Ranked Wants of a True Jesus Follower According to Scripture
Ranked Wants of a True Jesus Follower
According to Scripture, a true follower of Jesus is characterized by a set of ranked wants that prioritize spiritual growth, love, and devotion to God above worldly desires. The apostle Paul instructs believers to "earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy" [1]. This emphasis on love and spiritual gifts sets the tone for understanding the ranked wants of a true Jesus follower.
Love and Spiritual Growth
The pursuit of love is paramount. Paul's instruction to "follow after love" [9] underscores its importance. This love is not limited to human relationships but is also directed towards God, as seen in Jesus' teaching to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength [5]. The pursuit of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, is also encouraged, indicating a desire for spiritual growth and edification within the community of believers.
Contentment and Holiness
Contentment is another key characteristic, with believers encouraged to be satisfied with what they have [2]. This contentment is linked to godliness, which is considered "great gain" [2]. The pursuit of holiness is also a fundamental want, as believers are commanded to be holy as God is holy [4]. This involves a life of obedience to God's commands and a separation from sin.
Persecution and Suffering
True followers of Jesus are also prepared to face persecution and suffering for their faith. Jesus himself suffered and was persecuted, and his followers can expect similar treatment [3]. The early Christian community understood this, with the apostles rejoicing in their sufferings for Christ's sake.
Heavenly Focus
A true Jesus follower is characterized by a heavenly focus, with their affections set on things above, not on earthly things [5]. This involves a desire to be with Christ and to worship God in spirit and truth [6]. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to "look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith" [7], emphasizing the importance of maintaining a Christ-centered focus.
Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing
Jesus taught his disciples that following him requires self-denial and cross-bearing [8]. This involves a willingness to forsake worldly attachments and desires for the sake of the gospel. The patristic tradition emphasizes the importance of imitating Christ in his suffering and patience [12].
Diligence and Faith
Diligence is also a key characteristic of a true Jesus follower, with believers encouraged to be diligent in their pursuit of spiritual growth and good works [10]. Faith is another essential element, with believers called to trust in God's promises and to have faith in Jesus Christ [11].
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 14:1 (BSB) — Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Contentment — With godliness is great gain -- Ps 37:16; 1Ti 6:6. Saints should exhibit In their respective callings. -- 1Co 7:20. With appointed wages. -- Lu 3:14. With what things they have. -- Heb 13:5. With food and raiment. -- 1Ti 6:8. God's promises should lead to -- Heb 13:5. The wicked want -- Isa 5:8; Ec 5:10. Exemplified Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:33-37. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:13. David. -- Ps 16:6. Agur. -- Pr 30:8,9. Paul. -- Php 4:11,12.”
- 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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness — Commanded -- Le 11:45; 20:7; Eph 5:8; Col 3:12; Ro 12:1. Christ Desires for his people. -- Joh 17:17. Effects, in his people. -- Eph 5:25-27. An example of. -- Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:21,22. The character of God, the standard of -- Le 19:2; 1Pe 1:15,16; Eph 5:1. The character of Christ, the standard of -- Ro 8:29; 1Jo 2:6; Php 2:5. The gospel the way of -- Isa 35:8. Necessary to God's worship -- Ps 24:3,4. None shall see God without -- Eph 5:5; Heb 12:14. Saints Elected to. -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:4. Called to. -- 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9. New created in. -- Eph 4:24. Possess. ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affections, The — Should be supremely set upon God -- De 6:3; Mr 12:30. Should be set Upon the commandments of God. -- Ps 19:8-10; 119:20,97,103,167. Upon the house and worship of God. -- 1Ch 29:3; Ps 26:8; 27:4; 84:1,2. Upon the people of God. -- Ps 16:3; Ro 12:10; 2Co 7:13-15; 1Th 2:8. Upon heavenly things. -- Col 3:1,2. Should be zealously engaged for God -- Ps 69:9; 119:139; Ga 4:18. Christ claims the first place in -- Mt 10:37; Lu 14:26. Enkindled by communion with Christ -- Lu 24:32. Blessedness of making God the object of -- Ps 91:14. Should not grow cold -- P”
- John “But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers. -- John 4:23”
- Hebrews “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -- Hebrews 12:2”
- Matthew “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. -- Matthew 16:24”
- 1 Corinthians “Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. -- 1 Corinthians 14:1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Faith — Is the substance of things hoped for -- Heb 11:1. Is the evidence of things not seen -- Heb 11:1. Commanded -- Mt 11:22; 1Jo 3:23. The objects of, are God. -- Joh 14:1. Christ. -- Joh 6:29; Ac 20:21. Writings of Moses. -- Joh 5:46; Ac 24:14. Writings of the prophets. -- 2Ch 20:20; Ac 26:27. The gospel. -- Mr 1:15. Promises of God. -- Ro 4:21; Heb 11:13. In Christ is The gift of God. -- Ro 12:3; Eph 2:8; 6:23; Php 1:29. The work of God. -- Ac 11:21; 1Co 2:5. Precious. -- 2Pe 1:1. Most holy. -- Jude 1:20. Fruitful. -- 1Th 1:3. Accompanied by repentance. -- Mr 1”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 7: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius — THAT WE OUGHT TO IMITATE CHRIST IN SUFFERING, AND WITH ZEAL TO FOLLOW HIS PATIENCE. (part 1): V. Every one therefore who learns any art, when he sees his master by his diligence and skill perfecting his art, does himself earnestly endeavour to make what he takes in hand like to it. If he is not able, he is not perfected in his work. We therefore who have a Master, our Lord Jesus Christ, why do we not follow His doctrine?--since He renounced repose, pleasure, glory, riches, pride, the power of revenge, His mother and brethren, ”