Encouraging Others to Follow God's Word Over Human Examples
Encouraging Others to Follow God's Word Over Human Examples
The biblical basis for encouraging others to follow God's Word over human examples is rooted in the apostle Paul's teachings. He emphasizes the importance of imitating God and following Christ's example [6]. In 1 Corinthians 10:33, Paul writes, "even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Follow me, as I follow Christ" [4]. This establishes a clear hierarchy where believers are to follow Christ, and in doing so, they are encouraged to follow the examples of those who imitate Christ.
The New Testament writers stress the significance of Christ's example. In John 13:15, Jesus says, "For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you" [9]. This principle is reiterated in various epistles, where believers are exhorted to follow the example of Christ and, by extension, those who faithfully follow Him. For instance, the apostle Paul encourages the Ephesians to "be followers of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you" [6].
The importance of prioritizing God's Word over human examples is underscored by the apostle Paul's assertion that the gospel is not to be "peddled" for personal gain, but is to be shared sincerely, as from God and in the sight of God [1, 2]. This sincerity and authenticity are crucial in encouraging others to follow God's Word. Believers are to speak "not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts" [3].
In the view of Nonconformist/Puritan theologian Matthew Henry, the design of Christ's doctrine is to engage and quicken believers to the practice of Christian duties, including beneficence and doing good to those in need [8]. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that faith works through love [5].
The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, emphasizes that the only rule for a Christian is the Word of Christ, and the only pattern for imitation is the example of Christ. Believers should not compare themselves with others but rather examine their conduct by the words and example of Christ [7].
Sources
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 2:17 (BSB) — For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.”
- 2 Corinthians “For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ. -- 2 Corinthians 2:17”
- 1 Thessalonians “But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. -- 1 Thessalonians 2:4”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 10:33 (Tyndale) — euen as I please all men in all thinges not sekynge myne awne proffet but the proffet of many that they myght be saved. Folowe me as I do Christ.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Love to Man — Is of God -- 1Jo 4:7. Commanded by God -- 1Jo 4:21. Commanded by Christ -- Joh 13:34; 15:12; 1Jo 3:23. After the example of Christ -- Joh 13:34; 15:12; Eph 5:2. Taught by God -- 1Th 4:9. Faith works by -- Ga 5:6. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22; Col 1:8. Purity of heart leads to -- 1Pe 1:22. Explained -- 1Co 13:4-7. Is an active principle -- 1Th 1:3; Heb 6:10. Is an abiding principle -- 1Co 13:8,13. Is the second great commandment -- Mt 22:37-39. Is the end of the commandment -- 1Ti 1:5. Supernatural gifts are nothing without -- 1Co 13:1,2. The greates”
- Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 5:1: Here we have the exhortation to mutual love, or to Christian charity. The apostle had been insisting on this in the former chapter, and particularly in the last verses of it, to which the particle therefore refers, and connects what he had said there with what is contained in these verses, thus: "Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be you followers of God, or imitators of him;" for so the word signifies. Pious persons should imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them. They must conform themsel”
- 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 ”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 16:1: We mistake if we imagine that the design of Christ's doctrine and holy religion was either to amuse us with notions of divine mysteries or to entertain us with notions of divine mercies. No, the divine revelation of both these in the gospel is intended to engage and quicken us to the practice of Christian duties, and, as much as any one thing, to the duty of beneficence and doing good to those who stand in need of any thing that either we have or can do for them. This our Saviour is here pressing us to, by reminding us that we are but stewards of the manifold grace ”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 13:15: For I have given you an example,.... Christ is an example to his people, in many things; not in his miraculous performances and mediatorial work, but in the exercise of grace, of meekness, humility, love, patience, and the like; and in the discharge of duty, in submission to ordinances, and in attending on them; and in the several duties, both to them that are without, and to them that are within; and also in his sufferings and death; not that he died merely as an example, but likewise in the room and stead of his people; but here he is spoken of, as an example, in a p”