Maintaining Christ's Preeminence in the Face of Human Examples

The concept of maintaining Christ's preeminence in the face of human examples is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize the centrality of Christ in the life of believers. According to 2 Corinthians 10:7, believers are to recognize that they, like others, belong to Christ ^[4]. This understanding is crucial in preventing the elevation of human examples or leaders to a status that rivals or diminishes the significance of Christ.

The Bible presents Christ as the ultimate example for believers, demonstrating humility, diligence, and holiness. Christ's humility is highlighted in Philippians 2:5-8, where he is described as humbling himself to the point of death on the cross ^[1]. His diligence is seen in his commitment to doing the Father's will, as expressed in Luke 2:49 and Mark 1:35 ^[2]. Furthermore, Christ is the embodiment of holiness, serving as a standard for believers to follow ^[8].

In maintaining Christ's preeminence, believers are called to emulate his characteristics while avoiding the elevation of human leaders or examples to an inappropriate level of reverence. The apostle Paul's exhortation to the Ephesians to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14) underscores the importance of Christlikeness in the lives of believers ^[9]. This involves not only imitating Christ's virtues but also recognizing his supremacy over all other influences.

The biblical emphasis on Christ's preeminence is reflected in various Christian traditions. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, highlights the importance of Christ as the central figure in Christian faith and practice ^[10]. Similarly, the Eastern Orthodox tradition, as seen in the writings of John Chrysostom, emphasizes the need for believers to focus on Christ and to avoid distractions that might detract from his centrality ^[11].

In practical terms, maintaining Christ's preeminence involves a commitment to biblical teachings and a willingness to evaluate human examples in light of Christ's example. Believers are encouraged to "let their light shine before men" (Matthew 5:16), demonstrating the qualities of Christ in their lives ^[12]. This requires a balance between appreciating the contributions of human leaders and examples, and ensuring that they do not overshadow the significance of Christ.

The biblical call to sanctify Christ as Lord in one's heart (1 Peter 3:15) underscores the importance of prioritizing Christ in all aspects of life ^{[6, 7]}. This involves being prepared to give an account of the hope that is within, while doing so with gentleness and respect. By maintaining Christ's preeminence, believers can ensure that their faith remains centered on him, even as they learn from and are inspired by human examples.

Ultimately, the preeminence of Christ is a theme that runs throughout the New Testament, with the book of Hebrews presenting Christ as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity ^[5]. The emphasis on Christ's glory and excellency in various biblical passages further reinforces his central role in Christian faith and practice ^[3].

The pursuit of Christlikeness and the maintenance of Christ's preeminence are closely linked to the concept of holiness, which is a hallmark of the Christian life. As believers strive to be conformed to the image of Christ, they are called to embody the qualities that characterized his life, including humility, diligence, and a commitment to doing the Father's will ^[8]. By doing so, they not only honor Christ but also reflect his glory to the world.

Sources

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, ”
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: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:7 (BBE) — Give attention to the things which are before you. If any man seems to himself to be Christ's, let him keep in mind that we are as much Christ's as he is.”
Hebrews “Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, -- Hebrews 6:1”
I Peter “I Peter 3:15 (BSB) — But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,”
1 Peter “1 Peter 3:15 (NASB) — but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”
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. ”
Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 13:14: But--to sum up all in one word. put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ--in such wise that Christ only may be seen in you (see Co2 3:3; Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24). and make no provision--"take no forethought." for the flesh, to fulfil the lust thereof--"Direct none of your attention to the cravings of your corrupt nature, how you may provide for their gratification." Note, (1) How gloriously adapted is Christianity for human society in all conditions! As it makes war directly against no specific forms of government, so it directly recommends none. While its h”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 4.3: known through the ancient and perpetual tradition of the Fathers. Yet, since nothing is more easy than that the truth of God should be so corrupted by men, that, in a long succession of time, it should, as it were, degenerate from itself, it pleased the Lord to commit the history to writing, for the purpose of preserving its purity. Moses, therefore, has established the credibility of that doctrine which is contained in his writings, and which, by the carelessness of men, might otherwise have been lost. I now return to the design o”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: ourselves worse than the heathen? Let us then cast out all bitterness, and wrath, and anger. To speak “the same things, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe,” ( Philip. iii. 1 .) For physicians also often use the same remedy, and we will not cease from sounding the same things in your ears, reminding, teaching, exhorting, for great is the tumult of worldly things, and it causes in us forgetfulness, and we have need of continual teaching. Let us then, in order that we meet not together in this place uselessly and in vain, exhibit the ”
Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men,.... Here Christ applies the foregoing simile to his disciples, and more fully opens the meaning and design of it. His sense is this; that the light of the Gospel, which he had communicated to them, the spiritual knowledge of the mysteries of grace, which he had favoured them with, were to be openly declared, and made manifest before men. Light was not given merely for their own private use, but for the public good of mankind; and therefore, as they were placed as lights in the world, they were to hold forth, in the most open and co”

Ask Your Own Question