Summary:
Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to examine their relationship with Jesus and move from being mere fans to fully committed followers. Through personal stories, biblical examples, and practical insights, Idleman explores what it means to truly follow Jesus and the cost of discipleship. He emphasizes the importance of surrender, obedience, and wholehearted devotion in the Christian journey. Whether you are a new believer or have been a Christian for years, this book will inspire you to deepen your commitment to Jesus and live a life of radical discipleship.
The Difference Between Fans and Followers
Idleman begins by highlighting the distinction between fans and followers of Jesus. He explains that fans are enthusiastic admirers who cheer from the sidelines but are not willing to make any sacrifices or fully commit to Jesus. On the other hand, followers are devoted disciples who are willing to surrender their lives, take up their cross, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Idleman challenges readers to honestly assess whether they are merely fans or true followers of Jesus.
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
In this section, Idleman delves into the high cost of discipleship. He emphasizes that following Jesus requires more than just attending church on Sundays or saying a quick prayer. It involves surrendering our desires, ambitions, and even our comfort for the sake of the Gospel. Idleman encourages readers to consider the sacrifices Jesus made and to count the cost of following Him. He reminds us that being a disciple of Jesus is not always easy, but it is worth it.
Surrendering to Jesus
The third section of the book focuses on the importance of surrender in the Christian life. Idleman explains that surrendering to Jesus means giving Him complete control over every area of our lives. It involves letting go of our own plans and desires and submitting to God’s will. Idleman shares personal stories and biblical examples to illustrate the transformative power of surrender. He challenges readers to examine their hearts and surrender everything to Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Fans vs. Followers: The book highlights the difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a true follower. It challenges readers to move beyond superficial faith and become fully committed disciples.
- The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus requires sacrifice and a willingness to count the cost. It involves giving up our own desires and comfort for the sake of the Gospel.
- Surrender and Obedience: Surrendering to Jesus and obeying His commands are essential aspects of discipleship. It means letting go of our own plans and submitting to God’s will.
- Radical Devotion: The book encourages readers to live a life of radical devotion to Jesus. It challenges us to examine our priorities and make Jesus the center of our lives.
“The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually interested in following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.”
In conclusion, Not a Fan is a compelling book that calls readers to move beyond being mere fans of Jesus and become fully committed followers. Kyle Idleman challenges us to count the cost of discipleship, surrender our lives to Jesus, and live with radical devotion. This book will inspire and challenge readers to examine their own faith and take the necessary steps to become true followers of Jesus.
