Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Not a Fan summary
Brief summary
Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman delves into the difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a true follower. It challenges readers to wholeheartedly commit to a life of discipleship.
Topics
Table of Contents
Not a Fan
Summary of key ideas
Challenging Our Notions of Fandom
In Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman challenges the popular notion of being a fan of Jesus and encourages readers to become true followers. He begins by drawing a clear distinction between fans and followers. Fans, he explains, are enthusiastic admirers who cheer for Jesus from the sidelines, while followers are deeply committed disciples who walk with Him daily. Idleman then invites us to honestly assess our own spiritual journey to determine whether we are merely fans or genuine followers of Christ.
He introduces us to the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler, a man who claimed to be a follower but was unwilling to give up his wealth. Idleman uses this story to illustrate the concept of 'comfortable Christianity' - a form of faith that doesn't require much sacrifice or commitment. He challenges us to consider whether we are also holding on to things that hinder us from truly following Jesus.
The Cost of Following Jesus
As we delve deeper into Not a Fan, Idleman emphasizes the cost of following Jesus. He shares personal anecdotes and biblical examples to highlight that true discipleship demands a radical change in our priorities, relationships, and lifestyles. He argues that being a follower of Christ requires us to surrender our will, take up our cross, and follow Him wholeheartedly - even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Idleman also addresses the misconceptions about salvation, stressing that it's not just a one-time event but an ongoing journey of transformation. He challenges us to move beyond a 'get out of hell free' mentality and embrace the full implications of following Jesus. This includes loving our enemies, forgiving others, and serving selflessly - even when it's difficult.
Living as a True Follower
In the latter part of the book, Idleman offers practical advice on how to transition from being a fan to a follower. He suggests that we must first acknowledge our true spiritual condition and then make a conscious decision to follow Jesus, no matter the cost. This decision, he explains, should reflect in our daily choices, behaviors, and attitudes.
Idleman also emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. He encourages us to spend time in prayer, study the Bible, and engage in authentic community with other believers. These practices, he argues, are essential for nurturing our faith and growing as genuine followers of Christ.
Embracing True Discipleship
In conclusion, Not a Fan serves as a wake-up call for those who consider themselves fans of Jesus rather than followers. Idleman challenges us to reevaluate our spiritual commitment and embrace the radical call of discipleship. He stresses that being a follower of Christ is not always easy, but it is undoubtedly worth it. By the end of the book, readers are left with a profound question: are we truly fans or followers of Jesus?
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Not a Fan about?
Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman challenges readers to move from being a fan of Jesus to being a committed follower. Through personal stories and biblical teachings, the book urges us to examine our faith and make a genuine, wholehearted commitment to Christ. It prompts us to consider whether we are truly living out our beliefs or simply cheering from the sidelines.
Not a Fan Review
Not a Fan (2011) challenges readers to move beyond mere admiration for Jesus and become true followers. This book is worth reading because of:
- Its thought-provoking perspective on what it means to be a follower of Jesus, pushing readers to reevaluate their own commitment.
- The book offers practical steps for transforming passive fans into dedicated followers, providing a clear roadmap for spiritual growth.
- Through compelling stories and relatable examples, the book captivates readers, ensuring that the journey from fan to follower is anything but boring.
Who should read Not a Fan?
Individuals who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus
People who are tired of superficial or lukewarm faith
Readers who are open to challenging their current beliefs and practices
Categories with Not a Fan
Book summaries like Not a Fan
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Not a Fan FAQs
What is the main message of Not a Fan?
The main message of Not a Fan focuses on moving from a casual fan to a committed follower of Jesus.
How long does it take to read Not a Fan?
Reading Not a Fan varies in time; the Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of the full book's time.
Is Not a Fan a good book? Is it worth reading?
Not a Fan is a worthwhile read, encouraging a deeper commitment rather than surface-level faith.
Who is the author of Not a Fan?
Kyle Idleman is the author of Not a Fan.
What to read after Not a Fan?
If you're wondering what to read next after Not a Fan, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan