Study following Psalm 139
What is the difference between a Christian By birth and a Practicing Christian?
The distinction between a “Christian by birth” and a “practicing Christian” can be understood through the following points:
Christian by Birth
- Cultural Identity: Often refers to individuals who identify as Christians because they were born into a Christian family or culture. Their Christian identity is typically tied to family traditions, cultural norms, and societal expectations rather than personal conviction.
- Limited Personal Commitment: They may not actively engage in or practice the tenets of Christianity. Their faith may not be reflected in their daily lives, beliefs, or choices.
- Rituals and Traditions: Participation in religious rituals (like baptism, confirmation, or holiday celebrations) may occur, but these are often performed more out of tradition than personal belief or understanding.
- Lack of Personal Relationship: There may be little to no personal relationship with God or understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Their faith may be more about heritage than personal faith.
Practicing Christian
- Personal Commitment: A practicing Christian actively chooses to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and is committed to living out their faith. This commitment is often accompanied by personal conviction and belief.
- Active Faith: They engage in regular practices such as prayer, reading the Bible, attending church, and participating in community service. Their faith influences their decisions, relationships, and lifestyle.
- Relationship with God: Practicing Christians typically strive to develop a personal relationship with God, understanding grace, forgiveness, and the importance of community in faith.
- Growth and Discipleship: They are often involved in spiritual growth activities, such as Bible studies, worship, and fellowship, and may seek to share their faith with others.
Summary
In essence, the main difference lies in the depth of personal faith and commitment to practicing the teachings of Christianity. A “Christian by birth” may identify with the religion culturally or socially, while a “practicing Christian” actively lives out their faith as an integral part of their life.
A Bible study on “What is a Practicing Christian?” explores what it means to live out the Christian faith in a real, practical way. This study focuses on how believers are called to not just profess faith but actively live it through obedience to God, service to others, and transformation by the Holy Spirit. Below is a guide for this Bible study, including key scriptures, themes, discussion questions, and practical applications.
1. Faith in Action: Living What You Believe
Scripture: James 2:14-17
- James 2:17 – “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Discussion Questions:
- According to James, what is the relationship between faith and action?
- Can someone claim to be a Christian without their life reflecting it? Why or why not?
- How does your faith impact the way you live on a daily basis?
Application: A practicing Christian doesn’t just claim to believe in Christ but shows that belief through their actions. This includes obedience to God’s commands and service to others.
2. Obeying God’s Commands
Scripture: John 14:15, 1 John 2:3-6
- John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.”
- 1 John 2:4 – “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”
Discussion Questions:
- What does Jesus say about the connection between love for Him and obedience?
- How can we grow in obedience to God’s Word as practicing Christians?
- Are there any areas of your life where you struggle with obedience? How can prayer and accountability help?
Application: A practicing Christian lives in obedience to God’s Word, not out of obligation but out of love for Jesus. Obedience is a key sign that someone is truly following Christ.
3. Transformation Through the Holy Spirit
Scripture: Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:22-25
- Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind?
- How does the Holy Spirit produce change in the life of a practicing Christian?
- How can we cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bear the fruit of the Spirit in our lives?
Application: A practicing Christian allows the Holy Spirit to transform their heart and mind, producing Christlike character. This transformation is visible in their attitudes, actions, and relationships.
4. Daily Relationship with Christ
Scripture: John 15:4-5, Philippians 3:10-11
- John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
- Philippians 3:10 – “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.”
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to “remain” in Christ, and how does this affect our daily lives?
- How can we cultivate a deeper, personal relationship with Christ?
- How does your relationship with Christ impact your decision-making, relationships, and work?
Application: A practicing Christian abides in Christ daily, seeking to know Him more deeply through prayer, Bible study, and surrender. They live in close relationship with Jesus, which shapes their actions and attitudes.
5. Serving Others in Love
Scripture: Mark 10:45, Galatians 5:13-14
- Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Galatians 5:13 – “Serve one another humbly in love.”
Discussion Questions:
- How does Jesus’ example of serving others challenge us as practicing Christians?
- In what ways can we serve others in love, both within the church and in the wider community?
- Why is serving others a key mark of a practicing Christian?
Application: A practicing Christian follows the example of Christ by serving others with humility and love. Service is an expression of faith, showing the love of Christ to the world.
6. Loving God and Loving People
Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40
- Matthew 22:37-39 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Discussion Questions:
- How do these two commandments summarize what it means to be a practicing Christian?
- What does loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind look like in everyday life?
- How can we better love our neighbors in practical ways?
Application: A practicing Christian prioritizes love—love for God and love for others. This love shapes every aspect of life, from worship to relationships to how we treat strangers.
7. Sharing the Gospel: Living Out the Great Commission
Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Peter 3:15
- Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
- 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
Discussion Questions:
- Why is sharing the gospel an essential part of being a practicing Christian?
- How can we live out the Great Commission in our daily lives?
- What holds us back from sharing our faith, and how can we overcome these challenges?
Application: A practicing Christian takes seriously the call to share the good news of Jesus with others. Whether through words or actions, they make Christ known to those around them.
8. Living a Life of Integrity
Scripture: Colossians 3:17, 1 Peter 2:12
- Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
- 1 Peter 2:12 – “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?
- How does living with integrity reflect our commitment to Christ as practicing Christians?
- How can we be mindful of our witness to others, especially in our workplaces or public lives?
Application: A practicing Christian lives with integrity, ensuring that every action, word, and decision reflects Christ. They are mindful that their life is a testimony of God’s goodness to the world.
9. Persevering in the Faith
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 3:12-14
- Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
- Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Discussion Questions:
- Why is perseverance important in the life of a practicing Christian?
- How can we stay focused on Christ, especially in difficult or challenging seasons of life?
- What are some practical ways to encourage perseverance in your faith journey?
Application: A practicing Christian perseveres through trials, disappointments, and struggles by keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus. They endure in faith, knowing that Christ is the ultimate prize.
Closing Prayer:
End the session with a prayer, asking God to help each participant grow in living out their faith practically and to embody the qualities of a practicing Christian in every area of life.
Conclusion:
A practicing Christian is someone who actively lives out their faith in every aspect of life—through obedience, service, transformation by the Spirit, and love for others. This Bible study aims to deepen that understanding and inspire believers to live out their faith with intention and commitment.
Would you like to focus on a particular aspect of this study, or need additional materials or discussion prompts for your group?