The Christian life is meant to be a life lived in intimate relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. It involves growth in Christlike character, obedience to God’s commands, service to others, prayer, worship, and sharing one’s faith. Here is an overview of key aspects of the Christian life according to the Bible:
Following Jesus
At the heart of the Christian life is following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians are called to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6) and obey His commands (John 14:15). This means repenting of sin, loving others, caring for the poor and marginalized, being humble and selfless, pursuing justice and forgiveness, and more. Jesus should be the ultimate role model for Christian conduct, values, priorities and service.
Obeying God’s Word
The Bible provides instructions for how to live a life pleasing to God. Christians are exhorted to obey God’s word (John 14:23), hide it in their hearts (Psalm 119:11), and meditate on it daily (Psalm 1:2). Key aspects of obedience include believing core doctrines, adhering to moral laws like the Ten Commandments, and following additional commands and wisdom found throughout Scripture. Obedience also involves aligning one’s thoughts, words and actions with Biblical truth.
Pursuing Holiness
A core part of the Christian life is pursuing holiness and godly character. God commands His people to “be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Christians are called to put off sinful behaviors and attitudes and “put on” godly virtues (Colossians 3:12-14). As believers walk in obedience to Christ, the Holy Spirit transforms them to be more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). Growth in “fruit of the Spirit” like love, joy, peace and patience evidences increasing holiness (Galatians 5:22-23).
Living in the Spirit
Christians have the gift of the Holy Spirit who empowers them to live godly lives. Believers are instructed to “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) and be “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). This happens as believers yield moment-by-moment control of their lives to the Spirit and rely on His power to overcome sin and obey Jesus. The Spirit grows Christian character and enables ministry. He also gives spiritual gifts for serving the church.
Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines
Certain spiritual disciplines are important for Christian growth and communion with God. Key disciplines include prayer, Bible study, meditation, fasting, worship, service, simplicity, solitude, journaling, evangelism and more. These practices help believers devote themselves to knowing and following God. They train the mind, body and affections to live in Christ’s presence and for God’s glory.
Serving God and Others
Service is a central part of the Christian life. Jesus modeled servant leadership and taught that whoever wants to be great must become a servant (Matthew 20:26). Christians are to serve wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord Himself (Colossians 3:23-24). The Bible encourages myriad ways to serve God and others – from small deeds of kindness to volunteering to using spiritual gifts in ministry. Serving cultivates selflessness and Christlike love.
Stewarding Resources Responsibly
Christians view their resources – time, talents, treasures and possessions – as gifts from God to be used wisely for His glory. They acknowledge God’s ownership over all things and seek to hold wealth and possessions loosely. Additionally, believers manage money, gifts and opportunities responsibly as stewards who will give an account to God. Wise stewardship includes generosity, moderation, financial prudence, and diligence.
Participating in Spiritual Community
Fellowship with other believers is an essential part of the Christian life. Scripture commands Christians to be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10), bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and stir each other to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Christians experience authentic community through small groups, church involvement, hospitality, and accountable relationships. Unity, harmonious relationships and mutual edification mark spiritual fellowship.
Sharing the Gospel
Sharing the message of salvation through Jesus is an important part of the Christian life. Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The Bible encourages believers to be prepared to give an account of their hope in Christ (1 Peter 3:15), to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and to preach the Gospel boldly (Acts 4:31). Christianity is meant to be shared – with both words and actions – in obedience to Christ.
Persevering Through Suffering
Suffering is a reality Christians are promised they will face in this life (John 16:33). Followers of Christ are called to persevere through trials knowing God uses hardship for their sanctification (Romans 5:3-4). The Bible encourages believers to view sufferings as momentary light afflictions producing eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Christians can endure suffering by relying on the Spirit’s strength, trusting God’s purposes, praying for endurance, and looking to Jesus as an example of entrusting oneself to God amidst pain.
Anticipating Eternity
The Christian life looks ahead to the hope of eternity. Believers live with eternity in mind, knowing this world is not their ultimate home (Hebrews 13:14). Followers of Christ await their heavenly inheritance guaranteed through faith in Jesus (1 Peter 1:3-5). They look forward to resurrection, freedom from sin, and reigning with Christ in glory. This eternal perspective motivates Christians to number their days wisely (Psalm 90:12) and invest in heavenly treasures as they live on earth (Matthew 6:19-20).
Relying on God’s Grace
Undergirding the Christian life is dependence on the grace and empowerment of God. Believers cannot live the Christian life in their own power. Scripture emphasizes that following Jesus is only possible through His grace at work in believers (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). His divine power equips Christians with everything needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). God’s grace motivates and enables believers to live for Him as they continually rely on Christ’s finished work on the cross.
In summary, central themes in Scripture about how Christians are to live include: following Jesus, obeying God’s word, pursuing holiness, living by the Spirit’s power, engaging spiritual disciplines, serving others, stewarding resources responsibly, Fellowshipping with believers, sharing the Gospel, persevering through suffering, anticipating eternity, and relying completely on grace. The Christian life is one marked by faithful relationship to Christ, active love for God and others, and hope in the Gospel.