are limited? ([32:10])
5. Reflect on your interactions with others. Are there specific ways you can be more kind, encouraging, and Christ-like in your daily life? ([37:48])
6. Identify one person in your life who may not know Christ. How can you share the gospel with them in a loving and inclusive manner? ([20:38])
7. Assess your involvement in your church community. Are there ways you can contribute more, whether through teaching, discipling, or other forms of service? ([26:00])

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting Christ in Our Actions
Our identity as Christians should be evident in our actions and attitudes. Just as the early believers in Antioch were first called Christians because they were like Christ, we too should strive to reflect Jesus in our daily lives. This means being intentional about our behavior and ensuring that our faith is visible to others. [06:24]

In Acts 11, we see the early Christians in Antioch being recognized for their Christ-like behavior. This recognition was not just about a label but a reflection of their actions, attitudes, and commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. Their identity as Christians was evident in how they conducted themselves, how they treated others, and how they lived out their faith daily. This serves as a powerful reminder for us today to ensure that our actions and attitudes reflect our Christian identity.

As believers, we are called to be the light of the world, showing the love and grace of Jesus through our actions. This involves being kind, compassionate, and loving towards others, even when it is difficult. It means living with integrity, honesty, and humility, and being a positive influence in our communities. By doing so, we can make a significant impact on those around us and draw others to Christ through our example.

1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you could have better reflected Christ's love. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future to ensure your actions align with your Christian identity?

Day 2: The Inclusive Nature of the Gospel
The gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background, race, or previous beliefs. The early church's acceptance of Gentiles into the faith, as seen in Acts 11, underscores the inclusive nature of Christianity. We are called to share the gospel with all people, breaking down barriers and extending God's love to everyone. [20:38]

Acts 11 highlights the significant moment when the gospel began to spread beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles. This was a pivotal development in the early church, demonstrating that the message of Jesus is for all people, regardless of their background or previous beliefs. The acceptance of Gentiles into the faith was a powerful testament to the inclusive nature of Christianity and God's desire for all people to come to know Him.

As Christians, we are called to continue this mission of inclusivity by sharing the gospel with everyone we encounter. This means breaking down barriers of race, culture, and social status, and extending God's love to all people. It involves being open and welcoming to those who are different from us and showing them the same grace and acceptance that we have received from God. By doing so, we can help to create a more inclusive and loving community that reflects the heart of God.

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel excluded or marginalized. How can you reach out to them and show them the inclusive love of Christ today?

Day 3: Obedience and Discipleship
Barnabas and Saul's dedication to teaching and discipling new believers highlights the importance of obedience to God's call and the need for continuous spiritual growth. As Christians, we should seek to learn and grow in our faith, helping others to do the same through discipleship and teaching. [26:00]

In Acts 11, we see Barnabas and Saul (Paul) dedicating themselves to teaching and discipling the new believers in Antioch. Their commitment to this task underscores the importance of obedience to God's call and the need for continuous spiritual growth. Discipleship is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, as it involves helping others to grow in their relationship with God and to live out their faith in practical ways.

As Christians, we are called to be both disciples and disciplers. This means that we should be continually seeking to grow in our own faith through prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship with other believers. At the same time, we should be looking for opportunities to help others grow in their faith, whether through teaching, mentoring, or simply being a positive example. By doing so, we can help to build a strong and vibrant community of believers who are committed to following Jesus.

Colossians 1:28 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life whom you can mentor or disciple. What steps can you take this week to begin or deepen this relationship?

Day 4: Generosity as a Mark of Faith
The early Christians' willingness to give generously, even in times of scarcity, is a powerful demonstration of their faith and commitment to supporting one another. Our giving should be a reflection of our love for God and our desire to help others, showing that we trust God to provide for our needs. [32:10]

Acts 11 describes how the early Christians in Antioch demonstrated their faith through their generosity. Even in times of need, they were willing to give generously to support their fellow believers. This generosity was a powerful testament to their faith and their commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. It showed that they trusted God to provide for their needs and that they were willing to sacrifice for the sake of others.

As Christians, we are called to be generous in our giving, whether it is our time, resources, or talents. Our generosity should be a reflection of our love for God and our desire to help others. It involves being willing to give sacrificially, even when it is difficult, and trusting that God will provide for our needs. By doing so, we can demonstrate our faith in a tangible way and make a significant impact on those around us.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Reflect on your current giving habits. Is there an area where you can be more generous? How can you trust God more in your giving?

Day 5: Living Out Our Faith
Our Christian identity should be evident in how we live our lives. This includes being kind, encouraging, and Christ-like in our interactions with others. If our actions and words reflect Jesus, people will recognize us as Christians. It's essential to assess whether our lives truly reflect our faith and to strive to be more like Jesus each day. [37:48]

The early Christians in Antioch were recognized as followers of Christ because their lives reflected His teachings. Their actions, words, and attitudes were a testament to their faith and their commitment to living out the gospel. This serves as a powerful reminder for us today to ensure that our lives reflect our Christian identity. It involves being intentional about our behavior and striving to be more like Jesus in everything we do.

Living out our faith means being kind, encouraging, and Christ-like in our interactions with others. It involves showing love and grace, even in difficult situations, and being a positive influence in our communities. By doing so, we can make a significant impact on those around us and draw others to Christ through our example. It is essential to regularly assess our lives and ensure that our actions and words align with our faith.

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: Think about your daily interactions. Are there specific areas where you can better reflect Christ's love and grace? How can you make a conscious effort to live out your faith more authentically?

Quotes

1. "When we leave church, every time we leave church, we ought to leave church having learned something. Having learned something. And to learn something, we have to go to church with a prayer in our heart and asking God, Lord, let me hear something that I didn't know when I came in today. Lord, let me hear something that I didn't know when I came in today. Lord, stir my heart." [05:16] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Identity shapes who we are, describes who we are. Identity is who we are. And in Acts chapter 11, the early Christians began to be called Christians as an identifier. Christians, because they were noted to be like Jesus. And it signified a very close association. And with Him, going to church is a great thing, but being associated with Christ is the ultimate goal. Today we'll explore what it means to embrace our Christian identity." [07:28] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "A person's identity is revealed in his attitudes and actions, the way he conducts his life. And culture has a great deal to do with our identity. And I think that's why there's a great big change in the way some people identify themselves today, for better or for worse. People tend to be influenced by society around them." [07:59] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "What we say and do becomes our identity. That's how people identify us. By what we say and what we do determines. And even the Bible says that what's in the well will come up in the bucket. Now, it doesn't say it in those words. That's my hillbilly slang for that. But out of the heart, the Bible says, are the issues of life. And so, whatever issues out of our life generally reflects what's in the heart." [17:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "When a church is on fire for God there ought to be people getting added to the Lord. There ought to be new people coming into the church. There ought to be people getting in the baptistry. There ought to be new people getting discipled. There ought to be people catching on fire for God and saying, man, I want to do something in the church. Let me help. If it ain't nothing but cutting the weeds in the flower bed, let me help. Let me stay in the nursery. Let me help a Sunday school teacher. Let me do something." [27:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "They were called Christians because they're talking about Jesus, and they're telling people about that gospel, that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins, that He rose again the third day to prove that He was God. And He is alive today, and He says, as whosoever will may come. And these people had a passion for sharing the gospel of Christ." [30:06] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Giving occupies a major part right here, several verses of attention getting giving. I mean they were not doing it to get attention. They were doing it because they loved the Lord. But giving, helps tell who we are. I'm a Christian. Therefore I give. I do not give in order to become a Christian. I give because I am a Christian. That's part of my identification. I and you who are Christians are givers because that's what Christians do. I say that's what Christians do." [33:19] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "They were called Christians because of the foundation they had of taking the gospel to whoever, everybody. A mark of a Christian was wanting and desiring a flaming desire to get the gospel out to others. And then they were Christ-like in their character. They acted like Jesus. You're, when you speak words of kindness, encouragement, you're acting like Jesus. When you're giving the gospel out, you're acting like Jesus." [37:11] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Following Jesus is identifying with Him. And this hymn says it so beautifully. Listen to this. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back. Though none go with me, still will I follow. The world behind me, the cross, before me, no turning back, no turning back. That's the Christian song of his heart. The one who identifies with Christ says, if nobody else goes with me, I'm still following Him." [38:58] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Do you have Jesus in your heart? Did you trust Him as your Savior instead of just kind of attaching yourself to the movement? There is no back door to heaven. There's one door. Jesus said, I am the door. No man cometh unto the Father but by me." [40:10] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?