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Learning from Biblical and Historical Examples of God's Character

The character of God, as revealed in biblical and historical accounts, serves as a foundational standard for human conduct and understanding [2, 7]. From ancient Israelite law to the teachings of the New Testament, individuals are encouraged to imitate divine attributes such as holiness, humility, diligence, and devotedness [1, 2, 4, 5, 7].

One prominent aspect of God's character is holiness, which is presented as the ultimate standard for humanity [2]. The book of Leviticus commands, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" (Leviticus 19:2), a directive echoed in the New Testament (1 Peter 1:15-16) [2]. This holiness is not merely an abstract concept but is demonstrated through God's actions and expectations for His people [2]. The gospel itself is described as "the way of holiness" (Isaiah 35:8), and without holiness, "none shall see God" (Hebrews 12:14) [2]. Christ is presented as the ultimate example of holiness, and believers are called to conform to His character (Romans 8:29; 1 John 2:6) [2].

Humility is another divine characteristic exemplified by Christ, who is described as humbling Himself (Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:5-8) [1]. This quality is considered essential for serving God (Micah 6:8) and is a mark of saints (Psalm 34:2) [1]. God regards those who are humble, hears their prayers, and promises to deliver and exalt them (Psalm 9:12; Isaiah 57:15; James 4:10) [1]. Proverbs 15:33 states that "humility comes before honor" [1].

Diligence is also a quality God requires, as seen in the example of Christ (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [4]. Believers are called to be diligent in seeking God, obeying Him, and striving for spiritual perfection (1 Chronicles 22:19; Hebrews 11:6; Philippians 3:13-14) [4]. This includes cultivating Christian graces, guarding against defilement, and making one's calling sure (2 Peter 1:5; Hebrews 12:15; 2 Peter 1:10) [4].

Devotedness to God is a characteristic of saints, with Christ serving as the supreme example (Job 23:12; John 4:34) [5]. This devotion is grounded in God's mercies, goodness, and call, as well as in Christ's death, creation, preservation, and redemption (Romans 12:1; 1 Samuel 12:24; 2 Corinthians 5:15) [5]. It should be expressed with one's spirit, body, members, and substance, being unreserved and abounding (1 Corinthians 6:20; Romans 12:1; Matthew 6:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:1) [5].

Communion with God is another aspect of divine character that Christ exemplified (Luke 19:41-42) [6]. This involves showing compassion and empathy towards others, including the afflicted, the chastened, enemies, the poor, the weak, and fellow saints (Job 6:14; Psalm 35:13; Proverbs 19:17; 2 Corinthians 11:29) [6]. Such communion is inseparable from love for God (1 John 3:17) [6].

Boldness, particularly "holy boldness," is also presented as a characteristic of saints, exemplified by Christ (John 7:26; Proverbs 28:1) [3]. This boldness comes through faith in Christ and trust in God, and it is fostered by the fear of God and faithfulness to Him (Ephesians 3:12; Isaiah 50:7; Acts 4:19) [3]. Believers are exhorted to have boldness in prayer and will have it in judgment (Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 4:17) [3]. Ministers are specifically called to exhibit boldness in preaching and faithfulness to their people (Acts 4:31; 2 Corinthians 7:4) [3].

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of God's character, which served as a basis for understanding His nature. Moses, in Deuteronomy, urged the Israelites to remember "the days of old" and the "wonderful providences of God" concerning their ancestors, highlighting a "constant series of mercies" [14]. The prophet Micah emphasizes God's uniqueness and unfailing love (Hebrew khesed), noting that He restores His people despite judging them, demonstrating His faithfulness [13]. This question, "Where is another God like you?" (Micah 7:18), plays on Micah's name, meaning "Who is like the Lord?" [13].

The psalmist frequently reflects on God's character and its implications for human life. Psalm 1:1 describes the "godly man's spirit and way" as a reflection of God's commands and promises [11]. Psalm 19:7 highlights that God's glory and goodness are revealed not only in creation but "much more in and by divine revelation," which is essential for recovering humanity from its fallen state [12]. David, in Psalm 71:17, acknowledges that God taught him "from my youth" about the corruption of human nature, the need for grace, and the doctrines of justification and worship [10]. He also expresses a desire to learn God's "righteous judgments" and to be taught His statutes, even in affliction (Psalm 119:7, 124) [16, 17].

The New Testament further develops these themes, emphasizing that a godly life provides evidence of truly knowing God (Colossians 3:5-17; James 2:14-18; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 1:5-6) [15]. John writes, "The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God" (3 John 1:11), and "He who knows God listens to us" (1 John 4:6) [8, 9]. Josephus, in Antiquities of the Jews, also notes that a legislator should "consider the Divine nature" and "imitate the best of all patterns," recognizing God as "the Father and Lord of all things" [7]. This continuous emphasis across various texts underscores the enduring importance of God's character as a model for human aspiration and conduct.

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: Holiness — Commanded -- Le 11:45; 20:7; Eph 5:8; Col 3:12; Ro 12:1. Christ Desires for his people. -- Joh 17:17. Effects, in his people. -- Eph 5:25-27. An example of. -- Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:21,22. The character of God, the standard of -- Le 19:2; 1Pe 1:15,16; Eph 5:1. The character of Christ, the standard of -- Ro 8:29; 1Jo 2:6; Php 2:5. The gospel the way of -- Isa 35:8. Necessary to God's worship -- Ps 24:3,4. None shall see God without -- Eph 5:5; Heb 12:14. Saints Elected to. -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:4. Called to. -- 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9. New created in. -- Eph 4:24. Possess. ”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
  4. 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:”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Devotedness to God — A characteristic of saints -- Job 23:12. Christ, an example of -- Joh 4:34; 17:4. Grounded upon The mercies of God. -- Ro 12:1. The goodness of God. -- 1Sa 12:24. The call of God. -- 1Th 2:12. The death of Christ. -- 2Co 5:15. Our creation. -- Ps 86:9. Our preservation. -- Isa 46:4. Our redemption. -- 1Co 6:19,20. Should be With our spirit. -- 1Co 6:20; 1Pe 4:6. With our bodies. -- Ro 12:1; 1Co 6:20. With our members. -- Ro 6:12,13; 1Pe 4:2. With our substance. -- Ex 22:29; Pr 3:9. Unreserved. -- Mt 6:24; Lu 14:33. Abounding. -- 1Th 4:1. Persever”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
  7. Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 11, section 4: life well, and give laws to others, in the first place should consider the Divine nature; and, upon the contemplation of God's operations, should thereby imitate the best of all patterns, so far as it is possible for human nature to do, and to endeavor to follow after it: neither could the legislator himself have a right mind without such a contemplation; nor would any thing he should write tend to the promotion of virtue in his readers; I mean, unless they be taught first of all, that God is the Father and Lord of all things, a”
  8. 1 John “We are of God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. -- 1 John 4:6”
  9. III John “III John 1:11 (BSB) — Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.”
  10. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 71:17: O God, thou hast taught me from my youth,.... The corruption of human nature; the weakness and impotence of it, to everything that is spiritually good; and the need of continual strength and grace from Christ, to go to him for righteousness and strength, life and salvation, and to walk by faith on him; the doctrine of justification by the righteousness of Christ, and the insufficiency of his own; the will, ways, and worship of God; and all the duties of religion, prayer, praise, &c. and whoever were the instruments, or whatever were the means, of teaching David these”
  11. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 1:1: The psalmist begins with the character and condition of a godly man, that those may first take the comfort of that to whom it belongs. Here is, I. A description of the godly man's spirit and way, by which we are to try ourselves. The Lord knows those that are his by name, but we must know them by their character; for that is agreeable to a state of probation, that we may study to answer to the character, which is indeed both the command of the law which we are bound in duty to obey and the condition of the promise which we are bound in interest to fulfil. The chara”
  12. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 19:7: God's glory, (that is, his goodness to man) appears much in the works of creation, but much more in and by divine revelation. The holy scripture, as it is a rule both of our duty to God and of our expectation from him, is of much greater use and benefit to us than day or night, than the air we breathe in, or the light of the sun. The discoveries made of God by his works might have served if man had retained his integrity; but, to recover him out of his fallen state, another course must be taken; that must be done by the word of God. And here, 1. The psalmist gives”
  13. Micah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Micah 7:18: 7:18-20 These verses provide a fine brief summary of Old Testament theology. God is unique; there is no one and nothing else like him. Because of his unfailing love (Hebrew khesed), he does not destroy his people whom he judges but instead restores them (see Exod 36:6-7). His faithfulness means that he can be trusted to do good regardless of the cost to himself (see Ps 89:1-2). • Where is another God like you: This question probably plays off of Micah’s name (“Who is like the Lord?”). God’s character is unequaled among the gods of the nations. His actions and words”
  14. Deuteronomy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 32:7: Moses, having in general represented God to them as their great benefactor, whom they were bound in gratitude to observe and obey, in these verses gives particular instances of God's kindness to them and concern for them. 1. Some instances were ancient, and for proof of them he appeals to the records (Deu 32:7): Remember the days of old; that is, "Keep in remembrance the history of those days, and of the wonderful providences of God concerning the old world, and concerning your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; you will find a constant series of mercies at”
  15. Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 33:15: 33:15 A godly life provides evidence that an individual truly knows God (see Col 3:5-17; Jas 2:14-18; 1 Pet 1:14-16; 1 Jn 1:5-6).”
  16. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:7: Here is, I. David's endeavour to perfect himself in his religion, and to make himself (as we say) master of his business. He hopes to learn God's righteous judgments. He knew much, but he was still pressing forward and desired to know more, as knowing this, that he had not yet attained; but as far as perfection is attainable in this life he reached towards it, and would not take up short of it. As long as we live we must be scholars in Christ's school, and sit at his feet; but we should aim to be head-scholars, and to get into the highest form. God's judgments ar”
  17. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:124: Here is, 1. David's petition for divine instruction: "Teach me thy statutes; give me to know all my duty; when I am in doubt, and know not for certain what is my duty, direct me, and make it plain to me; now that I am afflicted, oppressed, and my eyes are ready to fail for thy salvation, let me know what my duty is in this condition." In difficult times we should desire more to be told what we must do than what we may expect, and should pray more to be led into the knowledge of scripture-precepts than of scripture-prophecies. If God, who gave us his statutes, d”
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