Using Jesus' Life and Teachings as a Model for Biblical Application

The life and teachings of Jesus Christ serve as a foundational model for biblical application, offering believers a pattern for conduct and devotion ^{[6, 14]}. The Apostle Peter states that Christ left an "example" for believers to follow (1 Pet. 2:21), particularly in patient endurance of suffering ^[13]. Similarly, John records Jesus telling his disciples, "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:15) ^[14]. This concept is reinforced by the opening of the book of Acts, which notes that its preceding volume concerned "all that Jesus began both to do and to teach" (Acts 1:1), implying that his actions and words are inseparable and instructive ^[4].

Jesus's life exemplifies several virtues and practices that believers are called to emulate. For instance, he demonstrated diligence, as seen in his early rising (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) ^[3]. This diligence is presented as a requirement for seeking God, obeying Him, and striving for spiritual perfection (Heb. 11:6; Phil. 3:13-14) ^[3]. Christ also modeled self-denial, rejecting worldly temptations and prioritizing God's will (Matt. 4:8-10; John 6:38; Phil. 2:6-8) ^[1]. Self-denial is presented as a test of devotion, necessary for following Christ, engaging in spiritual warfare, and achieving spiritual triumph (Luke 10:37-38; 2 Tim. 2:4; 1 Cor. 9:25-27) ^[1]. This includes denying ungodliness, controlling appetites, and abstaining from fleshly lusts (Titus 2:12; 1 Pet. 2:11) ^[1].

Another key aspect of Jesus's example is his resignation to God's will. His prayer in Gethsemane, "not as I will, but as you will" (Matt. 26:39), and his acceptance of his fate (John 12:27; 18:11) illustrate this ^[5]. Believers are commanded to exhibit similar submission to God's will and sovereignty, even in the face of suffering, loss, or death (Ps. 37:7; Job 1:21; Heb. 12:9) ^[5].

Beyond specific virtues, Jesus's acts of service, such as washing his disciples' feet, provide an example of personal sacrifice and servanthood (John 13:14-15) ^[15]. While the literal act of foot washing may be symbolic, the underlying principle of humble service and sacrifice is meant to characterize his followers ^[15].

The application of Jesus's life as a model is rooted in his unique identity. He is presented as the Son of God, one with the Father, the Creator, and the image of God (John 1:1-5; Col. 1:15-16; Heb. 1:2-3) ^[2]. His excellency and glory as God, the First-born, Lord of lords, and Mediator underscore the authority of his example ^[2].

The concept of following Christ's example is often contrasted with the pervasive reality of human sinfulness. All human beings are born sinners, and while the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly strive against it (Ps. 58:3; Rom. 7:19-23) ^[7]. Sin is understood as rebellion against God, a preference for the creature over the Creator, and a dishonor to God (Gen. 3:13; Ps. 19:13) ^{[9, 10]}. Paul emphasizes the universal sinfulness of humanity, both Gentiles and Jews, stating that all are "under sin's power" and cannot find favor with God through their own actions (Rom. 1:18–3:20) ^[11]. Even after conversion, believers may still commit "actual sins," though they are not "of the devil" in the same way as those who habitually practice sin (1 John 1:10; 3:8) ^{[8, 12]}. Thus, while Christ provides the perfect example, the fallen human condition necessitates divine grace for believers to truly emulate him.

Sources

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 ”
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”
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:”
Acts “The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, -- Acts 1:1”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”
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”
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”
John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 13:14: 13:14-15 Jesus’ acts of service, such as washing feet and dying on the cross, provided an example of personal sacrifice to follow. • wash each other’s feet: Foot washing was so commonplace that Jesus might have intended a literal repetition of his act, or he might have seen it as symbolic. Either way, Jesus wants similar servanthood and sacrifice to characterize his followers.”

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