Conforming to Christ's Example in Struggle and Imperfection

The Christian life calls believers to conform to the example of Christ, particularly in navigating struggles and imperfections. This conformity is not merely an aspiration but a required aspect of Christian living, encompassing various virtues and attitudes ^[1].

Central to this call is the understanding that Christ's example is perfect and serves as the ultimate pattern for believers ^[1]. The author of Hebrews presents Jesus as the "supreme example of faithful endurance," urging believers to fix their eyes on Him and His work ^{[12, 15]}. This endurance is crucial for the Christian life, which is metaphorically described as a race where believers must strip off hindrances like sin ^[15].

Conforming to Christ's example involves specific areas of life:

Holiness and Righteousness: Believers are called to live in holiness and righteousness, reflecting Christ's own purity ^[1]. John states that "everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure" (1 John 3:3) ^[1].
Love: Christ's love, exemplified in His command to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34), is a foundational aspect of Christian conduct ^[1]. This love is further demonstrated by His ultimate sacrifice: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13) ^[1].
Humility and Meekness: Jesus demonstrated profound humility, stating, "I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29) and taking on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7) ^[1]. Believers are exhorted to have the same mindset ^[1].
Obedience and Self-Denial: Christ's life was marked by obedience to the Father's will (John 15:10) and self-denial ^{[1, 2]}. He denied Himself worldly power and comfort, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8) ^[2]. This self-denial is a test of devotion and necessary for following Christ, involving denying ungodliness, controlling appetites, and mortifying sinful lusts ^[2].
Ministering to Others and Benevolence: Jesus came "not to be served but to serve" (Matthew 20:28), providing an example of ministering to others ^[1]. His benevolence is seen in His sacrificial giving, even though He was rich, He became poor for the sake of believers (2 Corinthians 8:9) ^[1].
Forgiving Injuries: Christ's example extends to forgiving those who wrong us, as seen in His command to "forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven you" (Colossians 3:13) ^[1].
Overcoming the World: Jesus declared, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33) ^[1]. Believers are called to share in this victory, not being "of the world" (John 17:16) ^[1].
Patience in Suffering: A significant aspect of conforming to Christ is patient endurance in suffering ^[11]. Christ Himself suffered persecution and was patient under it (Isaiah 53:7) ^[6]. He voluntarily submitted to suffering (Isaiah 50:6) ^[6]. This is a key theme in the New Testament, with passages like 1 Peter 2:21 stating that Christ suffered for us, leaving an example for believers to follow when they suffer unjustly ^{[11, 13, 17]}. The apostle Paul also embraced suffering, finding strength in weakness for Christ's sake (2 Corinthians 12:10) ^{[9, 10]}. Believers are called to "suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3, 8) ^{[7, 8]}.
Resignation to God's Will: Christ's prayer in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42), exemplifies resignation to God's will, even in the face of immense suffering ^[5]. This attitude of submission is commanded for believers in various circumstances, including loss, chastisement, and the prospect of death ^[5].
Diligence: Christ also set an example of diligence, as seen in His early rising for devotion (Mark 1:35) and His commitment to His Father's work (Luke 2:49) ^{[3, 4]}. This diligence is required of believers in seeking God, obeying Him, and striving for perfection ^[4].

The call to conform to Christ's example is not about achieving sinless perfection in this life, but about a continuous process of growth and imitation. John Gill notes that suffering for well-doing is part of the saints' "effectual calling" ^[17]. Matthew Henry observes that even the best Christians may experience grievous afflictions, and their endurance should have a "perfect work" in them, leading to full development of Christian character ^{[14, 18]}. Adam Clarke emphasizes that the "only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ," and believers should examine their conduct by Christ's words and example rather than comparing themselves to others ^[16].

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
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: 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: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
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:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Persecution — Christ suffered -- Ps 69:26; Joh 5:16. Christ voluntarily submitted to -- Isa 50:6. Christ was patient under -- Isa 53:7. Saints may expect -- Mr 10:30; Lu 21:12; Joh 15:20. Saints suffer, for the sake of God -- Jer 15:15. Of saints, is a persecution of Christ -- Zec 2:8; Ac 9:4,5. All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer -- 2Ti 3:12. Originates Ignorance of God and Christ. -- Joh 16:3. Hated to God and Christ. -- Joh 15:20,24. Hatred to the gospel. -- Mt 13:21. Pride. -- Ps 10:2. Mistaken zeal. -- Ac 13:50; 26:9-11. Is inconsistent with the spirit o”
II Timothy “II Timothy 2:3 (BSB) — Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy “2 Timothy 2:3 (NASB) — Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
2 Corinthians “2 Corinthians 12:10 (NASB) — Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
II Corinthians “II Corinthians 12:10 (Geneva1599) — Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproches, in necessities, in persecutions, in anguish for Christes sake: for when I am weake, then am I strong.”
1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 2:21: Christ's example a proof that patient endurance under undeserved sufferings is acceptable with God. hereunto--to the patient endurance of unmerited suffering (Pe1 3:9). Christ is an example to servants, even as He was once in "the form of a servant." called--with a heavenly calling, though slaves. for us--His dying for us is the highest exemplification of "doing well" (Pe1 2:20). Ye must patiently suffer, being innocent, as Christ also innocently suffered (not for Himself, but for us). The oldest manuscripts for "us . . . us," read, "you . . . f”
Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:2: 12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated th”
1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 3:18: Here, I. The example of Christ is proposed as an argument for patience under sufferings, the strength of which will be discerned if we consider the several points contained in the words; observe therefore, 1. Jesus Christ himself was not exempted from sufferings in this life, though he had no guilt of his own and could have declined all suffering if he had pleased. 2. The reason or meritorious cause of Christ's suffering was the sins of men: Christ suffered for sins. The sufferings of Christ were a true and proper punishment; this punishment was suffered to expia”
James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 1:4: Let endurance have a perfect work (taken out of the previous "worketh patience" or endurance), that is, have its full effect, by showing the most perfect degree of endurance, namely, "joy in bearing the cross" [MENOCHIUS], and enduring to the end (Mat 10:22) [CALVIN]. ye may be perfect--fully developed in all the attributes of a Christian character. For this there is required "joy" [BENGEL], as part of the "perfect work" of probation. The work of God in a man is the man. If God's teachings by patience have had a perfect work in you, you are perfect [AL”
Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 2:20: For even hereunto were ye called,.... Both to well doing, of which none but those who are called with an holy and effectual calling are capable; and which they are fitted for, and are under obligation to perform, and to suffer for so doing, which they must always expect, and to patience in suffering for it, which highly becomes them. This being then one end of the saints' effectual calling, is made use of as an argument to engage them to the exercise of the grace of patience in suffering for well doing; and another follows: because Christ also suffered for us; in o”
James (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on James 1:2: We now come to consider the matter of this epistle. In this paragraph we have the following things to be observed: - I. The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented, and that in a very instructive manner, if we attend to what is plainly and necessarily implied, together with what is fully expressed. 1. It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians, even of those who have the most reason to think and hope well of themselves. Such as have a title to the greatest joy may yet endure very grievous afflictions. As goo”

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