Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of setting a godly example? The Pattern Introduced in 2 Thessalonians 3:9 “Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.” Paul deliberately lives in a way the church can copy. Scripture repeats this principle from Genesis to Revelation. Christ—Our Supreme Example • John 13:15 – “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.” • 1 Peter 2:21 – “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps.” • Ephesians 5:1-2 – “Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” Apostolic Models Worth Imitating • 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” • Philippians 3:17 – “Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.” • 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 – “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord… And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” • Acts 20:35 – “In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak…” Every Believer’s Daily Influence • 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” • Titus 2:7-8 – “In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works… show integrity, dignity, and wholesome speech that is above reproach.” • Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Leaders Who Lead by Living • Hebrews 13:7 – “Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” • 1 Peter 5:2-3 – “…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” • James 5:10 – “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” Why This Matters Today • God’s Word is wholly true, so these calls to imitation carry divine authority. • The gospel spreads most naturally when living testimony matches spoken truth. • A consistent pattern of Christ-like conduct protects the church from hypocrisy and strengthens younger believers. Simple Steps to Shine as an Example 1. Stay close to Christ—imitate Him first. 2. Keep motives pure; people see through pretense. 3. Practice visible obedience in ordinary tasks (work, family, speech). 4. Invite others to walk alongside you, just as Paul did. 5. Remember that even suffering can display God’s character when met with faith. |
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