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Big Idea: God as an example for us, especially through the life of Christ, wants us to be a good example to others, too.
Be a Good Example
God constantly shows us His attributes. He models love, mercy and forgiveness. He shows us right from wrong as a father shows his children how to live. He has created us in His image and He wants to influence us to live a better life, looking toward eternity.
Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Psalm 17: 7 NLT
The Perfect Example
Jesus walked on earth as God and man. He modeled “God with us” living among the people. He modeled love. He modeled prayer with God the Father. He challenged what is wrong. He modeled servant leadership.Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20: 28 NLT
We can learn a lot about the Christian life studying the Father and the Son. Ask the Holy Spirit for insight. God Himself is our perfect example.
Other Example Categories in the Bible
Parents: The Old Testament especially notes repeatedly how children saw the example of the parents and followed or did not follow. Parents are exhorted to teach their children what is right; To teach God’s ways. This continues in the New Testament too. Parents, Grandparents, big sisters and brothers, you are examples to the children. They are watching.Teachers/Pastors: In both the Old and New Testaments we see good and bad teachers. Obviously they have a huge influence on many. In the New Testament church leaders and teachers are supposed to show the way to live.
If you are a parent, know your kid is watching you! If you are a teacher or leader in church, know you are being observed and even imitated.
You are to be an example
Paul tells the church at Philippi in Philippians 3:17 to follow his example, and thus be an example to others.
Paul tells Timothy to live as an example to the church even though he is young (1 Tim 4:12)
Titus is called to be an example “Doing good works of every kind.” (Titus 2:7)
Peter tells the elders to lead by good example. (1 Peter 5:3)
Hebrews 6:12 encourages us the follow the example of others who are believers.
Hebrews 11, known as the faith chapter of the Bible, gives lots of examples and says in Hebrews 11:4 that Abel though long dead, is an example to us. So we, through our life, and even after our death, can have a life and legacy for Christ that inspires others to follow Jesus.
Hebrews 13:7 tells us to see the example of those leaders who have taught us the Word of God, and follow their example.
We are examples for good or for bad. As a parent, we are an example to our children. For each Christian around us, we are an example, either good or bad, of what the Christian life can be like. For those at our workplace, or relatives who don’t know Jesus, as they see our faith we are an example to them too. Good or bad. Needless to say, we should strive to be a good example.
The Only Bible Some May Ever Read
A well quoted saying should motivate us to be intentional in the way we live our life, even without words. “You may be the only Bible some may ever read.”Imagine that!
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This post is fifty-first in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.
Up next: Find the Application: The God Reveal
Previous post: Find the Application: Learn from Good Examples -3
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Reflect:
1.What do you admire about Jesus? How can He be an example for you in your life related to this quality?
2. Have you ever thought of yourself as an example to others?
- to those you may teach
- to those new Christians in your life
- to people around you who don’t know Jesus yet
How does that make you feel? Do you think you should change anything about how you act or react?
3. Reflect on the phrase, “You may be the only Bible may ever read.” How can this apply in your life among others?
