Topical Bible: Christian Conduct: Following God

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Introduction

Christian conduct, particularly in the context of following God, is a central theme in the Bible. It encompasses the attitudes, behaviors, and actions that are expected of believers as they seek to live in accordance with God's will. This entry explores the biblical foundations of following God, highlighting key scriptures and principles that guide Christian conduct.

Biblical Foundations

1. Obedience to God's Commandments

Obedience is a fundamental aspect of following God. The Bible emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's commandments as a demonstration of love and faithfulness. In John 14:15, Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This verse underscores the connection between love for God and obedience to His will.

2. Walking in the Spirit

The Apostle Paul instructs believers to live by the Spirit, which is essential for following God. In Galatians 5:16, he writes, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Walking in the Spirit involves yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance and allowing Him to transform one's character and actions.

3. Imitating Christ

Christians are called to imitate Christ in their conduct. In 1 Peter 2:21, it is written, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps." Following God involves emulating the life and teachings of Jesus, who exemplified perfect obedience and love.

4. Pursuing Holiness

Holiness is a key component of Christian conduct. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are exhorted, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" Pursuing holiness means setting oneself apart for God's purposes and striving to live a life that reflects His character.

5. Loving Others

Love for others is a hallmark of following God. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). In 1 John 4:7, believers are reminded, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." Christian conduct involves demonstrating love, compassion, and kindness to others.

Practical Applications

1. Daily Devotion and Prayer

A consistent prayer life and devotion to God's Word are vital for following Him. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Engaging with Scripture and prayer helps believers discern God's will and strengthens their relationship with Him.

2. Community and Fellowship

Engaging in Christian community and fellowship is essential for spiritual growth and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

3. Service and Stewardship

Following God involves serving others and being good stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. In 1 Peter 4:10, it is written, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." Christians are called to use their talents and resources for the benefit of others and the glory of God.

4. Moral Integrity

Upholding moral integrity is crucial for Christian conduct. In Philippians 4:8, Paul advises, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." Believers are encouraged to cultivate thoughts and actions that align with God's standards.

Conclusion

Christian conduct in following God is a comprehensive pursuit that involves obedience, spiritual growth, and love for others. By adhering to biblical principles and seeking to emulate Christ, believers can live lives that honor God and reflect His character to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:1
Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:15,16
But as he which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It.
... in chap.7 only, yet the three following chapters also ... ought to be the mistress of
their conduct, convert it ... not that the life of the Christian shall breathe ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 the life of.htm

With, Before, After
... Him, what a revolution could be effected on our characters and what a transformation
on all our conduct! ... Christian people, are you following after God? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/with before after.htm

Letter xxxi. --Conduct in Sickness.
... OF THE VIRTUE OF ABANDONMENT Letter XXXI."Conduct in Sickness ... I urge you to reply
in the following manner ... always ready, always disposed to do the will of God. ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xxxi conduct in sickness.htm

The True Branches of the True vine
... all over again, with deepened meaning, following it out ... great, noble issue of
fruitfulness, in God's glory, and ... The best way to secure Christian conduct is to ...
/.../the true branches of the.htm

The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
... give some advice as to your own conduct when you ... Eph.1:6) Go therefore, O Christian,
and apply ... the mean time, such language as the following supplication speaks ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxiv the case of.htm

Third Sunday after Easter
... Thus, mark you, should every Christian conduct himself here on ... they hoped to return
home the following year ... neighbors and fellow-citizens, asking God for peace ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday after easter.htm

The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor.
... a leaven in the whole history of Christian institutions which ... [Footnote 1: Luke
19:2, and following.]. ... and drew parables from it.[1] Such conduct, compared with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xi the kingdom of.htm

Declaring How the Soul Putting it Self in the Presence of God ...
... Thomas confirms, in the following words (2.2.qu??st.82.art ... is come, Faith and Intention
guide and conduct it to ... thereon; after the example of a Christian, a Wife ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xiv declaring how the.htm

writings in connection with the Manich??an controversy
... to the Soul; The Soul Obtains Virtue by Following God; Following God is the ... The
Christian Definition of ... Through Good Conduct We Arrive at the Knowledge of the ...
/.../augustine/writings in connection with the manichaean controversy /

Examples from the Old Testament, Balaam, Moses, and Hezekiah, to ...
... to Show How Completely the Instruction and Conduct of Christ Are ... I can draw also
from the following words: "For ... him will I also confess before God." [4627] Now ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxviii examples from the old.htm