Seven Characteristics of a Follower of Christ

Passionately Committed to Christ: Luke 9:23-26

The follower of Christ praises God by disowning themselves for identity in Christ (Galatians 2:20).

  • Practice Persistent Prayer
    (James 1:5, 5:16; Luke 18:1-14; 1 Peter 5:6-7)
  • Engage in Worship
    (Psalm 24; 1 Chronicles 16:9)
  • Live in Community; accountability with other believers
    (Acts 2:42; Proverbs 28:13)
  • Disciple Others
    (2 Tim. 2:1-2; Titus 2)
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Biblically Measured: John 8:31-32

The follower of Christ grows with a commitment to be a learner and follower of God’s Word, the Holy Bible (1 Cor. 2:2 & 2 Tim. 3:14-15)

  • Spend Time in the Word
    (Ezra 7:10; 2 Tim. 2:2, 4:2-5)
  • Make Biblical Decisions
    (Psalm 119:1-16; Joshua 1:8; James 1:22-25; Proverbs 3:5-6)
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Morally Pure: Eph 5:3-8

The follower of Christ publicly and privately manifests their love for God through obedience to His mandates, principles, and commandments. (1 John 2:3-6) The follower seeks to live a holy life (1 Thes. 4:3-8) void of even a suggestion of possible immorality (Col 1:22).

  • Strive to be above reproach in all areas
    (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9)
  • Leading a pure life free from sexual immorality including, but not limited to, adultery (Ex. 20:14, Gal 5:19); pre-marital sex, homosexuality, or any other form of extramarital sexual relations; (1 Cor. 6:9); or viewing pornography
    (Job 31:1, James 1, Romans 12:2)
  • Conducting an honest, upright business or professional life
    (1Thes. 4:11-13, 1 Tim. 3:1-7)
  • Avoiding intemperate use of alcohol and avoiding any use of illegal substances
    (1 Tim 3:1-7)
  • Maintaining appropriate and healthy conduct with persons of the opposite sex
    (see above verses)
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Healthy Families/Relationships: Deut. 6:4-9, Ephesians 4

The follower of Christ consistently affirms the marriage vow as a covenant of faithfulness (1 Cor. 7:2) to a permanent union (1 Cor. 7:10-11) by functioning within the complimentary relationships of the family (1 Cor. 3:18-21). The single follower of Christ will conduct his/her dating relationships in an upright manner (Prov. 5:1-2, 2 Tim. 2:22, Psalm 34:3-7, 1 Tim. 4:12). The Christ follower will promote unity within the body of Christ (1 Thes. 5:12-13; Eph. 4).

  • Maintaining Biblical order in relationships
    (God, Family, Ministry/Others, Self)
  • Positive & uplifting attitude towards others, avoiding gossip & negativism
    (1 Tim. 3:7-13)
  • Maintaining a kind & even temper, avoiding outbursts, intemperate behavior
    (Colossians 3:8-9)
  • Promoting unity and trustworthiness in the family and the body of Christ
    (1 Thes. 5:12-13, Eph. 4)
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Good Stewards: Luke 21:1-4

The follower of Christ makes available personal resources (2 Cor. 8:3-4) to the work of God’s ministry with a sacrificial heart (2 Cor 9:7).

  • Prioritizes giving over the fleeting pleasures of wealth
    (Matt. 6:19-24. 2 Cor. 9:12-14)
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Evangelistically Faithful: Matthew 28:19-20

The follower of Christ evidences their confidence (Romans 1:16) in the authority of Christ (1 Cor. 1:18) by a willingness to instruct all whom they encounter (Rom. 10:14-15) on the revealed truth of Jesus Christ as lead by the Holy Spirit.

  • Prepared to give out the gospel of hope
    (1 Peter 3:15-16)
  • Frequently shares faith in both word (2 Tim 4:2) and deed (1 Peter 1:14-16)
  • Prayerfully asks that God might call those around them to place their faith in Christ
    (Romans 10:1)
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Socially Responsible: Matthew 25:37-40

The follower of Christ seeks to serve (Matt. 20:25-28) with a burdened heart for those in need and ostracized by society. (Gal. 2:10)

  • Comforts individuals
    (James 1:27)
  • Takes responsibility within the community
    (Acts 2:45)
  • Maintains a Christ-like sacrificial attitude
    (Philippians 2:5-7)
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