Analyzing Motivations and Attitudes in Biblical Examples
The Bible frequently presents examples of individuals whose motivations and attitudes are highlighted, serving as models or warnings for believers [5]. These examples often illustrate core theological concepts such as self-denial, zeal, resignation, and diligence.
Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example in various aspects of life and faith. His self-denial, for instance, is seen in his resistance to temptation (Matthew 4:8-10) and his submission to the Father's will (John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) [3]. This self-denial is described as a test of devotion to Christ and necessary for following him, particularly in the spiritual warfare of saints (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Timothy 2:4) [3]. Similarly, Christ's resignation to God's will is evident in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39-44) and his acceptance of his fate (John 12:27; 18:11) [4]. This attitude of resignation is commanded for believers, encouraging submission to God's will and sovereignty, even in the face of death, loss, or suffering (Psalm 37:7; Job 1:15-21; Hebrews 12:9) [4].
Zeal is another attitude exemplified by Christ (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17) [2]. This zeal, when godly, is ardent and can provoke others to good works (Psalm 119:139; 2 Corinthians 9:2) [2]. It should be exhibited in spirit, in well-doing, in desiring the salvation of others, and in contending for the faith, all for the glory of God (Romans 12:11; Galatians 4:18; Jude 1:3; Numbers 25:11-13) [2]. However, the Bible also warns that zeal can be wrongly directed, as seen in examples like Saul's persecution of Christians before his conversion (Acts 22:3-4; Philippians 3:6) [2].
Diligence, often characterized by early rising, is also presented through various biblical figures. Christ himself rose early for devotion (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38) [1]. This practice is shown to be requisite for devotion (Psalm 5:3), for executing God's commands (Genesis 22:3, where Abraham rose early to offer Isaac), and for daily duties (Proverbs 31:15) [1]. Figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, and David are noted for their early rising in the context of their service or duties (Genesis 19:27; 26:31; 28:18; Joshua 3:1; Judges 6:38; 1 Samuel 15:12; 17:20) [1]. Conversely, neglecting diligence can lead to poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11), while the wicked may rise early for deceit or to execute evil plans (Proverbs 27:14; Micah 2:1) [1]. This illustrates that the motivation behind an action is crucial; outward actions alone do not define righteousness [9].
The Bible also highlights the importance of considering the motivations and attitudes of others. Believers are encouraged to "consider one another" to provoke love and good works, rather than hatred [10]. This involves attentively fixing the mind on the characters and needs of brethren to offer mutual help and counsel [10]. Paul's leadership during the shipwreck in Acts 27 demonstrates how his positive example and strong faith encouraged others, illustrating the impact of one's attitude on those around them [8].
Even God's actions are sometimes described in ways that emphasize careful consideration of motivations. For example, in Genesis 18:21, God states, "I will go down now, and see whether their deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me. If not, I will know" [7]. This anthropomorphic language suggests a thorough assessment before judgment. Afflictions, too, are presented as having beneficial purposes, such as promoting God's glory, teaching His will, turning people to Him, and convincing them of sin, thereby shaping attitudes and motivations [6].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Zeal — Christ an example of -- Ps 69:9; Joh 2:17. Godly sorrow leads to -- 2Co 7:10,11. Of saints, ardent -- Ps 119:139. Provokes others to do good -- 2Co 9:2. Should be exhibited In spirit. -- Ro 12:11. In well-doing. -- Ga 4:18; Tit 2:14. In desiring the salvation of others. -- Ac 26:29; Ro 10:1. In contending for the faith. -- Jude 1:3. In missionary labours. -- Ro 15:19,23. For the glory of God. -- Nu 25:11,13. For the welfare of saints. -- Col 4:13. Against idolatry. -- 2Ki 23:4-14. Sometimes wrongly directed -- 2Sa 21:2; Ac 22:3,4; Php 3:6. Sometimes not accord”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- Genesis “I will go down now, and see whether their deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me. If not, I will know.” -- Genesis 18:21”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 27:33: 27:33-35 Paul’s words and actions are those of a true leader who personally assesses a perilous situation, decides on action, and leads others in solving the problem (cp. Neh 1–3; contrast Jon 1). Paul’s positive example and strong faith in God (Acts 27:22-25) encouraged the others to eat and take heart.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:8: 15:8 God looks beyond the outward actions of sacrifice and prayers to see if they reflect the heart’s attitude (see also 21:27; Ps 40:6-8; Mic 6:6-8).”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 10:24: Here, as elsewhere, hope and love follow faith; the Pauline triad of Christian graces. consider--with the mind attentively fixed on "one another" (see on Heb 3:1), contemplating with continual consideration the characters and wants of our brethren, so as to render mutual help and counsel. Compare "consider," Psa 41:1, and Heb 12:15, "(All) looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God." to provoke--Greek, "with a view to provoking unto love," instead of provoking to hatred, as is too often the case.”