Lesson 1: Understanding the Christian Identity and Spiritual Disciplines

Learning Objectives and the Definition of a Christian

This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Christian identity and the practical steps involved in spiritual development. By the end of this study, students should be able to explain the meaning of being a Christian, describe how an individual becomes one, and differentiate between biblical Christianity and societal misconceptions. Additionally, the lesson covers the primary biblical identities of a Christian, the various spiritual disciplines available to new believers, and the essential importance of these disciplines for long-term spiritual growth.

Misconceptions versus Biblical Reality

The term "Christian" is frequently used erroneously in modern society. It is not defined by being born to church-going parents, being baptized as an infant, or simply identifying oneself with a local church congregation. Furthermore, attending church regularly, engaging in ecclesiastical activities, or attempting to perform good works as prescribed by the Bible does not inherently make an individual a Christian.

Biblically, the term was first used in Acts 11:26, which states that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch because they had assembled with the church for a whole year and taught many people. The onlookers observed "Christ-like" character in these disciples. The name originates from the Greek word "Christianos," which is used three times in the New Testament—specifically in Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16. Definitionally, a Christian is a follower of Christ who exhibits His character.

The Theology of Being "Born Again"

A central tenet of the Christian identity is the concept of being "born again," a term clarified through the dialogue between Jesus Christ and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, in John 3. Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, acknowledging Him as a teacher from God due to the signs He performed. Jesus responded in John 3:3, stating that unless one is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus struggled with the literal interpretation of this statement, asking in John 3:4 how an old man could enter his mother’s womb a second time. This conversation highlights that the "new birth" is not a physical process but a spiritual transformation. True followers of Christ are described as those who have undergone this spiritual rebirth, which is different from being born of blood, the will of the flesh, or the will of man, but is instead a birth of God as described in John 1:12-13.

The Process of Becoming a Christian

The transition into Christianity is marked by specific steps grounded in faith and biblical teaching. According to John 3:16, God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. To become a Christian, one must first hear the good news of salvation, which is obtained by faith in Christ.

The practical steps involve: (1) Accept that you are a sinner and unable to save yourself from your own sinfulness. (2) Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died on the cross, shedding His blood for the forgiveness of your sins. (3) Repent of your sins and confess your faith in Christ. (4) Pray and ask Jesus to come and live in your heart through the Holy Spirit. When these steps are handled with sincerity and faith, an individual is considered born again into the body of Christ as a child of God.

Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines

Once an individual becomes a Christian, they must develop their spiritual life through spiritual disciplines. These are intentional practices or habits designed to deepen a person's relationship with God and enhance spiritual growth. These disciplines are based on the belief that growth requires effort and a willingness to engage in practices that draw a person closer to God.

The ultimate goal of these disciplines is for the follower to abide in Christ and be conformed to His image. This aligns with Romans 8:29, which explains that those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. To remain a "good Christian," one must regularly practice disciplines such as Bible reading, meditation on scripture, prayer, fasting, attending church fellowship, and partaking in Holy Communion. These activities help align a believer's thoughts, actions, and attitudes with those of Christ.

Bible Reading and Study: The Spiritual Guidebook

The Bible serves as a spiritual guidebook for Christians. Regular reading helps individuals grow in faith and understand the nature of God, His ways, and His historical and present dealings with humanity. Through the scriptures, a believer learns what God has said regarding every aspect of life, including personal conduct, marriage, career, relationships, and business.

Bible study reveals what is pleasing to God and what He dislikes, acting as a primary medium for God to reveal Himself to the believer. It guides individuals in finding meaning and purpose while promoting continuous spiritual maturation. Knowing the Word of God is essential for any born-again Christian who wishes to navigate their earthly engagement according to divine principles.

The Practice of Biblical Meditation

Biblical meditation involves more than just reading; it is the act of pondering the words of Scripture with a receptive heart while trusting the Holy Spirit for insight. To meditate effectively, a believer should ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and revelation, as requested in Ephesians 1:17. Meditation requires thinking through and soberly reflecting on what has been read; without this reflection, the major blessings of the Word of God may be lost.

Effective meditation includes reading passages slowly and stopping at any verse that is particularly impactful. Because the Word of God is powerful, even a single word can be life-changing. Each session of "quiet time" should be a search for that transformative word. Furthermore, the believer must think about how the scripture applies to life in their specific generation and decide on practical ways to implement the lessons learned to ensure they benefit from the study.

Prayer: Communication and Intimacy with God

Prayer is defined as communication and a unique channel of dialogue between the believer and God. It is through investing time in this relationship that intimacy is cultivated. Several biblical foundations support the practice of prayer: it is a direct command from God (Luke 18:1), it builds up the believer's faith (Jude 1:20), and it assists in overcoming temptations (Matthew 26:41). Prayer is fundamentally an act of faith that demonstrates and releases faith in the life of the believer, as noted in Hebrews 6:12.

Categorization of Christian Prayer

Christian prayer can be divided into several distinct types, each serving a different purpose in the believer's relationship with God. (1) Blessing and Adoration (Worship): These prayers exalt God’s greatness and acknowledge human dependence on Him (Psalm 148:13). (2) Petition: This is the most common form of prayer, where individuals ask God for specific spiritual, physical, emotional, or social needs (Psalm 139:23-24). (3) Intercession: These prayers focus on the needs of others rather than the self (Colossians 1:9-12). (4) Thanksgiving: This involves a habit of thanking God throughout the day for both good and difficult circumstances (1 Chronicles 16:34-35; Psalm 9:1). (5) Praise: These prayers acknowledge God specifically for His nature and who He is. (6) Confession: This involves acknowledging sins and asking for forgiveness, based on the promise that God forgives those who confess (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9-10).

Fasting: The Discipline of Self-Denial

While often associated solely with abstaining from food, biblical fasting is rooted in the principle of self-denial taught by Jesus in Matthew 16:24-26. He instructed that anyone who desires to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. Biblical fasting is a lifestyle of self-denial regarding things that promote the "flesh," intended to allow the believer to focus on prayer and spiritual development.

True fasting is about humbling oneself before God. This is evidenced by Jesus’ time in the wilderness, which was less about the food itself and more about removing Himself from distractions to focus on fellowship with God. Apostle Paul taught that those who sow to the flesh reap corruption, while those who sow to the Spirit reap everlasting life; fasting serves as a primary tool to stop sowing to the flesh.

Practical Benefits and Scriptural Examples of Fasting

Fasting offers several spiritual benefits, including bringing the soul (emotions, thoughts, and desires) under control. According to Psalm 35:13 and Isaiah 58:3, 5, fasting humbles and afflicts the soul, allowing the believer to operate in the Spirit. It also serves as a tool for repentance and getting right with God, as seen in Joel 2:12-13.

Scriptural history provides examples of the power of fasting: (1) Even the wicked King Ahab received mercy when he humbled himself and fasted (1 Kings 21:27-29). (2) The city of Nineveh was spared from destruction when the people fasted and turned from their evil ways (Jonah 3:4-10). (3) Fasting provides liberation from spiritual bondages that prayer alone might not dispel, as indicated in Mark 9:29.

Conclusion: Eternal Life and Continuous Growth

In summary, every person has the opportunity to become a Christian and live eternally with God. However, it is vital to ensure that one’s status as a Christian is based on the biblical prescription of accepting Jesus, rather than personal opinion or cultural tradition. Becoming born again is only the starting point of the journey. To become a "great Christian," one must continuously grow in their understanding of God’s ways by regularly engaging in spiritual disciplines, remaining mindful that eternity awaits those who yield their lives to Jesus while on earth.