Who Are Saints

Introduction: Scripture Reading- Ephesians 4:11-16

Examples of what the world/religious world calls a ‘saint’
1. Webster definition:

saint
1 of 2 noun ˈsānt before a name (ˌ)sānt, or sənt
Synonyms of saint
1: one officially recognized especially through canonization as preeminent for holiness —abbreviation St.
2a: one of the spirits of the departed in heaven
b: ANGEL sense 1a
3a: one of God's chosen and usually Christian people
b. capitalized : a member of any of various Christian bodies
specifically : LATTER-DAY SAINT
4: one eminent for piety or virtue
5: an illustrious predecessor
Example Sentences:
1. He was declared a saint in the fifth century.
2. The salesperson was a saint for putting up with them.
3. Recent Examples on the Web:
4. Religion at its worst can be a tool to divide — the saints and the sinners.— Dave Schilling, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2023

Explanation of the importance of understanding the concept of saints in the Christian faith.

Discussion:

I. Definition of Saints

A. Definition according to Strong’s Concordance: "Saint" comes from the Greek word "hagios" which means holy or set apart for God's service; sacred, physically pure and morally blameless.

a. Hebrew: Kodesh- consecrated, dedicated; Kawdoshe- sacred, God, an angel; Kawseed- properly kind, good, godly, merciful

B. A few Scriptural References: Psalm 16:3 (Heb. Kawdoshe), Romans 1:7 (Gk- Hageeos), Philippians 1:1, Revelation 5:8.

a. Note: Paul is writing to saints and saints are alive.

b. Saints is another way of saying Christians

i. Saints (61 times); Christians (1 time)

II. Characteristics of Saints

A. Holiness: Saints are called to live holy lives, separated from sin and dedicated to God's purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16 [Read]). Exo. 19:5-6, Lev. 11:44 [Read], Lev. 19:2, Lev. 20:7, Amos 3:3

B. Faithfulness: Saints demonstrate unwavering faith and commitment to God, even in the face of trials and challenges (Hebrews 11:1-40).

a. 2 Cor. 11:16-33 [Read] Paul suffered trials and was still faithful

C. Love: Saints exhibit genuine love (agape) for God and others, following the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 13:1-13). I Jn. 3:1-24 [Read]

D. Service: Saints are active participants in the work of ministry, serving others selflessly and sacrificially (Matthew 25:31-46).

a. Matt. 25:40, 45-46 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

III. The Role of Saints in the Church

A. Serving God and serving others: Saints serve as examples of faith and godliness for the world to see (Matt. 5:14-16).

B. Interceding in prayer: Saints are called to pray for one another and to intercede on behalf of the church and the world (1 Timothy 2:1-2). [Read]

a. We can pray for health, safety, wellbeing, etc.; repentance has to come from the one who has sinned and we don’t pray the first time we repent, because God doesn’t hear the one that is living in a live of servitude to sin.

C. Building up the body: All the saints contribute to the growth and edification of the church through their spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:15-16). [Read]

D. Unity of the saints: Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Eph. 4:1-6 [Read].

Conclusion:

A. Encouragement to strive for holiness and emulate the characteristics of saints as outlined in God’s Word.

B. Call to unity and fellowship within the body of Christ, recognizing our interconnectedness as saints.

C. Invitation