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Scripture's Role in Shaping Example-Giving in Christian Life

The Christian life is fundamentally shaped by examples, with Scripture serving as the primary source for understanding and emulating these models. The Bible presents numerous individuals whose lives offer patterns for believers, but it consistently points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate example [15, 16]. The concept of "example" (Greek: hypodeigma or typos) in the New Testament often refers to a pattern or model for imitation, particularly in ethical and spiritual conduct [8, 18].

Scripture itself is described as "inspired by God" (literally "God-breathed") and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness [9, 13]. This divine origin ensures its trustworthiness and makes it an infallible guide for humanity [6]. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:16, emphasizes that all Scripture is useful for equipping believers for every good work [9]. This includes providing examples for living. Christ himself sanctioned the Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them [1]. He referred to them as "the Word," "the Word of God," and "the Word of truth" [1].

Jesus Christ is presented throughout the New Testament as the supreme example for believers in various aspects of life. His life demonstrates diligence, as seen in his early rising for devotion and his commitment to his Father's will [2, 3]. Mark 1:35 notes that Jesus rose early to pray, and Luke 2:49 records his dedication to his Father's business [3]. He also exemplified self-denial, rejecting worldly temptations and prioritizing God's will over his own desires [4]. Philippians 2:6-8 describes Christ's ultimate act of self-denial in humbling himself and becoming obedient to death on a cross [4]. Furthermore, Jesus is the epitome of meekness, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:7 and demonstrated in his response to suffering [5]. Matthew 11:29 records his invitation to learn from him, for he is "gentle and humble in heart" [5]. Peter explicitly states that Christ suffered for us, "leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps" [1 Peter 2:21, 18]. This includes patient endurance under undeserved suffering [18].

Beyond Christ, Scripture offers examples from the lives of other faithful individuals. The "cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 12:1 refers to the faithful followers of God described in Hebrews 11, whose lives bear witness to the truth that God blesses a life of faith [15]. These individuals, through their endurance, serve as models for believers to imitate [15]. For instance, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, and David are all noted for their early rising and diligence in various duties [3]. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is also mentioned as an example of early rising [3].

The Apostle Paul frequently exhorted believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ [1 Corinthians 11:1]. In Acts 20:35, Paul recounts Jesus' words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and states that he gave an example of laboring to help the weak [7]. Paul also served as a model witness for Christ, engaging with the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message, demonstrating how to dialogue with others, critique assumptions, and offer Jesus as an alternative [17]. He emphasized that his apostolic role was due to God's grace, enabling him to lead in the formation of the Christian church [14].

The role of Scripture in shaping example-giving extends to practical instruction for Christian conduct. Believers are called to "set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" [1 Timothy 4:12, 8]. This instruction highlights the comprehensive nature of Christian example-giving, encompassing both internal virtues and external actions. The "Gospel of Christ" is described as the "doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ," and those who subject themselves to it glorify God through their actions [11].

Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Galatians 6:4, emphasizes that a Christian's only rule for conduct is the "word of Christ," and the only pattern for imitation is the "example of Christ" [10]. He cautions against comparing oneself with others, as they are not the standard; Christ alone is [10]. This perspective underscores the centrality of Christ's example as revealed in Scripture. John Gill, commenting on 2 Corinthians 9:13, notes that the liberality of the Gentile churches, ministered to the poor saints, caused them to "glorify God" by acknowledging Him as the source of all grace and goodness [11]. This act of giving served as a practical example of Christian love and obedience.

The importance of diligently engaging with Scripture to understand these examples is also stressed. John 5:39 records Jesus' instruction to "search the scriptures," implying that within them, individuals can find the path to eternal life and discover that Christ is the central message [12]. This active engagement with the biblical text is crucial for discerning and applying the examples it provides. The Scriptures are not merely a historical record but a living guide, breathed out by God's own speech, which remains effective for wisdom and for living out salvation [13]. The human authors were actively involved in its writing, but God's full responsibility for the text is affirmed [13].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
  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. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  4. 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 ”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
  6. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Inspiration — Dr. Knapp given as the definition of inspiration, "an extra-ordinary divine agency upon teachers while giving instruction, whether oral or written, by which they were taught what and how they should write or speak." Without deciding on any of the various theories of inspiration, the general doctrine of Christians is that the Bible is so inspired by God that it is the infallible guide of men, and is perfectly trustworthy in all its parts, as given by God.”
  7. 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”
  8. 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.”
  9. 2 Timothy “2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) — All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;”
  10. 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 ”
  11. 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
  12. John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:39: Search the scriptures, &c.--"In the Scriptures ye find your charter of eternal life; go search them then, and you will find that I am the Great Burden of their testimony; yet ye will not come to Me for that life eternal which you profess to find there, and of which they tell you I am the appointed Dispenser." (Compare Act 17:11-12). How touching and gracious are these last words! Observe here (1) The honor which Christ gives to the Scriptures, as a record which all have a right and are bound to search--the reverse of which the Church of Rome teaches; (2)”
  13. 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:16: 3:16-17 These verses elaborate on 3:15 by explaining Scripture’s effectiveness, its source, and the ways that it gives wisdom to live out our salvation. Paul was speaking of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but his statement can now apply to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, e.g., 2 Pet 3:15-16). 3:16 The fact that Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed, breathed out by God’s own speech; see also Heb 4:12-13; 2 Pet 1:20-21) does not negate the active involvement of the human authors. But it does affirm that God is fully re”
  14. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 15:15: 15:15-16 by God’s grace: Paul emphasized that his role as apostle and teacher was because God had chosen him to lead in the formation of the Christian church (see also 1:5; 12:3; 1 Cor 3:10; Gal 2:9; Eph 3:2, 7, 8).”
  15. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
  16. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:2: 12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated th”
  17. Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 17:16: 17:16-34 In this chapter, we see Paul presented as a model witness for Christ, engaging the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message. Paul quoted writers his audience would be familiar with and showed the relevance of the gospel by dialoguing with them, critiquing their assumptions, and offering Jesus as a constructive alternative (see Col 1:28). Paul reminded these proud intellectuals that there is a living God to whom all human beings are answerable; that they will be judged by him through Jesus, whom God raised from the dead; and that ”
  18. 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”
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