How Do You Follow Jesus

How to Follow Jesus – 13 Things to Consider

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How to Follow Jesus

Despite the fact that there is no one exact method for following Jesus, following Jesus is the key to having a whole Christian life. There are many publications available on how to follow Jesus, yet everyone’s perspective is different. How do you know whatever path to choose in following Jesus is the “correct” one? Here is what the Bible has to say about it.

1. Accept Jesus as Your Savior

The first thing you must do is acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior as well as your Lord and Savior. Jesus responds to him, saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) (See also John 14:6) You will be unable to save yourself unless you accept Christ as your Savior. It is a free gift made possible by the precious blood of Jesus shed on the cross in your place when He died for your sins. Jesus has a deep affection for you and desires to have a personal and eternal relationship with you.

Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and benefit from His calming presence, transforming power, discernment, and guidance.

It’s really that simple, believe it or not.

Request from God that He provide you with the wisdom, strength, and determination to live a complete Christian life.

2. Love God

It is necessary for you to acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior as your first step. I am the only route to the Father; no one else can come to him except through me, Jesus says in response. I am the only path to the Father, Jesus says in response. The Bible says in John 14:6 that You will be unable to save yourself until you accept Christ’s sacrifice. Because of Jesus’ precious blood shed on the cross for your sins, it is a free gift from God to you. Jesus has a deep affection for you and want to develop a lasting and intimate connection with you.

Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and benefit from His calming presence, transforming power, discernment, and knowledge.

It’s truly that simple, believe it or not! Then you must seek His will for your life on a consistent basis. Request from God that He provide you with the wisdom, strength, and resolve to live a full Christian life.

3. Love Others

‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ says Jesus in Mark 12:31. “The second is like this,” Jesus continues, “‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” When it comes to living a Christian life, the ability to love people is critical. Earlier in His ministry, Jesus told His disciples, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). The single most effective approach to symbolize Christianity is to love one’s neighbor as oneself.

4. Love Yourself

One aspect of the two commandments that Jesus teaches that I believe is often overlooked is the “love your neighbor as yourself.” As Jesus teaches in Mark 12:31, “you must love your neighbor as you love yourself.” I’m acquainted with far too many Christians who are unloving of themselves. They are notorious for placing themselves at the bottom of the to-do list. This was something I used to do as well. The next morning, I would make everyone the greatest breakfast possible, and I would eat the burned egg myself.

  1. In order to get the most affordable non-dairy yogurt for my children, I would budget for the most expensive brand for myself.
  2. Whenever it came time to get a haircut, I’d go to the cheapest location I could locate in order to conserve my resources.
  3. “Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” Jesus stated.
  4. Take a moment to absorb it.

5. Pray

Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily routines that we forget how powerful prayer can be. Prayer is one of the most essential things you can do as a Christian, and it should be done every day. Prayer provides an opportunity to spend quality time with God and come to a deeper understanding of Him. In this season, express your love for Him, confess your faults, beg for forgiveness, express gratitude for your benefits, and ask Him for what you require as well as what others require.

6. Know the Bible

Between directly knowing God and simply knowing about Him, there is a significant difference. Hearing God’s Word is the first step in developing a personal connection with him. Please read the Bible if you have the opportunity to do so and learn more about Him. Take time to absorb the information if you want to get the most out of your time spent there. You’ll discover that the Bible, in the process of guiding, encouraging, and comforting you, teaches you about Christ’s purpose, methods, and journey.

Bible journaling is a unique technique to get a deeper understanding of the Bible.

If you create art that represents what you’re experiencing and learning, you can put your heart into it and pour your soul into it. You may also keep track of the little things that happen every day, such as how something you read made you feel better.

7. Bring God into All Aspects of Your Life

Make the decision to include God in all elements of your life from this day forward. Don’t only use him for Sunday services or before a meal to say a few words of prayer. When you’re walking, reading, Bible journaling, producing art, playing in the beach, driving, or doing anything else, you may be with God. Consider God to be the finest Father anyone could possibly hope to have. The kind of person that is interested in you and wants to spend time with you.

8. Trust in God

Make the decision to include God in all elements of your life from this point on. Don’t only use him for Sunday services or before a meal to say a few words in prayer. Walking, reading, Bible journaling, creating art, playing in the beach, driving, and many more activities allow you to be with God. Try to see God as the most loving and supportive father you could possibly ask for. Someone who genuinely cares about you and wants to spend time with you is desirable.

9. Be Thankful for all things

Regardless of what is going on in your life, learn to live graciously by seeking out opportunities to be appreciative. Perhaps you have recently lost your work and are experiencing financial difficulties. Perhaps you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one or been ill. Even in the midst of these extraordinarily tough circumstances, we all have a great deal to be grateful for. We can only genuinely follow Jesus if we live a life of appreciation, which is something we must learn to do.

10. Avoid Temptation

While it might be difficult to stay away from temptation and sin, if you desire to live a full Christian life, you must put up your best effort. We are all sinners, but it does not exclude us from making an effort to improve. Even if you do end up making a mistake, you should beg for God’s forgiveness and make an effort to do better the following time.

11. Rely on the Holy Spirit for Wisdom

Trusting in the Holy Spirit is the same as relying on Him. Throughout our lives, the Holy Spirit is constantly present, strong, and advocating for us. He’s there to assist us in drawing nearer to God’s heart and keeping us close to it. One of the most effective methods to develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit is to become more conscious of His presence. I used to refer to the Holy Spirit as my intuition before realizing that it was God, acting via the Holy Spirit, who was speaking to me.

12. Go to Church

Christians require one another — there is nothing quite as uplifting as a congregation of believers together in worship. But don’t just leave it at that. Form a group of people who will live together and do life together. The church is not a physical structure; rather, it is a community.

13. Be Obedient When God Calls on You

When you follow God’s commands, it demonstrates your trust and love for Him. When you experience an inner “push” to do something kind for someone else, it is an example of being obedient to His calling. That dreaded “inner voice” that warns you against doing anything wrong is yet another example of a compulsion to sin. As His earthly disciples, we must imitate Christ’s behavior and execute his commandments in order to be successful. Following Jesus may appear to be straightforward, but it is not.

  • Sometimes we do a fantastic job, but other times we just a slight nudge in the right direction.
  • You’ll also be able to deal with any issues that come your way with the power and bravery that God provides.
  • “Follow me,” he urged to the man.
  • Many of his disciples turned around and refused to walk with him any longer as a result of this.
  • But we are all converted into the same image from glory to glory, just as we receive the Spirit from the Lord, when we look at the glory of the Lord with an open face, as if we were looking into a mirror.

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How to Follow Jesus in Everyday Life

What is the best way to follow Jesus? No, seriously.how do we include life for Christ into our everyday routine? As Christians, we must follow Jesus every day of our lives, not only when we attend church services on Sundays. We may take practical efforts to follow Him in whatever we do and to reflect His goodness to others by modeling our actions after His. The following are ten practical ways we might follow Christ in our everyday lives that come directly from the lips of Jesus.

1. Love your enemies

“But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who dislike you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you,” Jesus says. 5:44 (Matthew 5:44) Not everyone is going to be a fan of yours. But how many times do we wish ill will on our adversaries before we give up? Praying for those who detest us is one method to demonstrate our commitment to Jesus. Demonstrate Jesus’ love to those who are hostile against you. Despite the fact that you will never receive anything in return, be courteous to them.

2. Love your neighbor

This second commandment follows the first: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Matthew 22:39 (KJV) Jesus was constantly instructing His disciples on how to love one another. Our responsibility as Christians is to love not simply the people who live next door to us, but to love and offer compassion to everyone with whom we come into contact. One aspect of becoming a follower of Jesus is demonstrating His love to everyone we come into contact with.

3. Don’t judge others

In other words, “do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; do not forgive, and you will be forgiven:” Luke 6:37 (KJV) When we look at people, we might form snap judgments about them based on what we observe in them. We may criticise and condemn them as a result of the terrible decisions they’ve made in their lives. However, according to the Bible, only God knows what is in a person’s heart (1 Samuel 16:7). On a daily basis, we may practice following Jesus by avoiding to pass judgment on others around us.

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4.Be humble

“And whoever exalts himself will be abased, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” the Bible says. Matthew 23:12 (KJV) If we want to follow Jesus’ example, we must first learn to be humble. Christ’s humility is one of his defining features. The Lord will raise us up if we humble ourselves before Him and exhibit meekness in our relationships with others.

5. Don’t worry

“Therefore, do not be concerned about tomorrow, since tomorrow will take care of itself.” “Each day brings enough difficulties on its own.” 6:34 (Matthew 6:34) According to a famous Christian children’s hymn, “Why worry when you can pray?” God has promised to provide for our needs. Always keep in mind that God has your back when you are feeling stressed or anxious.

6.Follow the Golden Rule

For this is the summation of the Law and the Prophets: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you in all circumstances.

” Matthew 7:12 (New International Version) Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want them to do to you. In Jesus’ words, we should treat others the way we would want to be treated ourselves.

7. Worship God whole-heartedly

For this is the summation of the Law and the Prophets: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you in all things. NIV translation of Matthew 7:12 Others must be treated in the same manner that you would like to be treated. In Jesus’ words, we should treat others the way we would like to be treated ourselves.

8. Show Jesus in everything you do

‘Allow your light to so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father who is in heaven,’ says the Bible. 5:16 (Matthew 5:16) We are citizens of the kingdom of God. As a result, we must reflect Christ in all that we do and say. Others will be able to see Jesus’ light shining through us when we are actively following Him, and they will be drawn closer to Him as a result.

9.Seek God First

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you,” the Bible says. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) Prioritize God in all of your decision-making. We must examine God’s will for our life and then strive to carry it out to the best of our abilities.

10.Deny Self

After he had summoned the people to him, along with his disciples, he told them, “Whoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ” 8:34 (Matthew 8:34) Last but not least, following Jesus implies that we must deny ourselves on a regular basis.

Prayer for Today:

“And when he had gathered the people to himself, along with his followers, he said to them, “Whoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” 8:34 (Matthew) Following Jesus implies that we must deny ourselves on a daily basis.

What does it mean to truly follow Christ?

QuestionAnswer It appears several times in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that Jesus commands his followers to “follow me” (e.g., Matthew 8:22; 9:9, Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27; John 1:43). It appears that Jesus was addressing the twelve men who would become His disciples in a number of instances (Matthew 10:3–4). He was also speaking to anyone who was interested in what He had to offer at other times (John 3:16; Mark 8:34). Matthew 10:34–39 is a passage in which Jesus explains exactly what it takes to be His follower.

  1. I did not come to bring peace, but rather a sword to the table.
  2. Whoever does not pick up their cross and follow me is not worthy of being called a disciple of Christ.
  3. However, Jesus never softened the truth, and the fact is that following Him necessitates making painful decisions in order to survive.
  4. A large number of those who had followed Jesus turned away as his teaching moved from the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–11) to the imminent crucifixion (John 6:66).
  5. Every single one of them turned their backs on Him (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50).
  6. For the sake of not endangering his own life, Peter denied three times that he ever knew Jesus (Matthew 26:69–75).
  7. Everyone has a belief system, whether it is based on friends, popular culture, family, selfish interests, or God.

God has said that we are not to worship any other gods save Him (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7; Mark 12:30).

“Whoever wishes to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross everyday and follow me,” Jesus said in Luke 9:23.

As the disciples proved, no one can follow Christ just on the basis of his or her own drive or determination.

Rather than achieving success, their self-effort resulted in hubris and a distorting of the entire purpose of God’s Law (Luke 11:39; Matthew 23:24).

“The Spirit brings life; the flesh is worthless,” he declared emphatically (John 6:63).

The disciples had been with Jesus for three years, learning from Him, watching His miracles, and even participating in them.

They were in need of a Helper.

Even more specifically, He informed them that He was departing in order for the Holy Spirit to be sent in their stead (John 16:7).

As Jesus advised His followers, they were not to begin testifying on their behalf of Him until they had been “clothed with authority from on high” (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4).

Following Jesus is making an effort to be like Him.

To fully follow Christ means to put Him in charge of your life.

Throughout life, every decision and dream is filtered through God’s Word with the objective of bringing Him glory in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Because of His grace, we desire to do everything we can to please Him.

He explains the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:14), bestows spiritual talents on us (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), soothes us (John 14:16), and directs our paths (1 Corinthians 2:15).

(John 14:26). To follow Christ means to put into practice the truths we learn from His Word and to live as though Jesus were physically present with us. Questions concerning the Christian Life (return to top of page) What does it mean to be a true disciple of Christ?

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What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus?

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What following Jesus meant for the disciples

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What it means to follow Jesus today

It wasn’t long before the disciples realized that they weren’t merely following a rabbi, but that Jesus was in fact the prophesied Messiah. The Lord had come to educate them about himself, and they would go on to aid in the establishment of his kingdom if they cooperated. If we wish to follow Jesus as well, we must acknowledge that he is much more than a wonderful teacher.

Declare Jesus as Lord

In order for us to follow Jesus, we must first recognize him for who he truly is. Messiah. Lord. God’s only begotten Son. He is the Saviour of the world, according to the Bible. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved,” Paul adds (Romans 10:9). Following Jesus begins with a firm belief in his claims about who he is and what he has done. By confessing Jesus to be Lord and being baptized in his name, we take the first steps toward following Jesus on his path of obedience.

Obey his teachings

Being a follower of Christ entails seeing Jesus for who he truly is, in our opinion. Messiah. Lord. Christ, God’s only begotten Son He is the Saviour of the world, as the Bible states. If you confess with your lips, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God resurrected him from the dead, you will be saved, according to Paul (Romans 10:9). Following Jesus requires a firm belief in his identity as the one he claims to be. When we confess that Jesus is our Lord and are baptized in his name, we take the first steps toward following Jesus.

Find your place in the body of Christ

(1 Corinthians 12) In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul addresses it as “the body of Christ,” stating that each individual has been uniquely given to play a position in the church, and that the body cannot operate as it was meant unless each member fulfills his or her part. Paul uses this metaphor to convey the notion of Christ as a head who directs his body (the church) to carry out his will in the world. By making the decision to follow Jesus, we become a member of Christ’s body.

“If the entire body were an eye, where would the sensation of hearing be located?” says the author.

In reality, God has positioned the components of the body in the exact positions that he desired for each and every one of them.

As things are, there are several components, but only one body.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and everyone of you is a member of it,” says the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:15–20, verse 27. In the process of discovering our individual roles within the body of Christ, the church is being constructed and equipped.

Start your unique journey as a disciple

(1 Corinthians 12) In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul addresses it as “the body of Christ,” stating that each individual has been uniquely given to play a role in the church, and that the body cannot operate as it was intended unless each person does his or her part in the body. This metaphor depicts Christ as a head who directs his body (the church) to carry out his will in accordance with his commands. Through our decision to believe in and follow Jesus, we are now a part of his body.

  1. “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sensation of hearing be located?” says the author.
  2. In reality, every organ and organelle in our bodies has been placed there by God just as he intended.
  3. The way things are now, there are numerous parts but only one body.
  4. The church is being built up and equipped as each of us discovers our unique role within the body of Christ.

What it Really Means to Follow Jesus

We have a very different understanding of what it means to follow Jesus now than we had two thousand years ago, particularly in the western world. Many of us visit church just sometimes for a motivational pep talk, read the Bible even less frequently, and volunteer at a local soup kitchen once or twice a year if we’re feeling really charitable. A long cry from the commitment that Christians shown in the early church, who saw their faith as a way of life rather than just a religious obligation.

However, we no longer live in such times; our world today is very different from that of such humble beginnings.

The fact that the definition hasn’t changed, and that following Jesus today looks the same as it did then, may come as a surprise.

Where does the Bible Talk about Following Jesus?

There are several scriptures in the Bible that define what it means to be a follower of Jesus in all of its fullness. But one passage summarizes it well: “And drawing the throng to him with his followers, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’ ” In other words, whomever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever wishes to risk his life for my sake and the gospel’s sake will save it.” Mark 8:34-35 (KJV) (ESV) During his sermon before a large assembly, Jesus discussed the price of following him.

As a matter of fact, he stated in the following passages that people who are embarrassed of him and his teachings will be rejected by God on the other side of life. Three actions—commands—were given by Jesus in order to follow him.

Fordeny is derived from the root word fordeny, which meaning “apart” or “away.” It is necessary to put one’s own interests and desires aside in order to follow Jesus. Moreover, this is absolutely in opposition to your flesh’s desires. Because your body will advise you to prioritize yourself and pursue your own interests first and foremost. Jesus, on the other hand, calls us to a different way of living. He asks us to live a life in which we set ourselves aside in order to seek God and serve others (Matthew 22:36-40).

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Once again, Jesus served as a paradigm of self-sacrifice for the redemption of others.

According to verse 35, doing so is equivalent to saving one’s life.

Alternatively, as Matthew Henry puts it, “we must be terrified of losing our souls.”

5 Bible Verses on Following Jesus

Some further Bible scriptures that demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus are included below. ‘For to this you have been called, just as Christ also suffered for you, giving you an example to follow, so that you may imitate his steps,’ says 1 Peter 2:21. 1 John 2:3-4, 1 John 2:3, ” And if we follow his commands, we will know that we have come to know him. ” “Anyone who claims to know him but does not follow his commandments is a liar, and the truth does not reside in him. ” Paul writes in Ephesians 5:1-2, ” As God’s cherished offspring, therefore, be imitators of God.” Moreover, walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

There are numerous words and thoughts that are similar in these passages.

“Keep his commands,” “Be holy,” and other such phrases imply that a disciple of Jesus would strive to live a holy and good life.

When we say ” Seek first “, everything follows after him, and our attention is fixed on God. When you make a decision to follow Jesus, you are committing to placing Him first and foremost in your life.

What Did it Mean for Jesus’ Disciples to Follow Him?

Other Bible scriptures that demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus are included below. 1. ‘For to this you have been called, just as Christ also suffered for you, giving you an example to follow so that you may imitate his steps,’ says 1 Peter 2:21. In 1 John 2:3-4, the Bible states that ” And if we follow his commands, we will know that we have come to know him.’ ” “Anyone who claims to know him but does not follow his commandments is a liar, and the truth does not reside in him. In Ephesians 5:1-2, the apostle Paul says, ” So, as God’s cherished offspring, follow in his footsteps.

It is possible to summarize the instructions for following Jesus in this manner: It is repeatedly said that a disciple of Jesus would live in the same manner as he did: “Set an example,” “Follow in his footsteps,” “Imitate.” In order to fully follow Christ, we must follow his example and live our lives in the manner of Christ.

We will not always do it right since we are just human, but our goal is to live a life that is worthy of him and his memory.

The moment you make a decision to follow Jesus, you commit to placing Him first in your life, above all other considerations.

What Is the Cost of Following Jesus Today?

Here are some more Bible scriptures that demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus. ‘For to this you have been called, just as Christ likewise suffered for you, giving you an example to follow, so that you may follow in his footsteps,’ says 1 Peter 2:21. In 1 John 2:3-4, the Bible says, ” And if we follow his commands, we will know that we have come to know him. “Anyone who claims to know him but does not follow his rules is a liar, and the truth does not reside in him.” Paul writes in Ephesians 5:1-2 that ” As God’s cherished children, therefore, be imitators of God.

There are a lot of words and thoughts that are similar in these passages.

In order to fully follow Christ, we must follow his example and live our lives in his image.

We will not always do it perfectly since we are just human, but our goal is to live a life that respects him. ” Seek first ” — Everything follows after him, and our attention is fixed on God. When you give your life to Jesus, you are committing to placing Him first and foremost in your life.

Steps for Following Jesus If You Never Have

Allow me to speak with you about your lack of a personal relationship with Jesus. I want you to know that you do not have to wait for the right moment to accept Christ as your Savior. It is not necessary for you to clean yourself up before proceeding to follow him. Jesus will take care of the sin; all you have to do is come to him in your current state. To follow Christ is to engage in a straightforward, sincere dialogue with him. A discussion in which you confess your sin, apologize for the sin you have committed, seek for forgiveness, invite Jesus into your life, and make a commitment to follow him is called a confessional dialogue.

  1. Are you going to follow him?
  2. Following him is not guaranteed to be simple, but he does promise you in Scripture again and time again that he will be with you at all times.
  3. Prayer: Jesus, please pray with me.
  4. I recognize that I haven’t always done things correctly, and I apologize for that.
  5. I’m sorry for everything.
  6. Please accept my apologies.
  7. I welcome you into my life and make it a priority to serve you first, allowing everything else to flow naturally from that stance of surrendering to you.
  8. I am asking for your assistance.
  9. I pray in the name of Jesus, and I say amen.
  10. The founder of Truth and Grace Ministries, Truth x Grace Women, and the author of five books, she is well-known in the Christian community.
  11. More information may be found at.

10 Important Considerations Before You Follow Jesus

Nine years ago, when I was in my early twenties, I would have scoffed at anybody who predicted that I would grow up to be an unabashed, enthusiastic, and passionate disciple of Jesus Christ. For years before I came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior, I treasured my freedom, immoral lifestyle and pleasures, as well as everything that the world had to offer me without fear of retribution. After placing my trust in Jesus Christ, my heart underwent a significant transformation, but it wasn’t until I read my Bible that I realized what it meant to be a disciple of Christ.

However, although the majority of these occurrences demonstrate that Jesus was calling anybody throughout history who desired what he had to offer them (Matthew 10:3–4), some instances show that Jesus was calling anyone throughout history who desired what he had to offer them (John 3:16; Mark 8:34).

However, this call extends beyond the adoption of new habits, the acceptance of Christian doctrines, and the practice of moral life.

The Scriptures provide abundant proof for the points we should take into consideration. Before you decide to follow Jesus, examine the following ten vital considerations:

1. Be willing to obey and submit.

If someone had told me nine years ago that I’d grow up to be an unabashed, enthusiastic, and passionate believer of Jesus Christ, I would have laughed in their faces. Înainte of putting my trust in Christ as my Lord and Savior, I treasured my independence, immoral lifestyle and pleasures, as well as everything that the world had to give me with no regard for the consequences. My heart was transformed when I placed my trust in Jesus Christ, but it wasn’t until I read my Bible that I realized what it meant to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

Most of these instances suggest Jesus was calling anybody who desired what he had to give them (Matthew 10:3–4), while others show he was calling anyone at any time throughout history who wanted what he had to offer them (Matthew 10:3–4).

We are personally invited to follow him today by the same words: “Follow me.

Scripture provides enough evidence for the points we should take into account.

2. Be prepared to endure hardship.

Are you willing to put up with adversity for the sake of Christ? As a result of following Jesus, you can expect to face difficulties on a regular basis. However, according to James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who endures adversity, for when he has stood the test, he will be awarded the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” In the midst of adversity, we can rest assured that Christ has provided for us: “More than that, we take pleasure in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).

3. Be ready to see the ugliness of your sin.

To walk with Jesus Christ means to recognize the sin he exposes, to confront it, and to seek for forgiveness. You will continue to fall short on a regular basis, which can be discouraging for believers who feel that following Christ equates to being flawless. As long as you continue to fall prey to temptations and earthly pleasures, you will discover that having a new heart means you have a new awareness and sensitivity to sin that you did not previously have. But don’t lose heart, my buddy. It is because of Christ’s flawless sacrifice that we are free from condemnation, and he will provide you with the strength you need to run from sin.

4. Know that the world will not always accept you.

When you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is difficult to comprehend why others would reject him and his disciples. The fact is, Jesus does not shelter us from this harsh reality: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first” (John 15:18). (John 15:18, NIV). If the rest of the world is not strolling beside him, they are fighting alongside him. In order to follow him, you will find yourself in identical conditions of persecution, misinterpretation, judgment, unacceptance, animosity, and oppression like his followers.

As you live in an adversarial environment, remember what Peter and the apostles said in Acts 5:29: “We must follow God rather than mankind.”

5. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

The fact that some do not accept Jesus Christ and his followers might be difficult to comprehend when you have a personal relationship with him. This sobering fact, however, is not shielded from us by Jesus: “If the world hates you, remember that the world hated me first” (John 15:18, NIV). Unless the world joins him on his journey, they are fighting against him. As a result, as his follower, you will find yourself in similar situations of persecution, misunderstanding, condemnation, unacceptance, hostility, and oppression as he has experienced.

6. Prepare to be held accountable.

Your sins have been expunged from your record as a result of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross, as well as your confidence in him and his promises. However, this does not imply that you are free to take Christ’s sacrifice for granted and continue your sinful behavior. You will still appear before God’s judgment bench, where you will be required to give an account of your conduct to him (Romans 14:12). Not only must you maintain your accountability to God, but you must also maintain your accountability to other members of the body of Christ.

See also:  If Jesus Is God Why Did He Pray

7. Accept him at his word.

Because of your limited humanity, you will not always be able to comprehend God’s sovereignty. You will wonder why he allows pain, where he is when there is quiet, and why your prayers appear to go unanswered, among other things. The instructions given to you do not require you to fully comprehend; rather, they urge you to live by faith, knowing that his methods are higher than yours and that his ideas are more than yours (Isaiah 55:9).

8. Leave things behind.

Ephesians 4:17 reminds us that we should no longer walk in the same way that we used to since our understanding has been clouded, we have been estranged from God, we have become uninformed, and our hearts have been hardened (v. 18). However, we no longer know Christ in this way (v. 20), since we have heard his truth and have paid attention to it (v. 21). As a result, we are to cast off our old selves, which were formed before to coming to know Christ, and to put on our new selves, which are now formed in the image of God (v.

Faith in Christ necessitates a profound shift in your manner of life from the way you used to conduct yourself.

9. Expect to be humbled.

We are told in Philippians 2 that followers of Christ do nothing out of competition or conceit, but rather humbly regard others as more important than themselves (v. 3) and watch out for the interests of others (v. 4). (v. 4). Christianity teaches that Christians should act humbly because Christ himself did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but rather humbled himself by taking on the form of a servant (vv.

6-8). Taking pleasure in our infirmities (2 Corinthians 11:30) may seem contradictory in today’s world, but it is our responsibility as Christ-followers.

10. Prepare to love.

We are told in Philippians 2 that followers of Christ do nothing out of competition or conceit, but rather humbly see others as more important than themselves (v. 3) and put the interests of others first (v. 4). Christianity teaches that Christians should act humbly because Christ himself did not see equality with God as something to be grasped, but instead humbled himself by taking on the form of a servant (vv. 6-8). Taking pleasure in our infirmities (2 Corinthians 11:30) may seem contradictory in today’s society, yet it is our responsibility as Christ-followers.

Can you think of any other important considerations?

Take a look at Luke 18:22. Pray to your heavenly Father for guidance on how to follow Jesus. Make a note of Luke 18:22. Choose one of the following activities, or come up with something entirely new:

  • Assist someone else in memorizing Matthew 18:22
  • Luke 18:23
  • Completion of the exercise on page 40. In order to follow Jesus Christ’s example, whenever you accomplish something, write it on the blank line and leave a footprint on the trail
  • Make a buddy for someone who has a handicap or is lonely and show them that you care. Consider the example of Jesus to assist you in determining what to do. You can pay the individual a visit and spend quality time with him or her, offering encouragement and assistance.

What role does what you’ve done have in your understanding of this scripture? Write about your experience in your diary or create a picture of what you did. From left to right, starting at the top: Christ’s Image, by Heinrich Hofmann, courtesy of C. Harrison Conroy Co.; Christ and the Children, by Harry Anderson, courtesy of IRI; Christ and the Children, by Heinrich Hofmann, courtesy of C. Harrison Conroy Co. No reproduction of The Leper Who Said “Thank You,” by John Steele; The Good Samaritan, by Walter Rane, courtesy of the Church History Museum; Lord, Save Me, by Gary L.

When I’m a good friend to someone, I try to emulate Jesus Christ’s behavior.

When I pray to thank Heavenly Father for something, I follow Jesus Christ’s example.

Illustration by James Johnson (at the top of the page).

What Does It Mean to “Follow Jesus?”

The majority of married individuals are unable to recall the precise day they fell in love. They all, on the other hand, are aware of whether or not they are married. Additionally, our Christian spiritual journey is a methodical procedure. However, it also has a destination — a line that we must cross in order to continue. People will not always be able to tell you the exact day when they first began to believe in God or the exact time they realized Jesus is actually the most exceptional person in all of history.

  • However, becoming a Christian is similar to planning a wedding.
  • Other than that, much like in the context of romance, you’re just dating; there’s nothing solid to form a relationship on.
  • Some individuals consider their believe in God to be a step forward from their previous unbelief.
  • When it comes to spiritual pilgrims, the problem isn’t so much about believing as it is about love; it’s not about cognitive acceptance to facts as it is about dedication to someone.
  • What they would not do is follow him about like a dog.
  • If you’re getting to know him better, you could discover that you have a stronger appreciation for his care, and you might even be feeling tenderness and love toward him.
  • God’s followers are referred to be his bride in order to convey the close bond that exists between him and his people (seeRevelation 19:7).

For us to go the distance and become his loyal spouse, bonded to him for all time as his bride, he longs.

Please accept my invitation.” I approach the front door and knock.

You are undoubtedly aware of it even as you read this: it is the gateway to your life, the beating heart of your heart, and the focal point of your ultimate commitment.

“I want you to be mine!” he exclaims, his palms outstretched.

It’s actually fairly straightforward – as straightforward as saying “I do” at the altar or accepting a certificate of adoption as a gift.

Open the door for me.

He’s going to come in and organize a dinner party for you!

What are we intended to do, if we follow the instructions in that text?

And what does God do in this situation?

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, that whomever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

According to John 3:16 – 18, “Whoever believes in him will never be condemned, but whoever does not believe will already be condemned because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” Jesus’ call is to believe in him — that is, to put our faith in, rely on, and adhere to him in all circumstances.

  • Now, as a result of our faith, he will overturn our old fate, which was to perish, and provide us eternal life instead of death.
  • If you’re ready, just talk to God about it.
  • Take into consideration the following points: Admit that you are in desperate need of Jesus.
  • Declaration of acceptance of him and his proper role as the head of your life (and be sure to inform someone else about what you’ve done).
  • Connect with individuals who are also pursuing a relationship with Jesus for the purpose of mutual support and growth.
  • Continue your look for a solution.
  • Take some time to remain still and listen for the sound of Jesus knocking on your door.
  • You’ve crossed the line.
  • Then you must continue to follow him in any condition.
  • The material of this article was derived from The Journey Bible.

In the whole NIV Bible text, notes and insights are woven throughout the text, pulling you into God’s message and directing you in the direction of a personal relationship with Jesus. Read on to find out more Sign up to receive new articles every week in your inbox by email.

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Comments31MAR2021

7 Steps To Follow Jesus (ESV)

Following is the whole text of this tract in the English Standard Version (ESV). (Do you want to print this tract in a different version than the one that is shown above? If so, please specify.) In the meanwhile, reach out to us and tell us about your requirements; we may be able to produce an alternate version for you at no charge. Step 1: Pay attention to God’s Word to youTruth: God’s Word contains the solutions. “All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, prepared for every good job,” according to the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Bible contains all of the information you could possibly need about life and godliness.

The book of John is a fantastic location to begin your exploration.

Check your Bible for messages from God, including promises he makes and statements He makes about himself.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is excellent!” says the text.

Take the Challenge: If God is actually nice and loving, then take the time to acknowledge it.

Keep in mind God’s blessing on you: Jesus died for you.

Regardless of what you do or have done, you face a challenge.

It’s so easy to lose sight of this beautiful reality and blessing.

Take some time to express your gratitude and consider what Jesus paid for your free gift.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Prayer is the act of diverting our attention away from our troubles and surrendering them to God.

Tell Him anything that’s on your mind and heart!

God’s Truth:Give me whatever I need to love him.Read:”I urge to you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1).

Choosing between yourself (the flesh) and God (the Spirit).

Keep up with them.

The sixth step is to act as a servant of GodTruth: Show love to the people of God’s worldRead:”But you will receive authority when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Jesus cares for people, which is why He gave His life for them.

Look for methods to show individuals you care about them and how you can love them.

Step 7: Make a list of all of the things you want to do.

Truth: Maintain your connection with Jesus.

I’m the vine, and you’re the branches on which I grow.

It is a challenge to follow Jesus since it brings with it all of His promises and rewards.

Maintain your resolve in your religion.

Invoke God’s assistance in your development!

Because they enjoy standing and praying at synagogues and on street corners so that they may be seen by others, they have become quite popular.

6However, when you pray, retire into your room and close the door behind you, and pray to your heavenly Father who is in private.

7In addition, when you pray, do not cram your prayers with meaningless jargon like the Gentiles do, because they believe that their numerous words will be heard.

9Pray in the following manner: “Our Father in heaven, may your name be sanctified.” 10Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, says the Lord of hosts.

13And please do not lead us into temptation, but rather free us from evil.

When prayer, speak in your own words and express what is on your mind and in your heart.

Find a secluded and peaceful space to pray in order to be more productive.

(vs.

Have faith that God already knows what you require.

(verses 7-8) 3.

God deserves to be praised for who He is.

Take some time to express gratitude to God for who He is.

9) 4.

Inquire of God to reveal what it is.

Inquire: Inquire of God to supply you with anything you require today.

(See verse 11) 6.

In your prayers, ask God to pardon you for whatever mistakes you have made.

Allow others to forgive you when they make mistakes and cause you pain. (vs. 1214 and 1215) 7. Ask:Ask God to assist you in keeping yourself and your loved ones safe from harm, sin, and evil once more. (versus. 13) Return to the top of the page

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