Setting an Example

The Perfect Example: Christ Jesus

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.

1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

John 13:15-17 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Jesus set the perfect example for all of us to follow. He loved us beyond measure. He could have called thousands of angels from heaven to stop his death on the cross, but, instead he loved his neighbor more than himself, following his own teachings.
He trusted God to deliver him from his trials and tribulations! Finally, he showed us just how much he loved us, in that he died for us. He didn’t die just for the righteous, the Godly, the almost perfect. He died for the thief, the lazy, the cruel, the sinner. Imagine what that means he died for all sinners. He gave his perfect, Godly life, for us, the sinner. Perfect Love!

Your Daily Living, is it an Example?

Philippians 3:14-17 (NIV) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

Do you press-on to win the prize? What example are you setting for your family, your friends, your fellow workers, your church members?

II Thessalonians 3:7-9 (NIV) For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyones food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.

Dont be lazy! Use your God given talents. Do you labor to do what is right? Do you go out of your way, even when you dont have to, for the good of others?

1 Timothy 4:12 Dont let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Does your conversation, your charity, your faith live up to your “Sunday” attitude you portray in Sunday School and Church?

Psalms 101:2-3 (NIV) I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.

This is an example of how we should act at home, work, all the time.

Titus 2:7-10 (NIV) In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

Many theologians have compared the slavery of the old days, to the modern employer/employee situation today. This verse is a model for all employees to be guided by.

1 Peter 2: 11-25 (NIV) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

To Elders and Young Men

1 Peter 5 1-11 (NIV) To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Notice the words: shepherd, overseers, willing, serve, submissive, humility, self-controlled, firm in the faith.

Hebrew 13:7 (NIV) Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Elders, others are watching. Do you tell the occasional “joke” that doesn’t belong in church, or anywhere else for that matter?
Is everything you do “beyond reproach?”
Do you confess your sins and turn away from them?
Do you help lead your brother and sister back to the flock? Or do you condemn them?

Patience in Suffering

James 5:7-12 (NIV) Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.

Rejoycing and Praising While Setting the Example

1 Thessalonians 1:6-9 (NIV) You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia–your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

Serve the Lord with gladness. Praise His holy name!

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father, which is in heaven!

Let them know whom you serve. Show them that you have a reason to sing and jump for joy!
Become such an example that people tell others of your behavior.