EXAMPLES GOOD AND BAD
The Scriptures have a personal application for us not only through
their injunctions about godliness and godly living, but also through
lessons learnt by a contemplation of the lives and examples of
individuals documented by them. They are expressly for us today,
and if we learn the lessons God would have us learn our hope will
continue to be strong and undimmed. So are we alert to the personal
lessons for us contained in the examples of men and women in the
Bible? Do we take them to heart? And how does this affect the
godly examples we ourselves are to be? What sort of examples are
we?
THE IMPORTANCE OF EXAMPLES
The apostle Paul considered his life as a powerful example to
others:
Let us note carefully what Paul has to say to Timothy in regard
to the importance and purpose of a godly example:
So who are our spiritual mentors?
IMITATING GOD
THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST
Heb 12:1-4 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by
so great a cloud of witnesses [these heroes and heroines of faith,
whose example is there for us to learn from as well as to cheer
us on in our race], let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance [perseverance]
the race that is set before us, 2 looking to [NIV: "fixing
our eyes on"] Jesus [to His life, to His patience and perseverance
in trials], the author and finisher of our faith [the word "our"
is not in the original: Christ is the first and the last
as an example], who for the joy that was set before Him endured
the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him [carefully
reflect on His example, identify with it] who endured such
hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary
and discouraged in your souls [because the danger of being disheartened
and worn out through our trials is soberingly real]. 4 You have
not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin [how many
of us will be called upon to go through what Christ went through?].
Let us go to just a few more examples, both set by the Master,
and others used as illustrations by those who had indeed learnt
from them.
Christ Himself admonished His disciples, and admonishes us today,
to learn the lesson of humility and service from the physical
example He set through the institution of the footwashing:
Christ cited His example as the Servant of God, alluding again
to the Suffering Servant of Isaiah (Isa 53:12) to teach the lesson
that service is the highest honour to which we can and should
aspire:
Paul admonished the Church in Rome to follow through on Christ's
example and act to serve and edify one another:
The perfect example of Christ should be a powerful motivating
force for all Christians in their struggle to overcome, a struggle
to attain to the same level of holiness:
Even when he did issue instructions about correct Christian behaviour,
Paul still urged that the godly example which he had set be a
model to follow:
TEACHERS OF THE FLOCK
1Pe 5:1-3 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who
am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and
also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed [interestingly,
Peter does not base his authority to address these fellow elders
upon his apostleship!]: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is
among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly,
not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over
those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
GOOD EXAMPLES
Paul, himself suffering physical hardship and persecution, is
strengthened by joy at the news from Timothy (v 6) of the Thessalonians'
steadfast faith and love:
BAD EXAMPLES
What, for instance, can we learn from Christ's condemnation of
the bad example of the religious leaders of His day?
Jn 8:37-42 "I know that you are Abraham's descendants,
but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.
38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you
have seen with your father." 39 They answered and said to
Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If
you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham
[you would imitate the godly example of Abraham]. 40 But now
you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I
heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds
of your father [they had an example that they were following;
were they aware of it?]." Then they said to Him, "We
were not born of fornication; we have one Father; God." 42
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would
love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come
of Myself, but He sent Me."
Christ faults the Church typified by Pergamum for its failure
to recognise and rectify the fact that some bad examples have
been adopted:
Likewise, the Church typified by Thyatira:
These are evil examples about which the Scriptures warn us, and
we have had our share of them too. Have they taught us anything?
THE BAD EXAMPLE OF ISRAEL
The failure of ancient Israel was very much a case of continually
defaulting to a bad example instead of following a godly one.
Israel in the wilderness, and their descendants ever after, were
constantly warned not to imitate bad examples. Let us note but
a few of such warnings:
So the nation of Israel, called to be an example to all nations
(Ex 19:5-6; Dt 26:18-19), ended up becoming a by-word, as prophesied
(Dt 28:37; 1Kg 9:7; 2Chr 7:20), a testimony against them of the
evil they had committed (Dt 29:22-28; 1Kg 9:8-9; Jer 22:8-9).
So what are some of the lessons that we are to learn from the
record of Israel's disobedience, specifically the failings of
Israel in the wilderness?
Do we strive to not only imitate fine examples that we come across
but also to be a godly example—as brethren, parents, husbands,
wives—that others can look to? What does Christ tell us about
the need to be a good example?
Good as well as bad examples can help build our faith. So let
us, both from the Scriptures as well as from the lives of one
another, imitate the good and learn from and avoid the bad.
When we read about the lives and examples, both good and evil,
of people in the Bible, do we consider them relevant for us today?
Do we identify with them? Do we learn from them? We should, you
know, for this is what the apostle Paul tells us:
Ro 15:4 For whatever things were written before [NIV:
"everything that was written in the past"—referring
here in the first instance to the Old Testament scriptures; Paul
was quoting from the Psalms as he wrote this] were written for
our learning [to teach us, to instruct us], that we through the
patience and comfort of the Scriptures [which the Scriptures then
furnish] might have hope.
Do we believe that this verse means what it says? Or do we perhaps
consider it to hold true only to the direct teachings and instructions
of Scripture? Yet all things so written does include the examples
of the lives of people in the Bible, and we are here told that
they—the good, as well as the bad examples—should strengthen our
hope.
How then can the examples recorded in the Bible motivate us in
our battle to remain faithful?
Heb 6:9-12 (NRSV) Even though we speak in this way [referring
to warnings earlier given], beloved, we are confident of better
things in your case, things that belong to salvation. 10 For
God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love
that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still
do. 11 And we want each one of you to show the same diligence
[to persevere] so as to realise the full assurance of hope to
the very end, 12 so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators
[followers] of those who through faith and patience inherit
the promises.
What powerful examples of faith and endurance come to mind as
we read this (the writer then goes on to consider the patient
faith of Abraham)? We are here told that the lives of those who
have faithfully endured should spur us on and provide the impetus
to rouse us out of any spiritual dullness. The lives and example
of faith of the saints of God are a great source of strength and
comfort if we really take them to heart and learn from them.
1Ti 1:15-16 (NRSV) The saying is sure and worthy of full
acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of
whom I am the foremost. 16 But for that very reason [at least,
this was one of the leading reasons] I received mercy,
so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the
utmost patience, making me an example [Gk: hypotyposis:
"a form, a sketch"—a pattern or example. Paul was an
example for the encouragement of sinners] to those who would come
to believe in him for eternal life.
In an expression of deep humility, Paul attests to the reality
that the exercise of mercy to such a one as himself provides a
dramatic and convincing testimony to the magnanimous grace of
God. This reality is a source of great encouragement in the struggle
against sin. The depths of God's mercy are illustrated in those
who recognise and appreciate how much they have been forgiven
(cf. Lk 7:47). Are we so minded, and are our lives also living
examples of the mercy of God?
2Ti 3:14-15 (NIV) But as for you, continue in what you
have learned and have become convinced of, because you know
those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you
have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise
for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Timothy is encouraged to hold fast to his conviction not only
because these are eternal truths, founded solidly upon the Scriptures,
but also because of the people who taught him these truths. Were
they not reliable guides, people of spiritual stature and holy
living? Paul no doubt had in mind Lois, Eunice (2Ti 1:5) and he
himself. Timothy would be ill-advised to forsake the convincing
examples of such spiritual mentors. In like manner, how many of
us can attest to the reality that we may not always have fully
comprehended new teaching, yet the example and lives of those
who have taught us have been a motivation to persist until greater
understanding was attained?
God of course is our perfect example, hence the apostle Paul can
enjoin upon the Church the need to copy Him:
Eph 5:1-2 (NIV) Be imitators of God, therefore
[Paul has been exhorting the Church to be kind to one another],
as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as
Christ [who also imitates His Father—not through compulsion, but
because He wants to. Do we similarly want to?] loved us and gave
himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
So are we kind, just as God is kind, forgiving, as God is forgiving,
forbearing, as God is forbearing…..?
Mt 5:48 (NIV) "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly
Father is perfect."
We emulate Him because we strive to put on His very nature, the
attributes of godliness, the holiness of God:
Lev 19:1-2 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak
to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to
them: 'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.'"
(Lev 11:44-45)
Peter picks up on this same theme: that the Israel of God must
also be holy, after the pattern of the holiness of their heavenly
Father:
Lev 20:26 "And you shall be holy to Me, for I the
LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you
should be Mine."
1Pe 1:15-16 but as He who called you is holy, you also
be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be
holy, for I am holy."
God is always holy, isn't He, and all His acts are actions of
His holiness. Are we holy, and how are we holy?
The author of the Book of Hebrews encourages us with the reminder
that in our race we should be constantly spurred on by the many
examples of the lives of others of the faith who have already
run and finished successfully. The primary example to follow is
of course that of Jesus Christ. Do we learn from Him, as He asks
us to? Is His example our true source of spiritual rest and refreshing?
Mt 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are
heavy laden [with the burdens of sin, of trials, of suffering],
and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn
from Me ["learn from My example"], for I am gentle
and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30
For My yoke [our submission and service to Christ] is easy and
My burden is light."
The lives and examples of these men and women of faith, this testimony
to the sure success of persistent endurance, should encourage
us in our Christian struggle. Christ, the goal of our race, should
be our greatest source of encouragement. We are admonished to
consider His exemplary life, in this instance to study carefully
His example of steadfast and willing endurance, so that
we stay on the same path, rather than being tempted to quit the
race.
This thought was a re-echoing of one earlier on in the letter
urging the Church to consider Christ's example of faithfulness:
Heb 3:1-2 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly
calling, consider [NIV: "fix your thoughts on"] the
Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who
was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses [who for these
Hebrews would have already been a powerful example, if they chose
to follow it; he also was an 'apostle', if you like, sent to Pharaoh
(Ex 3:10), as well as a priest (Ex 24:6-8)] also was faithful
in all His house.
Yes, we understand that Christ's perfect example is to be imitated
by us if we claim to be followers of His. Yet have we considered
carefully, and do we always consider, deeply, at great length,
the life of Jesus Christ while on earth? Are we learning, profiting
spiritually from His example?
To first pursue a little further this theme of Christ as our example
in enduring, note how Peter appeals to the example of Jesus Christ
as a pattern for those who follow Him:
1Pe 2:21-23 [In the context of urging submission to and
respect for their masters on the part of Christian slaves, Peter
tells us all] For to this you were called, because Christ also
suffered for us, leaving us an example [the Greek word
"hypogrammos" means a tracing to be written over (as
a child would do), or an outline or sketch to be filled in (as
would be done by an artist); Christ is here presented to us as
the Suffering Servant who is the Pattern or Example for all suffering
servants], that you should follow His steps [there should be the
closest possible imitation—we place our feet where His feet trod,
so to speak. Then His example to be emulated by us, in this instance,
is outlined]: 22 "Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found
in His mouth"; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile
in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed
Himself to Him who judges righteously.
Sometimes we are not empowered to redress evil or ill that has
come upon us, and we are then urged to copy the pattern of Christ's
silent suffering. How do we behave in times of terrible stress?
Peter then goes on to tell us that the example of Christ's suffering
should teach us the practical lesson of ceasing to sin:
1Pe 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on
the tree, that we, having died to sins [NEB: "that we might
cease to live for sin"], might live for righteousness; by
whose stripes you were healed.
He picks up this point again in chapter 4 of his epistle with
a further appeal for Christians to learn the lesson from Christ's
example of suffering:
1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the
flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind [equip yourself
with the same determination], for he who has suffered in the flesh
has ceased from sin.
Is our suffering teaching us the lesson of patient endurance,
of overcoming sin, after the pattern of the Son of God?
The apostle Paul illustrates for us how the mind of Christ, as
exemplified through the Incarnation as well as His life on earth,
is a supreme example—one fully deserving of imitation—of humility,
self-denial, obedience to God and of looking to the interests
of others:
Php 2:4-8 (NRSV) 4 Let each of you look not to your own
interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind
be in you that was in Christ Jesus [do we have this same mindset?],
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality
with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And
being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient
to the point of death—even death on a cross.
How are these characteristics of the mind of Christ to be embodied
in Christ's followers today?
Christ alluded to His coming crucifixion and used this as an example
of the need for self-denial in the lives of His followers:
Mt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone
desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow Me ["follow My example"]."
Just as He Himself was to be martyred, and face the indignity
of being made to carry the transverse beam of His cross to the
place of execution, so are we to take up this imagery as a lesson
of the need for self-denial, for the crucifying of the self, of
the flesh—as well as a preparedness to likewise forfeit our mortal
lives if need be.
Jn 13:14-17 "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15
For I have given you an example [of an attitude of service],
that you should do ["keep on doing"—this, as well as
any other act of service to our brethren] as I have done to you.
16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than
his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."
Do we regularly recall our obligation to be servants of one another
[Gal 5:3 (NIV): "serve one another in love"], or is
it something we consider only during the footwashing service at
the "Lord's Supper"?
Mt 20:25-28 But Jesus called them to Himself and said,
"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet
it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great
among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to
be first among you, let him be your slave; 28 just as [here is
Christ's appeal to His own example to be followed by all His disciples]
the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to
give His life a ransom for many."
Do we sincerely believe and desire to practice this?
Ro 15:1-3 (NIV) We who are strong ought to bear with the
failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us
should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For
even Christ [again, here is the example to be followed] did not
please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those
who insult you have fallen on me [see Ps 69:9]."
Christ bore the hostility of a world separated from God, at enmity
with God—and it took Him to the cross. How much more then, should
Christians expend themselves a little for their spiritual brothers
and sisters by carrying some of their burdens!
Jn 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you
love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one
another."
Christ, through His agony on the cross, is about to show His disciples
His undiluted love for the Father in obedience to His will. He
urges His disciples—all His disciples—to love as He loves—by example
as well as degree. The example of the love of Jesus Christ should
propel us to love one another. Does it do so?
1Jn 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His
life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Paul, in the verse earlier referred to, urges this example of
self-sacrifice to propel us to also live a life of love in imitation
of our Master.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us
and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for
a sweet-smelling aroma.
Therefore:
Eph 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving
one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Yet we must ask: Is the exercise of God's love and of His forgiveness
unconditional—and what does this mean for us who are to be imitators
of Him? The apostle John wrote of those he loved "in the
truth" (2Jn 1; 3Jn 1). We might consider what qualifications
this might put upon the exercise of Christian love. Do we sometimes
still want to outdo Christ through gratuitous acts of forgiveness
and unscriptural notions of universal love?
Col 3:13 (NRSV) Bear with one another and, if anyone has
a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as
the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Our forgiveness of others is prompted by and patterned on God's
forgiveness of us.
Just as physical children do, children of God have the ability
and the opportunity to imitate their heavenly Father and their
perfect elder Brother in words and acts of forgiveness and love.
Do we do so?
1Jn 3:3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies
himself, just as He is pure.
APOSTOLIC EXAMPLE
Rev 3:21 "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit
with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My
Father on His throne."
We have come from a Church culture where "Do as I say"
rather than "Do as I do" has been the norm. But such
is not the nature of true Christianity. The apostle Paul exemplified
the "Do as I do" creed. Let us briefly consider the
nature of the exercise of his apostolic authority, authority given
him directly by Jesus Christ, as he explained to the Corinthians:
2Co 13:10 (NRSV) So I write these things while I am away
from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be severe in
using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up
and not for tearing down (cf. 2Co 10:8).
How often did Paul resort to forceful use of this authority, this
"rod" to which he referred in 1Co 4:21?
1Co 11:1 (NIV) Follow my example, as I follow the
example of Christ [our supreme example].
That attitude of self-sacrifice for the salvation of others (10:33),
which was so embodied in Christ, also characterised Paul, and
is a model for all Christians. Indeed, even during times of sharpest
censure Paul was still wont to appeal to his personal example,
as opposed to his apostolic authority:
1Co 4:14-16 (NRSV) I am not writing this to make you ashamed,
but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you
might have ten thousand guardians [tutors or guides, servants
who escorted the children to school; a position of great responsibility
and trust, but not one of fatherhood] in Christ, you do not have
many fathers. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through
the gospel. 16 I appeal to you, then, be imitators of me
["in Christ Jesus", as is understood].
On the basis of this special spiritual relationship, this spiritual
fatherhood, Paul urged them to imitate his example, because his
example was also the example of Jesus Christ, and was therefore
valid and deserving of emulation. "Trust not in man",
of and by himself, but acknowledge and imitate a godly example
and trust will be built.
2Th 3:6-9 (NIV) In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who
is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received
from us.7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow
our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor
did we eat anyone's 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.
In fact, Paul tells the Church that he could have invoked his
apostolic right to support (1Co 9:3-14) but chose rather to set
an example that they could follow:
9 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.
In what areas should the churches who were the recipients of Paul's
letters imitate the apostle?
Php 4:8-9 (NRSV) Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever
is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is
pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me [these things that are true, honorable,
just, pure, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy, which the
Church has witnessed in the apostle], and the God of peace will
be with you.
And likewise in doctrine, or teaching:
2Ti 1:13 (NIV) What you heard from me, keep as the pattern
[Gk: "hypotyposis"—"sketch", or "rough
draft"; its content is eternal, its presentation variable]
of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus [because
truth that is not communicated in faith and love is unacceptable].
Along with other examples, Paul similarly referred to the example
of Christ, the finest model of selfless love, to encourage the
Corinthians to be generous, as the churches in Macedonia had been,
in helping out the needy saints in Jerusalem. Again, we can note
his approach:
2Co 8:7-9 (NIV) But just as you excel in everything—in
faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in
your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8 I am not commanding you [as he obviously could], but I want
to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness
of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so
that you through his poverty might become rich [Christ was willing
to become "poor" to benefit others].
Let us notice how Paul, in his farewell to the elders of the Ephesian
churches, appealed to his example of service as well as to his
many constant admonitions to them—"from the first day"—as
a record deserving both of remembrance and emulation:
Acts 20:31-35 (NIV) "So be on your guard [because
savage wolves would come in and ravage the flock (vv 29-30)]!
Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each
of you night and day with tears. 32 Now I commit you to God and
to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you
an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not
coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves
know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the
needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, [Paul
set an example of service in every aspect of his life!]
I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak,
remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more
blessed to give than to receive.'"
Such is the true nature of apostolic authority!
Following on from apostolic examples, let us note the importance
and role of good examples among those who teach and directly shepherd
the sheep.
Heb 13:7-8 (NRSV) Remember your leaders [your guides,
your teachers], those who spoke the word of God to you [remember
their counsel and instruction]; consider the outcome of their
way of life [remember their example], and imitate their
faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and
forever [and as He is holy, so should we also strive to be].
Christian shepherds must be exemplary—not lords of the flock!
What kind of shepherds do sheep gladly follow?
Yet what has been, in the main, our experience from our previous
affiliation? Were we supplied with godly examples to emulate and
follow or were we constantly issued directives to be carried out?
How many of those who were and still are purported shepherds would
be disqualified from such service on the basis of unscriptural
examples and behaviour? What does Paul have to say about this?
Tit 2:6-8 (NIV) Similarly, encourage the young men to be
self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example
by doing what is good [NKJV: "a pattern of good works";
NRSV: "a model of good works"]. In your teaching show
integrity, seriousness 8 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.
The work of the shepherd, or the teaching of the teacher, will
be ineffective if it is not supported by a life which is an
example. Respect is secured not by the arbitrary use of authority,
but by becoming an good, godly example. Words must be matched
by deeds. Such was Paul's instruction to Timothy:
1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example
to the believers in word, in conduct, in
love, in spirit, in faith, in purity [an all-encompassing example!).
So what are some other good biblical examples, both individual
and collective, that we would do well to note, consider, take
to heart, emulate, or otherwise learn from?
We are told that the Church is founded upon the apostles, the
prophets, and Christ as the Cornerstone (Mt 21:42; Mk 12:10; Lk
20:17; Acts 4:11; 1Pe 2:6-7). It follows, therefore, that the
lives and examples of the prophets are also deserving of consideration
and emulation. Indeed, James tells us this very thing:
Jas 5:10-11 My brethren, take [in your trials and persecutions]
the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example
[an example to be imitated] of suffering and patience [that is,
of patience amidst suffering].
The prophets of God were persecuted and killed (Acts 7:52). Heb
11:32-39 lists them, among all the men and women of faith (Heb
11:4-38). "These were all commended for their faith, yet
none of them received what had been promised" (Heb 11:39).
11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of
the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord
[what Christ worked in Job through his trial]; that the Lord is
very compassionate and merciful.
As he suffered through his trial, Job displayed some unsavoury
attitudes, didn't he? He is cited as an example for us of God's
compassion and mercy. Have we considered why and how this is the
case? What can we learn from Job's reaction to his sufferings?
Ro 4:18-24 who, contrary to hope, [when there seemed no
hope] in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations,
according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants
be." 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider
his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years
old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. 20 He did not waver at
the promise of God through unbelief [this is God's assessment],
but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being
fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to
perform. 22 And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Note the importance of this man's example of faith. It provides
the model for how God justifies His people:
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone [the example and
experience of Abraham should have a profound effect on all believers]
that it [righteousness] was imputed to him, 24 but also for us.
It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus
our Lord from the dead.
What can we personally learn from the examples and life of the
father of the faithful?
God's assessment of the life of David should be very encouraging
to us:
1Ki 15:3-4 (NRSV) He [Abijah] committed all the sins that
his father did before him; his heart was not true to the LORD
his God, like the heart of his father David. 4 Nevertheless for
David's sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, setting
up his son after him, and establishing Jerusalem; 5 because David
did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and did not turn
aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his
life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
Now we might consider many of David's actions irreconcilable with
Christian behaviour, yet he is in the final analysis commended
by God, and is included in the listing of the heroes of faith
in Hebrews 11. Why? Here is yet another reason to study and ponder
the lives and examples of men and women of Scripture. We must
be able to reconcile any examples in their recorded lives which
appear incongruous with Scripture or with godliness. How do we
interpret the life and actions of Solomon, for instance (1Ki 11:3-4)?
What about the example of Stephen, the first martyr who so perfectly
emulated the spirit of forgiveness of one's enemies exemplified
by Christ's own final prayer (Lk 23:34)". Could we emulate
him under similar circumstances?
Acts 7:60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud
voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And
when he had said this, he fell asleep.
THE EXAMPLE OF THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH
What effects can a church's good example have? The apostle Paul
a number of times cites the example of a church as encouragement
to other churches (eg, 2Co 9:1-2). The Church at Thessalonica
was one such case. The responsiveness and the strong faith
of the Thessalonians, even under persecution, was a source of
joy to Paul and a model for other churches:
1Th 1:4-8 (NRSV) For we know, brothers and sisters beloved
by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the
gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in
the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what
kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And
you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite
of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the
Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example [Gk: "typos"—"imprint,
pattern"; NIV: "a model"] to all the believers
in Macedonia and in Achaia [these two provinces comprised the
whole of Greece]. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth
from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place
your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to
speak about it.
Yet we learn that they, too, had followed the godly examples of
other churches who had endured persecution:
1Th 2:13-14 (NRSV) We also constantly give thanks to God
for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard
from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really
is, God's word, which is also at work in you believers. 14 For
you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of the churches of
God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you suffered [and endured
righteously these sufferings] the same things from your own compatriots
as they did from the Jews.
Parallel examples of suffering can comfort, encourage and bond
people together.
1Th 3:7-10 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and
distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For
now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord [NEB: "It is the
breath of life to us that you stand firm in the Lord"]. 9
For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy
with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night
and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect
what is lacking in your faith?
Are the examples of steadfast faith we see amongst us encouraging
and refreshing to us, as well as providing us with a model to
emulate?
The Scriptures of course also abound with bad examples not to
be emulated or followed, but to serve as warnings of behaviour
to be avoided. We can enumerate many of them with little effort:
Adam and Eve, Cain, Balaam, Jezebel, Ahab, Judas, and so on. Why
has God allowed them to be recorded if not for His people to learn
from them, and so avoid repeating similar errors? However, it's
easy to follow a bad example, far harder to learn from it. Peter
tells us that many in the Church, beguiled by the Devil,
would follow the destructive example of false teachers, and in
so doing would cause the way of the truth to be blasphemed (2Pe
2:2). As it has so often been said, the lesson of history is that
we fail to learn its lessons.
Mt 23:29-32 (NIV) "Woe to you, teachers of the law
and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets
and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30 And you say, 'If
we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have
taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'"
In other words, "we would never follow such a terrible example!",
they were maintaining—hardly a whole-hearted denunciation of the
sins of their ancestors! They were condemned for the very fact
that they did indeed follow after the evil pattern of behaviour
of their forefathers:
31 "So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants
of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure
of the sin of your forefathers [which they would do by crucifying
the Supreme Prophet God had sent to them]!"
They had their place as teachers, hypocrites though they were,
but their examples were not to be followed, for they did not practice
what they preached:
Mt 23:2-3 (NRSV) "The scribes and the Pharisees sit
[as a teacher sat (cf. Lk 4:20); the rabbis were indeed the official
expounders of the Law and had authority as such] on Moses' seat;
3 therefore, do whatever they teach you [that is consistent with
the so-called "Law of Moses"] and follow it [when it
so accords with true teaching] but do not do as they do, for they
do not practice what they teach [their lives did not correspond
with their teaching]"
In our past, we may well have at times been taught what is true,
but how often has an example likewise tallied with the truth?
Evil examples are not to be followed, authority notwithstanding.
Christ labelled these Jewish leaders as being of their father
the Devil (Jn 8:44). So we can also learn from the bad examples
outlined in the Scriptures. They are warnings to us to be on the
alert for similar failings.
1Jn 3:11-12 (NIV) This is the message you heard from the
beginning: We should love one another. 12 Do not be like Cain,
who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why
did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's
were righteous.
In Cain's example is manifested the horrifying nature of hatred.
Was he aware that he "belonged to the evil one"? Would
we be aware if we were indeed following the path of Cain spiritually?
How can a Christian be like Cain?
Note a similar admonition to not follow another bad example from
Scripture:
Heb 12:16-17 (NIV) See that no one is sexually immoral,
or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance
rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he
wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring
about no change of mind [neither in himself, nor in his father
Isaac], though he sought the blessing with tears [what type of
sorrow was this?].
Could we recognise a second Esau in our midst, one who is godless,
who does not truly value the things of the Spirit? We are here
told that such a person's attitude can be irreversible.
Rev 2:14-15 (NRSV) "But I have a few things against
you: you have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who
taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel,
so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and practice fornication.
15 So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans."
Balaam sought to corrupt others for personal gain. What was the
nature of the teaching that is here likened by the Son of God
to that of Balaam, and how would we identify it if it presented
itself to us today?
Rev 2:20 (NIV) "Nevertheless, I have this against
you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess.
By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality
and the eating of food sacrificed to idols."
Her teachings and compromises have placed this 'prophetess' in
the succession of the Old Testament Jezebel, whose Baal-cult was
marked by idolatry and ritual prostitution. Again, what attitudes
would charaterise a spiritual Jezebel, one who would urge compromise
with the world?"
Of course, the most sobering example for us today is that of ancient
Israel. The writer of the Book of Hebrews informs us that like
us, Israel received the witness of the Gospel, and that the account
of their disobedience is a powerful lesson and a warning for us:
Heb 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well
as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them,
not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
Is the message of the Gospel that we hear so continually being
met with faith and active obedience on our part?
Heb 4:11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest,
lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
Lev 18:1-3 (NIV) The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Speak
to the Israelites and say to them: 'I am the LORD your God. 3
You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live,
and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I
am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.'"
In the summation of the sins of ancient Israel for which the nation
was punished and driven into exile is included the following:
Lev 20:23 (NRSV) "You shall not follow the practices
of the nation that I am driving out before you. Because they did
all these things, I abhorred them."
Dt 18:9 (NRSV) "When you come into the land that the
LORD your God is giving you, you must not learn to imitate the
abhorrent practices of those nations."
2Ki 17:15 (NIV) They rejected his decrees and the covenant
he had made with their fathers and the warnings he had given them.
They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless.
They imitated the nations around them although the LORD
had ordered them, "Do not do as they do," and they did
the things the LORD had forbidden them to do.
It was always a case of the children imitating the wicked examples
of their fathers:
Ezek 20:18-21 "But I said to their children in the
wilderness, 'Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor
observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols.
19 I am the LORD your God: Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments,
and do them; 20 hallow My Sabbaths, and they will be a sign between
Me and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God.' 21
Notwithstanding, the children rebelled against Me; they did not
walk in My statutes, and were not careful to observe My judgments,
'which, if a man does, he shall live by them'; but they profaned
My Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out My fury on them and
fulfill My anger against them in the wilderness."
You know, the evil kings of Israel, right up to the nation's exile,
were always described as following "in the way of Jeroboam
the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin" through his religious
apostasy (eg, 1Ki 22:52; see 1Ki 15:34; 16:2,19,26,31; 22:52;
2Ki 3:3; 10:29; 13:2,11; 14:24; 15:9,18,24,28). A bad example
was continuously followed—to the ruin of the nation!
2Chr 30:7-8 (NIV) "Do not be like your fathers and
brothers, who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers,
so that he made them an object of horror, as you see. 8 Do not
be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the LORD. Come
to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the
LORD your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you."
Zec 1:4 "Do not be like your fathers, to whom the
former prophets preached, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts:
"Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds."'
But they did not hear nor heed Me," says the LORD. (Consider
also Jer 16:12)
2Ki 17:22-23 (NRSV) The people of Israel continued in
all the sins that Jeroboam committed; they did not depart from
them 23 until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he
had foretold through all his servants the prophets. So Israel
was exiled from their own land to Assyria until this day.
The kings of Judah, good and evil, were often assessed on the
degree to which they had followed or had failed to follow, the
good example of their ancestor David. Let's note some examples:
'... his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the
heart of David his forefather had been.' (1Ki 15:3, NIV)
'..he did not do what was right in the sight of the LORD his God,
as his father David had done.' (2 Ki 16:2)
'He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father
David had done.' (2Ki 18:3, NIV)
'He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all
the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or
to the left.' (2Ki 22:2, NIV)
1Co 10:1-12 (NIV) For I do not want you to be ignorant
of the fact, brethren, that our forefathers [our spiritual ancestors,
if you like] were all under the cloud and that they all
passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptised into
Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the
same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for
they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and
that rock was Christ.
To all of them, we are told, were extended the same spiritual
prerogatives and privileges which are today extended to us.
5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them [in fact,
only two who went through the Exodus survived!]; their bodies
were scattered over the desert.
This lessons of Israel's history should be applied to us today,
as they were to apply to the Church in Corinth:
6 Now these things occurred as examples [Gk: "typos":
examples for imitation or warning, in this case the latter] to
keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7
Do not be idolaters as some of them were [cf. Ex 32:6], as it
is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got
up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit
sexual immorality, as some of them did [cf. Nu 25:1-9]—and in
one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test
the Lord, as some of them did [Nu 21:5]—and were killed by snakes.
10 And do not grumble, as some of them did [Nu 16:41]—and were
killed by the destroying angel.
The purpose of their recorded failings is then reiterated:
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written
down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has
come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm [and that you
have nothing to learn from Israel's bad example], be careful that
you don't fall!
Could similar sins be besetting us today, and would we acknowledge
them: covetousness, which is idolatry, lusts of the flesh, ingratitude,
jealousy? Could we ever try God beyond measure, as Israel did?
Could we be like our fathers, following the same bad example?
3Jn 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what
is good….
Notice a similar warning for us today:
Ro 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern
of this world [don't emulate the bad examples, the corruptive
influences, of society around you, after the manner of Israel
of old], but be transformed by the renewing of your mind [and
following godly examples helps toward this renewal of our thinking
patterns]. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's
will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
BEING A GOOD EXAMPLE
So what about us? Are we following the good example of our Master,
even if it means persecution and suffering, as it did for Christ
(Jn 15:20-21)?
1Jn 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also
to walk just as He walked.
Is our good example then worthy of imitation?
Php 3:16-18 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already
attained, let us walk by the same rule [or in the same path],
let us be of the same mind. 17 Brethren, join in following my
example [some might accuse Paul of bragging!], and note those
who so walk [who walk as Paul walked, and as Christ walked],
as you have us for a pattern [NRSV: "observe those who live
according to the example you have in us"]. 18 [and why would
these Philippians do well to keep their eye on these good examples?]
For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you
even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Godly lives are deserving of emulation. Good examples can help
us to stay on the correct path of life. We have many fine examples—"real-time"
examples, if you like—of Christian living in our midst to draw
upon: examples of faith, of patient endurance in suffering, of
hospitality, of service, of testimony to the truth.
Mt 5:13-16 (NRSV) "You are the salt of the earth
[our example and effect as Christians can preserve and enrich
the lives of others around us]; but if salt has lost its taste,
how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything,
but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 You are the light
of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one
after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on
the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In
the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they
may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
And the light must be burning ever more brightly in a world growing
constantly darker:
Php 2:15 (NIV) so that you may become blameless and pure
[Gk: "akeraios" "unmixed, unadulterated"],
children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation,
in which you shine like stars in the universe
Do we so shine? Will outsiders one day have reason to recall for
their good our example of godly living?
1Pe 2:12 (NRSV) Conduct yourselves honorably among the
Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may
see [the Greek can also mean "gain insight by"] your
honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.
A godly example in the Church today can have a powerful effect.
A converted wife or husband may bring an unconverted mate to the
truth (1Co 7:16); in fact, a wife's Christlike conduct may win
over her unbelieving husband—"without words"—as Peter
informs us (1Pe 3:1-2). Similarly, the considerate, sympathetic
example of a Christian husband towards his wife will help ensure
mutual spiritual growth (1Pe 3:7). But a bad example, a misuse
of our Christian liberty, can be a stumbling-block to others in
the fold (Ro 14:13; 1Co 8:8-13).