INGREDIENTS OF A GREAT CHRISTIAN

II TM. 4:6-8

Pastor Rick Jackson

Great people are not born - they are made. Through circumstances sometimes, by God’s grace always. By having convictions and holding to them some people stand out from the crowd. Paul was such a man. We certainly need more people like Paul. The question is- what would it take to make us, any of us, into a great Christian like Paul?
Of course in talking about what makes one a great Christian it must first be that one is a Christian. That is accomplished by trusting the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone for salvation based on His death, burial, & resurrection [3:15]
What are the ingredients of a great Christian?

I. A SACRIFICAL ATTITUDE [v. 6, 1 Corinthians 15:31 …, I die daily. ]

Here is a matter Paul had settled long ago [Phil. 1:20-24] Here is a matter Jesus taught in John 12:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

II. A FIGHTING SPIRIT [v. 7a]

Jude wrote, “it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” [v. 3]
“It’s a battlefield brother not a recreation room…”
175 years ago less than 200 men fought off over 4000 men to give Sam Houston time to organize- they fought a good fight. [Eph. 6:10-13]

III. A NEVER QUIT CONSTITUTION [v. 7b] “finished my course”

No detours. Not disqualified- following the Lord’s rules staying in the boundaries- 2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

IV. A DEDICATION TO RIGHTEOUSNESS [v. 7c] “kept the faith”

Paul Started by faith- Eph. 2:8-9. Lived by faith- Gal. 3:11-12 - and though he may have failed he confessed it and moved on - FIDO= Forsake It & Drive On!. Paul could die by faith- 2:12.

V. AN EYE FOR JESUS [v. 8] His Coming, His Life. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We all, if Jesus tarries His coming, are going to die someday. Let us use the time we have to serve the Lord. Someone says, “I will do that at 40” What if you die at 39? Paul died old but Stephen died young. Are you ready.