What does the Bible say about example?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers should live as faithful examples of Christlike faith and obedience, pointing others to the gospel by both word and conduct. Jesus Himself gave the pattern of humble service in John 13:15, and Paul repeatedly urged Christians to imitate godly examples as they followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17). Younger believers, too, are called to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). Such imitation is not self-exaltation, but discipleship shaped by sound doctrine, holiness, and perseverance. Through ordinary Christian life, faithful believers encourage one another to receive and practice what God has taught (Philippians 4:9; Titus 2:1-5).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
- Philippians 3:17
Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.
- John 13:15
For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
- Philippians 4:9
The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
- 1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:9
not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
- Titus 2:1-5
[1] But say the things which fit sound doctrine, [2] that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, and in patience: [3] and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; [4] that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [5] to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God's word may not be blasphemed.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:6
You became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
- 1 Corinthians 4:16
I beg you therefore, be imitators of me.
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