INTRODUCTION:

       A.  We tend to place much emphasis on living the Christian life without
             realizing sometimes just what it is we are stressing.

       B.  What does it mean to live the Christian life?

            1.  We know it is living "Christ like."

            2.  We know it is wearing the name of Christ.

            3.  We know that it is a mixture of many different things.

       C.  What answer would you give if someone ask, "What is the Christian life?"

       D.  In this lesson, let's look at three basic points that define for us what the
             Christian life is.        

   I.  IT IS A CHANGED LIFE - Verse 9.

       A.  "...ye turned from idols..."

             1.  REPENTANCE is fundamental to Christianity.

                  a.  Acts 2:37-38.

                  b.  Acts 17:30.

                  c.  Acts 3:19.

                  d.  Matthew 18:2-3.

            2.  Repentance is taking off the old man, putting on the new.

                  a.  Ephesians 4:22-24.

                  b.  Colossians 3:8-14.
 
       B.  We have idols today.

            1.  Money - Colossians 3:5.

            2.  Pleasure - (worldliness).

            3.  Whatever you put ahead of God.

       C.  The Christian life involves CONTINUOUS repentance.

  II.  IT IS A SERVING LIFE - Verse 9.

       A.  "...to serve a living and true God..."

       B.  Service is explained - 1:2-8.

            1.  Work of faith - v. 3.

            2.  Labor of love - v. 3.

            3.  Patience of hope - v. 3.

            4.  Imitators of us (apostles) - v. 6.

            5.  Became an example to them that believe - v. 7.

       C.  Service must be proven by evidence.

       D.  The duty of a servant is to serve rather than just to refrain from doing evil.

            1.  Many have a "don't do" religion.

            2.  The question is, "What do we do?"

       E.  Greatness is shown by service in God's kingdom.

            1.  Matthew 20:20-28.

 III.  IT IS A WAITING LIFE - Verse 10.

       A.  "...and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead,
             even Jesus..."

       B.  Jesus is coming again!!!

            1.  Hebrews 9:27-28.

            2.  Titus 2:11-14.

       C.  A true Christian life is looking forward to the second coming of Jesus.

            1.  I Corinthians 16:22 - "MARANATHA" - (O Lord Come).

       D.  The Christian should live, always watching for the coming of the Lord.

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  What is the Christian life?

            1.  One of repentance.

            2.  One of service.

            3.  One of waiting and preparation.

       B.  Is your life the "True Christian Life?"