Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextBeing popular refers to the state of being liked, admired, or supported by many people. In a biblical context, popularity can be seen as a double-edged sword, offering both opportunities and challenges for individuals seeking to live a life that honors God. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that address the concept of popularity, often highlighting the tension between human approval and divine approval.
Biblical Examples1.
Jesus Christ: Jesus experienced both popularity and rejection during His earthly ministry. Initially, He attracted large crowds due to His teachings and miracles. In
Mark 1:28 , it is noted, "And the news about Jesus spread quickly through the whole region of Galilee." However, His popularity also led to opposition from religious leaders and eventually to His crucifixion. Jesus' life exemplifies the transient nature of human popularity and the importance of remaining faithful to God's mission.
2.
King Saul: Saul's rise to popularity as the first king of Israel is documented in 1 Samuel. Initially, he was admired for his physical stature and military successes. However, his desire to maintain popularity led him to disobey God's commands, resulting in his downfall.
1 Samuel 15:24 records Saul admitting, "I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice."
3.
David: David, unlike Saul, was a man after God's own heart (
1 Samuel 13:14). His popularity grew after defeating Goliath, as seen in
1 Samuel 18:7 , "As they danced, the women sang: 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.'" Despite his popularity, David faced jealousy and persecution from Saul, teaching that popularity can also bring challenges and adversities.
Teachings and Warnings1.
Seeking God's Approval: The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking God's approval over human approval.
Galatians 1:10 states, "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." This verse underscores the priority of aligning one's life with God's will rather than pursuing popularity.
2.
The Danger of People-Pleasing:
Proverbs 29:25 warns, "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high." This proverb highlights the danger of being overly concerned with human opinion, which can lead to compromising one's values and faith.
3.
Temporary Nature of Popularity: The fleeting nature of popularity is evident in the Bible. In
John 12:43 , it is written, "For they loved praise from men more than praise from God." This passage serves as a reminder that human accolades are temporary and should not be the ultimate goal for believers.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to navigate the complexities of popularity with wisdom and discernment. While being liked and admired is not inherently wrong, it should not come at the expense of one's relationship with God or adherence to biblical principles. Christians are called to be salt and light in the world (
Matthew 5:13-16), influencing others positively while maintaining their commitment to God's truth.
In summary, the Bible provides a balanced perspective on being popular, recognizing both its potential benefits and pitfalls. By prioritizing God's approval and remaining steadfast in faith, believers can navigate the challenges of popularity in a way that honors God and reflects His love to others.
Topical Bible Verses
Matthew 6:5And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation... to call") -- properly, people the world and to God, the
being the (the
... and a derivative
of kaleo; a calling out, ie (concretely) a
popular meeting, especially
...Library
The Refutation ofPopular PaganismBeing Taken as Conclusive, we...
... Against the Heathen. Section 27. The refutation ofpopular Paganismbeing taken
as conclusive, we come to the higher form of nature-worship....
There is aPopular Philosophical Joke Intended to Typify the...
... There is apopular philosophical joke intended to typify the endless and useless
arguments of...Being a conscious life, he is, or may be, valuable in himself....
A Practical Discourse on Some Principles of Hymn-Singing
... dismiss to neglect; but among the four-line 'common' tunes which gradually ousted
them, there are about a dozen of high merit: thesebeing popular still at the...
The Great Crisis inPopular Feeling - the Last Discourses in the...
... we look upon this check as the first turning of the tide ofpopular enthusiasm... they
probably imagined, that Christ had returned on foot by land,being, of course...
The Word Success Can of Course be Used in Two Senses. ...
... Thepopular educationists would say that they had the far nobler idea of turning
out... is stiff with a rather silly and sentimental stoicism, calledbeing a man...
A Brief Consideration of SomePopular Objections. Cchapter i. The...
... A BRIEF CONSIDERATION OF SOMEPOPULAR OBJECTIONS.... observable in the Gospels arises
from omission; from a fact or a passage of Christ's lifebeing noticed by...
Still MorePopular in Its Own Day was the Second Hymn that Luther...
... Still morepopular in its own day was the second hymn that Luther ever... 1557, when
a number of princes belonging to the reformed religionbeing assembled at...
That He who is the Pre-Eminent Cause of Everything Intelligibly...
...Popular religion seldom rises above this level, and even gifted theologians often
sink... God is now thought of as a timelessBeing and therefore changeless, but...
Introduction
... The Letters of Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch INTRODUCTION. The significance of these
seven letters lies in theirbeing intimate, familiar, andpopular....
Preface
... The aim has been to give in concise,popular form answers to some of the many... vital
importance to the life of the Church and the nation isbeing understood as...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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