What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus

What does it mean to follow Jesus? What does the life of a Christ-follower look like? How can we be sure that we live the true Christian life?

We find a deep threefold definition of the true Christian life in the words of the Apostle John in the book of Revelation.

“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9, NIV)

Following Jesus means partaking in the suffering, the kingdom, and patient endurance. #Biblestudy #suffering #endurance #Christianlife Share on X

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What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus: A Threefold Definition

To follow Jesus means that we are partners, sharers, and participators. First and foremost, we share in God’s nature by the indwelling Holy Spirit that we receive as a gift when we put our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The Holy Spirit enables us to partake in God’s family, His kingdom, and His glory.

The Apostle John shows us 3 other levels of partaking in our focus verse that provide a good idea of what it means to follow Jesus. 

When we follow Jesus, we become sharers in these three areas: the suffering, the Kingdom, and the patient endurance.

#1 Following Jesus Means We Partake in Suffering 

It is quite sobering that the first area and indicator of a true Christian life is partaking in suffering. Trials and suffering are a promised and sure thing for Christ’s followers.

This may include external and internal struggles and adversity, different challenges, worries, and losses.

Apostle Paul urges us to see suffering as a privilege:  ^“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” (Philippians 1:29, NIV) 

Jesus Himself assured His disciples: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)

#2 Following Jesus Means We Share in God’s Kingdom

What is the kingdom of God, and how do we share in it?

The kingdom of God is simply put, God’s perfect order, government, and will in us and the whole of creation. We see and experience God’s kingdom in the works of the Holy Spirit, in the individual lives of every believer and of the church, as a whole.

The kingdom of God is manifested in our lives when we live in a worthy manner for our calling and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our character and conduct.

^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22-24, NIV)

Abiding in Jesus by keeping in step with the Spirit is what makes possible our partaking in the kingdom.

Finally, sharing in the kingdom means that we are God’s heirs and will share in His glory. This transformational truth shapes our thinking and living.

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17, NIV)

#3 Following Jesus Means We Live a Life of Endurance

The third mark of the true follower of Christ is a life of patient endurance.

Patience, endurance, long-suffering, and forbearance are words used in the New Testament to denote the willingness and ability of the believer to stay true and faithful to the Lord and to keep the faith and witness for Christ in all circumstances.

We find many exhortations to stay faithful, to trust the Lord always, and to keep our commitment.

The Apostle John writes when describing the events of the last days, “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12, NIV)

Patient endurance till the end means being victorious. The Lord Jesus Christ promises unbelievable rewards in eternity for ones who are victorious in His messages to the 7 churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3.

Genuine, tried, and tested faith is extremely precious in the eyes of the Lord and brings Him glory.

Drawing Near to Jesus in Our Suffering and Learning to Endure

You can learn more about why and how God uses pain and hardships to shape us and bless us in my book, “Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings.”

Let me take you on a journey through 13 painful experiences, showing the precious blessings in each of them.

More Encouragement for You

If you need more resources, encouragement, and comfort when you go through pain, grief, and despair, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk

The Night Is Normal by Dr. Alicia Britt Chole

Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert

Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst

Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley

Restoration Year – a 365-Day Devotional by John Eldredge

The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips

Hope for the Hard Days by Sarah Geringer

Lean into Grace by Stacey Pardoe

This page contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The commission I make from these items will help keep this blog going. Thank you!

The Call to Become a True Lover of God

Following Jesus means that we are called to share in His sufferings, but also in His glory. We do this when we live our lives in step with His Spirit, constantly renewing our commitment to Him.

Staying faithful to the Lord in good and bad is the mark of a true lover of God.

Do we love Him so?  

Staying faithful to the Lord in good and bad is the mark of a true lover of God.  #trustGod #faith #motivational Share on X

Your Turn

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