Do Examples in Christian Discourse Focus on Christ or Human Effort

Christian discourse frequently emphasizes both Christ's example and human effort, often presenting them as interconnected rather than mutually exclusive. The New Testament consistently portrays Christ as the ultimate model for believers, while simultaneously calling for diligent human response and action.

Christ's life and character serve as a foundational example for Christians in various aspects of their faith and conduct. He is presented as an example of good works, with passages like John 10:32 and Acts 10:38 cited to illustrate this ^[1]. His diligence is highlighted in texts such as Mark 1:35 and Luke 2:49, demonstrating his commitment to his mission ^[2]. Self-denial, a crucial aspect of Christian discipleship, is also exemplified by Christ, as seen in Matthew 4:8-10, John 6:38, and Philippians 2:6-8 ^[3]. Furthermore, Christ's zeal for God's glory is noted in Psalm 69:9 and John 2:17 ^[6]. The call for Christians to be "missionaries" is explicitly linked to Christ's example in Acts 10:38 ^[4].

The Apostle Peter, for instance, points to Christ's patient endurance of unmerited suffering as an example for believers, particularly in the context of suffering for doing good ^{[9, 10]}. This is not merely an abstract theological point but a practical guide for how Christians should respond to adversity. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Philippians 2:5, urges believers to adopt "the same disposition that was in Jesus," describing Christ as "humble, loving, patient, and laborious," whose primary aim was "to do the will of his Father, and to finish his work" ^[8]. Clarke further states that "the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" ^[7].

While Christ's example is paramount, Christian discourse also places significant emphasis on human effort, diligence, and active participation in the life of faith. Good works, though exemplified by Christ, are also described as "fruits meet for repentance" (Matthew 3:8) and "fruits of righteousness" (Philippians 1:11) ^[1]. These works are understood to be "by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God" and can only be performed by those who "abide in Christ" (John 15:4-5) ^[1]. This suggests that human effort is not independent but empowered and directed by Christ. The Scripture itself is designed to lead believers to good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17) ^[1].

Diligence is a recurring theme, with believers exhorted to be diligent in seeking God (1 Chronicles 22:19), obeying Him (Deuteronomy 6:17), striving for perfection (Philippians 3:13-14), cultivating Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5), and guarding against defilement (Hebrews 12:15) ^[2]. The "labours of love" are also highlighted as an area requiring diligence (Hebrews 6:10-12) ^[2]. Self-denial, while exemplified by Christ, is presented as a necessary practice for followers of Christ, involving denying ungodliness, controlling appetite, abstaining from fleshly lusts, and mortifying sinful desires (Romans 6:12, Titus 2:12, 1 Peter 2:11) ^[3].

The concept of "zeal" is another area where human effort is emphasized. While Christ is the ultimate example of zeal, believers are called to exhibit zeal "in spirit" (Romans 12:11), "in well-doing" (Galatians 4:18), in desiring the salvation of others (Acts 26:29), and in contending for the faith (Jude 1:3) ^[6]. This zeal should be for the glory of God and the welfare of saints ^[6].

It is important to distinguish between human effort as a means of earning salvation and human effort as a response to salvation. The Torrey's Topical Textbook explicitly states that "Justification unattainable by" works (Romans 3:20, Galatians 2) ^[1]. This aligns with the broader Protestant understanding that salvation is by grace through faith, not by human merit. However, once justified, believers are called to live lives characterized by good works and diligent effort.

The tension between divine action and human responsibility is a consistent theme. Philippians 2:13 states that God "works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." This suggests that even the desire and ability to exert effort come from God. The Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that good works are "wrought by God in us" (Isaiah 26:12; Philippians 2:13) ^[1]. This perspective underscores that human effort is not self-generated but divinely enabled.

Paul's own ministry provides an example of this dynamic. He preached "Christ crucified" not with "worldly... wisdom" but with "heavenly... wisdom" ^[12]. Yet, he also speaks of his own "effort" or "self-reliance" in the flesh, which he contrasts with "reliance on Christ and empowerment by the Spirit" ^[11]. This highlights a crucial distinction: human effort is valuable when it is Spirit-empowered and Christ-centered, but problematic when it stems from self-reliance.

The long-suffering of God, for instance, is presented as a divine attribute (Exodus 34:6) that "should lead to repentance" (Romans 2:4) ^[5]. This implies a human response to God's character. Similarly, the "experience" that patience works is described as "experimental evidence that we have 'believed through grace'" ^[13]. This "proof" is not the cause of salvation but a demonstration of its reality in a believer's life ^[13].

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Works, Good — Christ, an example of -- Joh 10:32; Ac 10:38. Called Good fruits. -- Jas 3:17. Fruits meet for repentance. -- Mt 3:8. Fruits of righteousness. -- Php 1:11. Works and labours of love. -- Heb 6:10. Are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God -- Php 1:11. They alone, who abide in Christ can perform -- Joh 15:4,5. Wrought by God in us -- Isa 26:12; Php 2:13. The Scripture designed to lead us to -- 2Ti 3:16,17; Jas 1:25. To be performed in Christ's name -- Col 3:17. Heavenly wisdom is full of -- Jas 3:17. Justification unattainable by -- Ro 3:20; Ga 2”
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: 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: Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As — After the example of Christ -- Ac 10:38. Women and children as well as men -- Ps 8:2; Pr 31:26; Mt 21:15,16; Php 4:3; 1Ti 5:10; Tit 2:3-5; 1Pe 3:1. The zeal of idolaters should provoke to -- Jer 7:18. The zeal of hypocrites should provoke to -- Mt 23:15. An imperative duty -- Jdj 5:23; Lu 19:40. The principle on which -- 2Co 5:14,15. However weak they may be -- 1Co 1:27. From their calling as saints -- Ex 19:6; 1Pe 2:9. As faithful stewards -- 1Pe 4:10,11. In youth -- Ps 71:17; 148:12,13. In old age -- De 32:7; Ps 71:18. In”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Long-Suffering of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ex 34:6; Nu 14:18; Ps 86:15. Salvation, the object of -- 2Pe 3:15. Through Christ's intercession -- Lu 13:8. Should lead to repentance -- Ro 2:4; 2Pe 3:9. An encouragement to repent -- Joe 2:13. Exhibited in forgiving sins -- Ro 3:25. Exercised toward His people. -- Isa 30:18; Eze 20:17. The wicked. -- Ro 9:22; 1Pe 3:20. Plead in prayer -- Jer 15:15. Limits set to -- Ge 6:3; Jer 44:22. The wicked Abuse. -- Ec 8:11; Mt 24:48,49. Despise. -- Ro 2:4. Punished for despising. -- Ne 9:30; Mt 24:48-51; Ro 2:5. Illustr”
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”
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 ”
Philippians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus - Christ labored to promote no separate interest; as man he studied to promote the glory of God, and the welfare and salvation of the human race. See then that ye have the same disposition that was in Jesus: he was ever humble, loving, patient, and laborious; his meat and drink was to do the will of his Father, and to finish his work.”
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”
1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 3:13: 3:13-17 This short paragraph emphasizes the Christian response to suffering—following Christ’s example (3:18). 3:13 Generally speaking, no one will want to harm someone who is doing good, but sometimes Christians do suffer even when they do good (3:14; see 1:6; 4:12-19).”
Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 3:4: 3:4 in my own effort (literally in the flesh): Paul uses flesh here for self-reliance and human effort in contrast to reliance on Christ and empowerment by the Spirit.”
1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2 (introduction): PAUL'S SUBJECT OF PREACHING, CHRIST CRUCIFIED, NOT IN WORLDLY, BUT IN HEAVENLY, WISDOM AMONG THE PERFECT. (1Co. 2:1-16) And I--"So I" [CONYBEARE] as one of the "foolish, weak, and despised" instruments employed by God (Co1 1:27-28); "glorying in the Lord," not in man's wisdom (Co1 1:31). Compare Co1 1:23, "We." when I came-- (Act 18:1, &c.). Paul might, had he pleased, have used an ornate style, having studied secular learning at Tarsus of Cilicia, which STRABO preferred as a school of learning to Athens or Alexandria; here, doubt”
Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 5:4: patience worketh experience--rather, "proof," as the same word is rendered in Co2 2:9; Co2 13:3; Phi 2:22; that is, experimental evidence that we have "believed through grace." and experience--"proof." hope--"of the glory of God," as prepared for us. Thus have we hope in two distinct ways, and at two successive stages of the Christian life: first, immediately on believing, along with the sense of peace and abiding access to God (Rom 5:1); next, after the reality of this faith has been "proved," particularly by the patient endurance of trials sent to”

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