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Obstacles to Following Jesus' Example in Christian Life

Following Jesus' example in Christian life presents numerous challenges, often requiring believers to confront deeply ingrained human tendencies and societal pressures. The New Testament frequently highlights the demanding nature of discipleship, emphasizing self-denial, endurance, and a reorientation of priorities [1, 14].

One significant obstacle is the inherent human inclination toward selfishness. The Bible consistently portrays selfishness as contrary to God's law, which commands love for one's neighbor [8]. Jesus himself exemplified a life devoid of selfishness, prioritizing God's will and the needs of others over his own desires [8]. For instance, John 4:34 describes Jesus' commitment to doing the Father's will, and Romans 15:3 notes that Christ "pleased not himself" [8]. Selfishness manifests in various ways, such as being "lovers of ourselves," seeking personal gain, desiring undue precedence, or neglecting the poor [8]. These actions stand in direct opposition to Christian love, which "seeketh not her own" (1 Corinthians 13:5) [8]. The pursuit of self-interest, even in disputes among believers, is seen as a defeat, as Christians are called to emulate Christ's self-sacrifice [15].

Another major hurdle is the necessity of self-denial. Jesus explicitly stated that to follow him, one must "take up his cross and follow after me" (Matthew 10:38) [7]. This metaphor signifies a willingness to forgo personal comforts and even face death for the sake of faithfulness to Christ [9, 14]. Self-denial is presented as a test of devotion and a necessary component of following Christ [1]. It involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, controlling appetites, abstaining from fleshly desires, and mortifying sinful lusts [1]. Christ's own life provided a clear example of self-denial, as seen in his resistance to temptation (Matthew 4:8-10), his lack of a permanent home (Matthew 8:20), and his submission to the Father's will (John 6:38) [1]. The apostle Paul also emphasized self-denial in the context of spiritual warfare, stating that those who strive for mastery "exercise self-control in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25-27) [1].

Persecution is another formidable obstacle that followers of Jesus are warned to expect. Jesus himself suffered persecution (Psalm 69:26; John 5:16) and patiently endured it (Isaiah 53:7) [2]. Believers are told that "all that live godly in Christ, shall suffer" (2 Timothy 3:12) [2]. Persecution can stem from ignorance of God and Christ, hatred for God and the gospel, pride, or even mistaken zeal [2]. The Tyndale House commentary on John 12:42-43 notes that many believed in Jesus but would not admit it due to social consequences, highlighting that following Jesus often involves publicly acknowledging him despite potential repercussions [10]. The author of Hebrews challenges believers to endure in following Jesus by imitating his suffering [11].

The "defilement of the world" also poses a significant challenge. The apostle Peter warns that if individuals who have "escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" become entangled in it again, their "last state has become worse for them than the first" (2 Peter 2:20) [4]. This suggests a constant struggle against worldly influences and temptations that can draw believers away from their commitment to Christ. Paul, in Galatians 6:14, declares, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world" [6]. Adam Clarke interprets this as Paul exulting in the doctrine of salvation through Christ crucified and in the "disgrace and persecution" he experiences for it, indicating a radical separation from worldly values [13].

Strife and contention are also identified as obstacles. Christ himself set an example of avoiding strife (Isaiah 42:2; Matthew 12:15-19) [5]. Strife is forbidden (Proverbs 3:30), considered a "work of the flesh" (Galatians 5:20), and an evidence of a carnal spirit (1 Corinthians 3:3) [5]. It can be excited by hatred, pride, wrath, a contentious disposition, tale-bearing, drunkenness, lusts, and "curious questions" [5]. Avoiding strife requires a conscious effort to live in peace with others, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:14-17 [11].

Furthermore, the commitment to following Jesus requires a willingness to forgo normal comforts and embrace a life that may not always be easy [9]. Jesus' invitation to his disciples and the crowd lays out the cost of being his follower, which involves letting Jesus determine one's goals and purposes in life [14]. This commitment is continuous, not a one-time decision [14]. Peter's initial reluctance to accept Jesus' prediction of his denial, stating, "Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? ... I will lay down my life for thy sake" (John 13:37), illustrates the human tendency to overestimate one's own strength and underestimate the demands of true discipleship [12].

Finally, the challenge of maintaining spiritual diligence is crucial. While not explicitly an "obstacle," a lack of diligence can lead to spiritual decline. The practice of early rising, for instance, is presented as requisite for devotion and the discharge of daily duties, illustrating spiritual diligence [3]. Neglecting such practices can lead to spiritual poverty, just as neglecting early rising can lead to material poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11) [3]. The author of Hebrews uses the metaphor of a race, urging believers to "strip off every weight" and sin that "trips us up" to endure in following Jesus [11]. This imagery underscores the need for continuous effort and removal of anything that hinders spiritual progress.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Persecution — Christ suffered -- Ps 69:26; Joh 5:16. Christ voluntarily submitted to -- Isa 50:6. Christ was patient under -- Isa 53:7. Saints may expect -- Mr 10:30; Lu 21:12; Joh 15:20. Saints suffer, for the sake of God -- Jer 15:15. Of saints, is a persecution of Christ -- Zec 2:8; Ac 9:4,5. All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer -- 2Ti 3:12. Originates Ignorance of God and Christ. -- Joh 16:3. Hated to God and Christ. -- Joh 15:20,24. Hatred to the gospel. -- Mt 13:21. Pride. -- Ps 10:2. Mistaken zeal. -- Ac 13:50; 26:9-11. Is inconsistent with the spirit o”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  4. 2 Peter “For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. -- 2 Peter 2:20”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
  6. King James Version “[KJV] Galatians 6:14 — But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
  7. Matthew “He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me, isn’t worthy of me. -- Matthew 10:38”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Selfishness — Contrary to the law of God -- Le 19:18; Mt 22:39; Jas 2:8. The example of Christ condemns -- Joh 4:34; Ro 15:3; 2Co 8:9. God hates -- Mal 1:10. Exhibited in Being lovers of ourselves. -- 2Ti 3:2. Pleasing ourselves. -- Ro 15:1. Seeking our own. -- 1Co 10:33; Php 2:21. Seeking after gain. -- Isa 56:11. Seeking undue precedence. -- Mt 20:21. Living to ourselves. -- 2Co 5:15. Neglect of the poor. -- 1Jo 3:17. Serving God for reward. -- Mal 1:10. Performing duty for reward. -- Mic 3:11. Inconsistent with Christian love -- 1Co 13:5. Inconsistent with communi”
  9. 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.”
  10. John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 12:42: 12:42-43 Many people did believe in him, but they wouldn’t admit it. To follow Jesus involves telling others about him despite the social consequences (1:35-51; 4:1-42).”
  11. 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”
  12. John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 13:37: Peter said unto him,.... Not understanding Christ's answer, and being dissatisfied with it, inquires: Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? is the place inaccessible? are the difficulties in the way to it insuperable? the roughness of the road, or the dangers of it, will not discourage me; I am ready to go through the greatest dangers and difficulties, to follow thee: yea, I will lay down my life for thy sake; whatever enemies I should meet with in, following thee, would not dismay me; I would readily hazard my life, and cheerfully lay it down in defence of thee.”
  13. Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:14: But God forbid that I should glory - Whatever others may do, or whatever they may exult or glory in, God forbid that I should exult, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; in the grand doctrine, that justification and salvation are only through Christ crucified, he having made an atonement for the sin of the world by his passion and death. And I glory, also, in the disgrace and persecution which I experience through my attachment to this crucified Christ. By whom the world is crucified unto me - Jewish rites and Gentile vanities are equally insipid to me; ”
  14. Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 8:34: 8:34-38 Jesus’ invitation to his disciples and the crowd lays out the cost of being his follower. • To give up your own way involves letting Jesus determine your goals and purposes in life. To take up your cross is metaphorical (cp. Luke 9:23); it indicates that faithfulness to Jesus must extend, if required, even to the point of death. To follow Jesus’ teaching and example is a continual commitment.”
  15. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:7: 6:7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you: To sue a fellow believer reflects self-interest rather than concern for the welfare of others or the glory of God. • Why not just accept the injustice? Christians are called to follow the example of Christ’s self-sacrifice (see Matt 5:38-42).”
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