Characteristics of True Christians

Robert Meredith

The church of Corinth was one with great problems.  There was division, an immoral member, the Saints were taking one another to court, disputes over matters of opinions, problems with the role of women, abuse of the Lord’s supper, quarrels over the different spiritual gifts and false teachings concerning the Resurrection.  The Apostle Paul wrote at least three epistles (two which have been preserved in the Bible) to the church there to help resolve the problems.  In 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Paul summed up what the Corinthian Christians needed to do so that they would be what they should.  These characteristics not only were applicable to those of the first century, but also apply to all Christians of the twenty-first century.  Paul wrote, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.  Let all your things be done with charity.”

  The first characteristic that Paul mentions is “watch ye.”  It is the duty of each Christian to be watchful.  All are to be on guard and give warning when there is a spiritual danger.  In the Old Testament God instructed Ezekiel to watch and sound an alarm when spiritual dangers drew near (Ezekiel 33:6-9).  Ezekiel was commanded to watch, Paul instructed the Christians of Corinth to watch, and we must watch.  Today dangers abound in and out of the church.  We must watch and warn concerning the dangers of evolution, abortion, gay-rights, liberalism, false teachings concerning marriage, divorce and remarriage, pseudo fellowship with denominations, improper view of the Scriptures and a host of other dangers.

  Another characteristic of a Christian is that he must “stand fast in the faith.”  In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul commanded these same Corinthians, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”  During the American Civil War, there was a confederate general nicknamed “Stonewall.”  General Jackson refused to retreat.  Christians should never retreat when facing error, but do as Paul exhorts, to “stand fast in the faith.”

  The third admonition is to “quit you like men.”  The word “quit” means act.  We are not to be spiritually immature.  Many of the problems which existed in the Corinthian congregation were caused by immaturity.  Their quarreling, boasting and lack of love all showed spiritual infancy.

  A fourth characteristic of a Christian is to “be strong.”  Religious strength comes by prayer and study of God’s Word.  Courage and unwavering loyalty to God’s Word manifests this strength.  When one is strong he will resist temptation, flee evil and attend all services of the church.

  The final characteristic Paul mentions is letting “all things be done with charity.”  The word “charity” means love.  Proper New Testament Christianity hinges on love.  God showed His tremendous love towards us in the giving of His Son.  As His adopted children, we are to manifest that same characteristic.  We are to love God, His church, His Word, fellow members and the lost.