What Does My Life Say About Christ?

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. - Acts 4:13-22

    Several things in this paragraph need to be carefully observed. Each is a matter worthy of more detailed study than can be given here.

    1. Neither the gospel that Peter and John preached nor the miracle they performed could be denied.

    The evidence was undeniable (4:13-16). These men had honoured God. They faithfully confessed Christ, bearing witness to him before his enemies, and God honoured their faithfulness. Though they were now prisoners before the Sanhedrin, the Lord was with them. As he had promised, the Holy Spirit gave them the wisdom and the words they needed (Matt. 10:19). God always honours those who honour him (1 Sam. 2:30).

    2. When there is a conflict between the will of God and the laws of men, the believer must obey God, regardless of cost (4:17-20)

    In all things regarding civil life and government, believers are to be subject to the power and authority of civil rulers (Rom. 13:1-4). However, if we are required by law to do that which is in direct violation of the Word of God, we are bound to obey God.

    3. All who serve the cause of God in this world will be protected by God and the cause they serve will succeed (4:21-22)

    God will be glorified! In his wise and adorable providence God makes all things work together for the spiritual, eternal good of his elect and the glory of his own great name (Ps. 76: 10; Rom. 8:28; Rev. 4: 11). He always does what is best. At this time, it was best for Peter and John to be released. Later, it was best for them to be beaten and imprisoned. Still later, it was best for Peter to be brutally killed for the testimony of Christ.

    4. It was evident that they had been with Christ

    However, the thing that seems most significant in this paragraph is recorded in verse 13: 'Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.' Those men, who had no reverence for God, no regard for Christ, and no interest in the gospel, took notice of Peter and John as being men whose lives were manifestly under the influence and control of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their communion and conversation with Christ so influenced their lives, their speech and their conduct that even their enemies acknowledged them to be followers of Christ.

    Here is a question that ought to pierce every believer's heart: 'What does my life say about Christ? What does my behaviour say to the people among whom I work and live about the Christ I profess to trust, love and serve?' This much is certain: if a person truly knows Christ, if a person lives in communion with Jesus Christ by faith, Christ will be manifest in his or her life. Paul knew the Thessalonians were elect of God because Christ was manifest in them (1Thess. 1:3-10). Give thoughtful consideration to the following questions:

    1. What is a Christian?

    A Christian is a person who has been chosen by God in eternal election as an object of his love and grace (Eph. 1:4; 2 Thess. 2:13); a person who has been redeemed from the curse of the law by the blood of Christ which was shed for the satisfaction of divine justice for God's elect (Gal. 3:13; 1 Peter 3:18); one who has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel (1Peter 1:23;James 1:18), a person who by the irresistible influence of God the Holy Spirit freely acknowledges his or her sin and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, confessing him as Lord (Rom. 10:9-13; 1John 1:9). A Christian is a person in whom Christ dwells (Col. 1:27; 2 Peter 1:4).

    The new birth is nothing less than Christ coming into a sinner's heart, taking possession of him, ruling him and causing him to become a follower of himself (Matt. 12:29; Luke 14:26-27). Any thing less than this is not Christianity. A Christian, a true believer, is a man or a woman who desires and seeks the perfection of Christ's character in himself or herself (Phil. 3:10; Col. 3:1-3; Heb. 12:14). Perfect conformity to Christ cannot be attained in this life, but that fact does not hinder the pursuit of it. The believer longs to be like Christ, to walk in his steps, to follow his example (John 13:15). Here are four things that characterized our Saviour's life. These four things will, to one degree or another, characterize all who know and follow him:

    1. Unflinching boldness for the honour of God (Matt. 21:12-13);

    2. Gentleness and love (John 8:1-12; 1Cor. 13:1-8; Eph. 4:32-5:1);

    3. Self-abasing humility (Phil. 2:5-8);

    4. Righteousness (Luke 2:49-52; Eph. 4:17-32).

    Find a person whose life truly exemplifies these characteristics and you have found one who has evidently 'been with Jesus'. Those who bear the fruit of the Spirit are born of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Good works have nothing to do with salvation. We are saved by grace alone. But grace always produces good works (Eph. 2:8-10).

    2. When should believers strive to be like Christ?

    I hope this question appears to be redundant to you. Yet there are many who seem to think that Christianity is for Sundays and for church, but should not greatly interfere with a person's life. If your religion does not interfere with your life, your religion is a sham (2 Cor. 5:17). That person who knows Christ strives to be like him at all times, in all places, in all circumstances: in the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15-16); in the daily affairs of life (Matt. 5:14-16); in the home (Eph. 5:22-6:4); in heart and attitude (Ps. 139:23-24).

    3. Why should those who love Christ strive to be like him?

    The believer's life is not motivated by law, but by grace. God's people do not serve him for fear of punishment or in hope of reward. And they certainly do not do what they do to be seen of men (Matt. 6:1-18), but they do seek to imitate Christ in all things.

    Earnestly strive to be like Christ in all things for your own sake. Your happiness in this world greatly depends upon your obedience to Christ. Your spiritual health, in great measure, depends upon your willingness to follow your Saviour. Imitate Christ in all things for the gospel's sake (Titus 2:10). The gospel you profess to believe will gain or lose credibility in the eyes of men by the way you live. Strive to conform your life to Christ for Christ's sake. Loving gratitude demands it (2 Cor. 5:14). Child of God, never forget who you are and whose you are (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23).

    4. How can a person be like Christ?

    Many who admire the love and purity of Christ's life try to follow his example. But they are building without a foundation. The house they build will soon crumble around them. It will do you no good to mould your behaviour to the example of Christ until your heart is renewed by grace. 'Ye must be born again!' (John 3:7). Only Christ can make men and women to be like Christ. He does this by four mighty works of grace:

    1. Blood atonement (1 Peter 3:18);

    2. Imputed righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21);

    3. Regenerating, sanctifying grace (2 Peter 1:4);

    4. Resurrection glory (Phil. 3:21).