Using Biblical Examples to Reflect God's Character and Principles
The Bible presents numerous examples that illustrate God's character and the principles He expects from humanity, often through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These examples serve as models for believers to emulate in their own lives.
One central principle is holiness, which is commanded by God and is a reflection of His own nature [1]. Leviticus 19:2 states, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." This call to holiness is not merely an abstract concept but is exemplified by Christ, who is described as "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26) [1]. Believers are called to be holy, as they are elected to it (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:4) and are to be "new created in" holiness (Ephesians 4:24) [1]. The gospel itself is presented as the "way of holiness" (Isaiah 35:8), and holiness is necessary for worshiping God (Psalm 24:3-4) [1].
Humility is another core principle demonstrated by Christ. Jesus himself said, "Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29), and He provided a powerful example by washing His disciples' feet (John 13:14-15) [4]. The Apostle Paul further highlights Christ's humility in Philippians 2:5-8, describing how He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" [4]. This humility is essential for serving God (Micah 6:8) and is a characteristic of saints [4]. Those who possess humility are regarded, heard, and delivered by God, and they enjoy His presence (Psalm 138:6; Isaiah 66:2; Job 22:29; Isaiah 57:15) [4]. Humility is also linked to receiving more grace and is a precursor to honor (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; Proverbs 15:33) [4].
Sincerity is also emphasized, with Christ serving as an example (1 Peter 2:22) [3]. Sincerity should characterize various aspects of a believer's life, including love for God and Christ (2 Corinthians 8:8, 24; Ephesians 6:24), service to God (Joshua 24:14; John 4:23-24), faith (1 Timothy 1:5), and love for one another (Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:18) [3]. The preaching of the gospel should also be marked by sincerity (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) [3].
Diligence is another principle exemplified by Christ, who rose early to pray (Mark 1:35) and was devoted to His Father's work (Luke 2:49) [5]. God requires diligence in seeking Him (1 Chronicles 22:19; Hebrews 11:6), obeying Him (Deuteronomy 6:17; 11:13), and striving for perfection (Philippians 3:13-14) [5, 7]. This includes cultivating Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5), guarding one's soul and heart (Deuteronomy 4:9; Proverbs 4:23), and engaging in "labours of love" (Hebrews 6:10-12) [5].
Devotedness to God is a characteristic of saints and was perfectly demonstrated by Christ, who declared His food was to do the will of His Father (John 4:34) and completed the work given to Him (John 17:4) [6]. This devotion is grounded in God's mercies and goodness, His call, and the redemptive work of Christ (Romans 12:1; 1 Samuel 12:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:15) [6]. Believers are called to be devoted to God with their spirit, bodies, members, and substance, in an unreserved, abounding, and persevering manner (1 Corinthians 6:20; Romans 12:1; Romans 6:12-13; Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 6:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:1) [6].
Boldness, particularly "holy boldness," is also presented as a characteristic of saints and is exemplified by Christ (John 7:26) [2]. This boldness comes through faith in Christ (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 10:19) and is produced by trust in God, the fear of God, and faithfulness to Him (Isaiah 50:7; Acts 4:19; 5:29; 1 Timothy 3:13) [2]. Believers are encouraged to express their trust in God with boldness (Hebrews 13:6) and to have boldness in prayer (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16) [2]. Ministers are specifically called to exhibit boldness in their faithfulness to people and in their preaching (2 Corinthians 7:4; 10:1; Acts 4:31; Philippians 1:14) [2].
These biblical examples and principles underscore the expectation for believers to imitate God and Christ in their character and conduct [8]. As Matthew Henry notes on Ephesians 5:1, "Pious persons should imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them" [8]. This imitation is not about achieving divine status but about reflecting the moral and ethical attributes of God in human life.
Sources
- 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. ”
- 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”
- 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; ”
- 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: 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”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (KJV) — Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,”
- 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”