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Title: They Were Called Christians
Text: Acts 11:26

Every single day of my life I am listening to, studying for, or participating in work around the church of Jesus Christ. I hear all kinds of preaching, music, and even voices that understand the business and marketing side of church life.

One idea rises up again and again. It’s a challenge we often hear: “Just be a Christian.”
Be Christ at the store. Be Christ at the game. Be Christ at school. Be Christ on the job.

But have we ever stopped to define what that means? Do we really understand what it means to be a Christian?

If I asked 50 people what it means to be a Christian, I would likely get 50 different answers. Some would say being vocal. Some would say being peaceful. Some would say keeping the rules. Others might say “everything goes because of grace.” Some argue it has changed with time, others that it has not.

But what does the Bible say?

In our text, Acts 11:26, the first New Testament believers assembled for a year, teaching and being taught. The people around them gave them the label Christians. That word means “little Christ”—imitators of Christ.

Labeling ourselves a Christian is important. But what the lost world sees and calls us is even more important.

Paul gave Timothy some helpful descriptions of what it means to truly be a Christian:

1. Christians Are Sons and Daughters (2 Timothy 2:1)

We might assume Christianity by affiliation or family religion—“I’m Baptist, so I’m a Christian.” But the Bible is clear: to be a true Christian, we must be part of the family of God by the new birth.

  • A son or daughter is born again (John 3:7).

  • A son or daughter may receive chastisement (Hebrews 12:6).

  • A son or daughter is an heir to what belongs to the Father (Romans 8:17).

Christians are children of the Most High.

2. Christians Are Soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3)

Everyone enjoys being in God’s family, but we must also remember—we are in God’s army.

  • We are commanded to fight the good fight of faith.

  • We are on a battleground, not a playground.

  • We must dress for battle and get in the fight (Ephesians 6:10–18).

3. Christians Are Competitors (2 Timothy 2:5)

Too many of us compete against one another, against other churches, or even against the way things used to be. But Paul is clear—our competition is not with each other but against Satan.

We strive for crowns and rewards by running lawfully and righteously (1 Corinthians 9:24–27).

4. Christians Are Husbandmen (2 Timothy 2:6)

The word husbandman means a farmer, cultivator, or vinedresser. Christians are pictured as hard workers in the field—planting, watering, and cultivating to bring forth fruit (1 Corinthians 3:6–9).

Too often, we enjoy eating at the table but neglect working in the field. I’m reminded of an old missions song: “My house is full, but my field is empty.”

5. Christians Are Spiritual Workmen (2 Timothy 2:15)

While the husbandman labors physically, this workman labors spiritually.

  • He studies the Word.

  • He rightly divides truth.

  • He seeks God’s approval through obedience.

Can we really assume the name Christian if we do not read, study, and use the Book of Christ?

6. Christians Are Vessels (2 Timothy 2:20–21)

A vessel holds, carries, and pours. People expect vessels to be clean and not cross-contaminated.

Too many Christians try to be vessels for both God and the world. But the world doesn’t need a contaminated vessel—it needs clean, Spirit-filled Christians who are willing to be poured out so others can taste and see that the Lord is good(Psalm 34:8).

7. Christians Are Servants (2 Timothy 2:24)

A servant is available for whatever the Master needs. A servant is obedient, humble, and faithful. True Christians live to serve—first God, then others.

Conclusion

Paul gave Timothy seven pictures of what it means to be a Christian:

  • Sons and Daughters

  • Soldiers

  • Competitors

  • Husbandmen

  • Spiritual Workmen

  • Vessels

  • Servants

So, in light of these truths, let’s ask ourselves:

  • Can we honestly describe ourselves as Christians?

  • Where can we improve?

  • How can we better represent the name of Christ?

May the world see us and, like those early believers in Antioch, be able to say: “They were called Christians.”