We need to be aware of those privileges so that we might use them to the fullest degree that God intended. They are ours through the grace of God and our growth depends a great deal upon our use of them. Many privileges will be noted under the other lessons in this series and because of that, we will limit our main discussion to three specific privileges.
THE PRIVILEGE OF WEARING THE NAME "CHRISTIAN"
There is a general lack of understanding of the term "Christian" in
our world today. It is not uncommon to hear the term applied to things
that are totally unrelated to it. Anything from a good deed performed
by a drunk to a warring political sect can be stamped with the name in
modern society's usage of it. However, when it is so used, it is
misapplied. The term "Christian" means "belonging to Christ."
We belong to Christ because He has purchased us with His precious blood
(1 Peter 1:18,19). The wearing of the name is at once a great honor
and a serious responsibility. It should be worn confidently, humbly,
and unashamedly.
Some Facts concerning the name are: it was promised (Isaiah 62:2; 65:15); and it was given (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Never is the name used in a hyphenated form. The New Testament says nothing of "kinds" of Christians. One was either a Christian or he was not a Christian. An explanation of what "kind" was not necessary.
THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVICE
Many examples could be cited of instances in which those who served
God did so without being aware of it. For instance, Joseph's brothers
served God by selling Joseph into slavery (Genesis 45:5). Jeroboam
served God by leading the division in Israel (1 Kings 11 & 12).
Assyria served God by taking Israel into captivity (2 Kings 24:1-4).
They served God's purpose and, therefore, were God's servants. However,
their service was not one of willful obedience but instrumentality.
They were instruments in God's hands, not co-workers with Him.
Paul said, "For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9). Serving God as a co-worker is a privilege reserved for His children. Reconciliation gives us the opportunity and gratitude gives us the motivation for such service. We are on His side (Romans 6:18) and He is on our side (Romans 8:31). What greater privilege could we enjoy?
THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER
Christians are "children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians
3:26). As His children, we have the privilege of addressing Him as
our Father. He speaks to us through the Bible and we speak to Him
through prayer. The lines of communication must be open both ways.
If we really hear God as He speaks through the Bible, we will engage in
prayer as He instructs us to do.
Prayer must be in faith (James 1:6,7) and with a proper attitude toward
our fellow man (Matthew 6:15). It must be with the right motives
(James 4:3) and sincere (Matthew 6:5). It must be in humility (James
4:6) and in reverence (Matthew 6:9).
PRIVILEGES OR PRESUMPTIONS?
Man sometimes confuses privileges granted in Christ with presumptions
of his own making. Our privileges "in Christ" are granted by God's
grace for our good. Keep this in mind and utilize them to the fullest
degree!