The evangelical counsels refer to the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which are intended to lead individuals to a deeper commitment to God and a more authentic Christian life. While not explicitly outlined as formal counsels in the Bible, they are rooted in the teachings of Christ, such as in Matthew 19:21, where Jesus emphasizes the call to sell possessions and follow Him.
Scripture
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”
18 “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?”
21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Evangelical Counsels Defined in the Bible
The concept of the evangelical counsels—poverty, chastity, and obedience—emerges from a profound understanding of Christian discipleship that seeks to align one’s life more closely with the life of Jesus Christ. While these counsels are not explicitly enumerated in Scripture, their essence is deeply woven into the fabric of the New Testament teachings. For instance, in Matthew 19:21, Jesus instructs a wealthy young ruler to “[go], sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” This call not only highlights the call to poverty but extends to a transformative relationship with Christ that prioritizes spiritual wealth over material.
Moreover, the call to chastity and obedience resonates throughout the teachings of Jesus and also in the letters of the Apostle Paul. In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus elevates the understanding of fidelity, stating that even lustful thoughts amount to adultery, thus advocating for a purity of heart that extends beyond mere actions. Obedience, on the other hand, is encapsulated in Jesus’ own life and His crucial exhortation in John 14:15: “If you love me, keep my commands.” The evangelical counsels, therefore, signify a radical commitment to live according to the values of the Kingdom of God, encouraging believers to forsake worldly attachments, embrace a life of self-giving love, and remain faithful to God’s will—transforming both personal life and community. Collectively, these counsels serve as a guide for those seeking a more profound and dedicated discipleship, reflecting the heart of the Gospel’s message.
The evangelical counsels are illuminated through various passages that underscore the nature of commitment and self-denial required of a true disciple. In Luke 9:23, Jesus invites those who wish to follow Him to take up their cross daily, signifying an invitation to a life of sacrifice and surrender. This call highlights the necessity of obedience, where the act of taking up the cross involves a submission to God’s will and a profound willingness to face challenges for the sake of the Gospel. This counsel suggests that true discipleship is often paved with trials that demand both resilience and faithfulness.
Additionally, the call to chastity can be found in Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 7, where he speaks about the virtues of celibacy as a way to serve God without distraction. This passage indicates that living a life of chastity can enhance one’s devotion to God while allowing for a deeper engagement in spiritual endeavors. Furthermore, the principle of poverty is echoed in Acts 2:44-45, where the early believers shared their possessions, embodying a communal lifestyle that prioritized the needs of others over individual wealth. This foundational example illustrates the radical nature of living in accordance with the evangelical counsels, where believers are called to embody a spirit of generosity, purity, and obedience, reflecting the transformative power of Christ within a community of faith. In essence, these counsels serve not only as personal commitments but as collective markers of the Christian life, inviting the faithful to pursue holiness in every aspect of their existence.
The Call to Radical Discipleship
The evangelical counsels—poverty, chastity, and obedience—represent a call to radical discipleship that transcends mere adherence to moral laws. They invite believers to embrace a lifestyle that reflects a deep commitment to following Christ. This radical approach encourages individuals to detach from worldly possessions, relationships, and personal ambitions, fostering a deeper reliance on God and a more profound expression of faith. By living out these counsels, believers can embody the values of the Kingdom of God, demonstrating love, service, and humility in their daily lives.
A Pathway to Holiness
The evangelical counsels serve as a pathway to holiness, guiding individuals toward a more intimate relationship with God. By practicing poverty, individuals learn to trust in divine providence and prioritize spiritual wealth over material gain. Chastity fosters a pure heart, allowing believers to love others selflessly and authentically. Obedience cultivates a spirit of surrender, aligning one’s will with God’s purpose. Together, these counsels create a framework for spiritual growth, enabling believers to pursue a life that reflects Christ’s love and holiness in a world often distracted by superficial values.
Community and Service
The practice of the evangelical counsels also emphasizes the importance of community and service within the Christian faith. By living out these counsels, individuals often find themselves drawn into communities that share similar values, fostering mutual support and accountability. This communal aspect encourages believers to serve others, reflecting Christ’s love through acts of charity and compassion. The counsels thus not only shape personal spirituality but also contribute to the building of a vibrant, loving community that embodies the teachings of Jesus and actively participates in the mission of the Church.
How to Deepen Your Faith and Commitment to Christ
Deepening your faith and commitment to Christ is a beautiful journey that requires intentionality and openness. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture; the Bible is not just a book, but a living testament that speaks to our hearts and guides our actions. Set aside time each day for prayer, inviting God into your thoughts and decisions, and listen for His voice in the quiet moments. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you, as fellowship is vital in our walk with Christ. Consider serving others, as acts of kindness not only reflect Christ’s love but also strengthen your own faith. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress; embrace the small steps you take each day, and trust that God is working in you, shaping you into the person He created you to be.
Bible References to Evangelical Counsels:
Matthew 19:27-30: 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”
28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Mark 10:17-22: 17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”
21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Mark 10:28-31: 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.”
29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel,”
30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Luke 18:18-23: 18 A ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’”
21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.”
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
Luke 18:28-30: 28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.”
29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
1 Corinthians 7:25-35: 25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.
27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.
29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none,
30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods,
31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.
33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife.
34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.
35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
Philippians 2:5-8: 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
1 Timothy 6:6-12: 6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,
7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Hebrews 13:5-6: Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.