Living Counter Culturally as a Disciple of Christ
Discipleship to Christ involves a counter-cultural way of living, often characterized by a departure from societal norms and a commitment to values aligned with Christian teaching. This commitment is rooted in a spiritual union with Christ, which transforms a believer's identity and priorities [1, 2].
The concept of living counter-culturally is evident in the call to forgo worldly comforts for the sake of following Jesus. For instance, Jesus himself noted that while "foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head," indicating that discipleship may involve hardship and a lack of conventional security [5]. This commitment extends to resisting false teachings and remaining steadfast in fellowship with Christ, lest one face judgment [6].
The apostle Paul describes this transformation as being "crucified with Christ," meaning the old self no longer lives, but Christ lives within the believer [2]. This spiritual death to the old self and resurrection to a new life in Christ means that believers' bodies are considered parts of Christ, making it inappropriate to engage in activities that violate this sacred union [1].
Living as a disciple also involves endurance and perseverance, likened to a race where believers must "strip off every weight" and "sin that so easily trips us up" [4]. This imagery suggests a deliberate shedding of anything that hinders one's spiritual progress. Furthermore, disciples are called to imitate Jesus in his suffering, endure divine discipline, and live peacefully with others [4]. This stands in contrast to those who oppose Christ, such as the "antichrist" figure described as one who sets himself against Christ's kingly, priestly, and prophetic offices, seeking to usurp authority and introduce false doctrines [3]. The disciple's path, therefore, is one of active resistance to such opposition and a steadfast adherence to Christ's teachings and example.
Sources
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:15: 6:15-17 To be a Christian is to be spiritually joined to Christ in both life and death (cp. Rom 6:3-11). As a result, believers’ bodies have become parts of Christ (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-28; Rom 12:4-5). This spiritual union (cp. John 14:20; 17:21-23) means that they are not free to violate their bodies by physical union with a prostitute.”
- Galatians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Galatians 2:20: I am crucified--literally, "I have been crucified with Christ." This more particularizes the foregoing. "I am dead" (Gal 2:19; Phi 3:10). nevertheless I live; yet not I--Greek, "nevertheless I live, no longer (indeed) I." Though crucified I live; (and this) no longer that old man such as I once was (compare Rom 7:17). No longer Saul the Jew (Gal 5:24; Col 3:11, but "another man"; compare Sa1 10:6). ELLICOTT and others translate, "And it is no longer I that live, but Christ that liveth in me." But the plain antithesis between "crucified" and "live,”
- 2 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Thessalonians 2:4: Who opposeth,.... Or is an opposer, an adversary of Christ, the antichrist; who opposes him in his kingly office, styling himself the head and spouse of the church, assuming to himself all power in heaven and in earth, taking upon him to dispense with the laws of Christ, and to make new ones; who opposes him in his priestly office, by pretending to offer him up again in the sacrifice of the mass, and by making angels and saints departed, intercessors and advocates; and also in his prophetic office, by teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, and setting”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 8:20: 8:20 Following Jesus is not easy; it involves more than intellectual mastery. Following Jesus entails being willing to forgo life’s normal comforts.”
- 1 John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 John 2:28: 2:28-29 To remain in fellowship with Christ means, in part, not being misled by any kind of false teaching. If John’s readers listen to the false teachers, they will not be in fellowship with Christ and will have reason to shrink back from him in shame when he returns, because of the judgment coming upon them.”