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Encouraging Others to Prioritize Christ's Character and Example

Christ's example stands as the central pattern for Christian conduct, explicitly named in Scripture as the model believers are to follow. The apostle Paul writes that Christ "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:5-8), presenting this self-emptying as the template for humility [1]. Similarly, Jesus himself declared, "I have given you an example" after washing his disciples' feet, instructing them to imitate his servant posture (John 13:14-15) [3, 12]. This is not merely aspirational language but a concrete call: believers are to pattern their lives after the character displayed in Christ's earthly ministry.

The Biblical Foundation for Imitation

Scripture consistently presents Christ as the exemplar across multiple virtues. He modeled humility in his incarnation and ministry [1], diligence in seeking the Father even in early morning prayer [2], sincerity in all his dealings [6], and self-denial in refusing worldly power and comfort [7]. Paul's instruction to the Ephesians makes the imitation explicit: "Be followers of God" or "imitators of God," a command grounded in the forgiveness believers have received through Christ [11]. The logic is straightforward—those who have been transformed by grace should reflect the character of the one who transformed them.

The apostle Paul himself functioned as a secondary example, telling the Philippians to observe his pattern of pressing toward Christ [13]. Yet Paul's example derives its authority entirely from his conformity to Christ. As Adam Clarke notes on Galatians 6:4, "The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [9]. Believers are not to measure themselves against one another but against the standard Christ himself set.

Encouraging Others Through Example

The call to imitate Christ extends beyond personal piety to active encouragement of others. Paul told the Ephesian elders, "In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak" (Acts 20:35) [3], demonstrating that example-setting is itself a form of ministry. Timothy received similar instruction: "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12) [5]. The young pastor's life was to be a visible demonstration that would provoke others toward Christlikeness.

This missionary impulse—the duty to encourage others toward Christ's character—applies universally. One topical index notes that "all Christians should be" missionaries "after the example of Christ," and that "women and children as well as men" share this calling [4]. The principle is stewardship: believers are "faithful stewards" of the grace they have received and must exercise that stewardship by modeling and teaching Christ's way [4]. Matthew Henry observes that ministers especially "should be examples" of sincerity in their preaching and conduct [6], but the responsibility is not confined to clergy.

The Virtues to Emphasize

When encouraging others to prioritize Christ's character, certain qualities emerge as central. Humility receives particular emphasis: those who possess it are "regarded by God," "heard by God," and "exalted by God" (Psalm 138:6; James 4:10) [1]. Christ's humility in taking the form of a servant becomes the pattern for greatness in his kingdom (Matthew 18:4; 20:26-28) [1]. Self-denial, likewise, is "necessary in following Christ" and "in the warfare of saints," requiring believers to deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts" and to mortify sinful desires [7].

Diligence appears as another Christlike trait, demonstrated in Jesus' early rising to pray and his focus on his Father's business [2]. Believers are called to diligence in "seeking him," "obeying him," "striving after perfection," and "making our call sure" (1 Chronicles 22:19; Philippians 3:13-14; 2 Peter 1:10) [2]. Sincerity must characterize "our love to God," "our service to God," and "our whole conduct," with Christ himself standing as the supreme example of sincerity [6].

The Communal Dimension

Matthew Henry's commentary on Philippians 2 identifies "like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness" as the twin goals of Christian community, both "in conformity to the example of the Lord Jesus" [10]. The call is to "be of one accord, of one mind," united by shared love and humility [10]. This unity is not uniformity of opinion on all matters but agreement on the essential: "that Christ is a Ch[ief good]" and that believers set their hearts on him and heaven [13]. Where Christians differ on secondary issues, they remain united in making "Christ all in all" [13].

The practice of thanksgiving also reflects Christ's character, as he consistently gave thanks before meals and in prayer (Matthew 11:25; John 6:11) [8]. Believers are commanded to offer thanksgiving "through Christ," "in the name of Christ," and "in everything" (Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18) [8], making gratitude a distinguishing mark of those who follow his example.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
  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:”
  3. Acts “In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” -- Acts 20:35”
  4. 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”
  5. I Timothy “I Timothy 4:12 (BSB) — Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  7. 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 ”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Thanksgiving — Christ set an example of -- Mt 11:25; 26:27; Joh 6:11; 11:41. The heavenly host engaged in -- Re 4:9; 7:11,12; 11:16,17. Commanded -- Ps 50:14; Php 4:6. Is a good thing -- Ps 92:1. Should be offered To God. -- Ps 50:14. To Christ. -- 1Ti 1:12. Through Christ. -- Ro 1:8; Col 3:17; Heb 13:15. In the name of Christ. -- Eph 5:20. In behalf of ministers. -- 2Co 1:11. In private worship. -- Da 6:10. In public worship. -- Ps 35:18. In everything. -- 1Th 5:18. Upon the completion of great undertakings. -- Ne 12:31,40. Before taking food. -- Joh 6:11; Ac 27:35.”
  9. 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 ”
  10. Philippians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Philippians 2:1: The apostle proceeds in this chapter where he left off in the last, with further exhortations to Christian duties. He presses them largely to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, in conformity to the example of the Lord Jesus, the great pattern of humility and love. Here we may observe, I. The great gospel precept passed upon us; that is, to love one another. This is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. This he represents (Phi 2:2) by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. We are ”
  11. 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”
  12. 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”
  13. Philippians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Philippians 3:15: The apostle, having proposed himself as an example, urges the Philippians to follow it. Let the same mind be in us which was in blessed Paul. We see here how he was minded; let us be like-minded, and set our hearts upon Christ and heaven, as he did. 1. He shows that this was the thing wherein all good Christians were agreed, to make Christ all in all, and set their hearts upon another world. This is that whereto we have all attained. However good Christians may differ in their sentiments about other things, this is what they are agreed in, that Christ is a Ch”
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