What does the Bible say about example to others?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers are called to set a visible example of faith, love, holiness, and good works so that others may see Christ and glorify God. Paul urges Timothy not to be overlooked because of his youth, but to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12), and he calls Titus to model integrity and sound teaching (Titus 2:7). Jesus says that His disciples’ light should shine before others through good works (Matthew 5:16). Yet Christian example is not self-righteous performance: we imitate God as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1), follow faithful believers only as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1), and live by the gospel’s light rather than hypocrisy (John 3:16-21).

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.

  • Titus 2:7

    in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,

  • Matthew 5:16

    Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

  • Ephesians 5:1

    Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.

  • John 3:16-21

    [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [17] For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. [18] He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. [19] This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. [20] For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. [21] But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God."

  • 1 Corinthians 11:1

    Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

  • Philippians 3:17

    Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.

  • Proverbs 6:23

    For the commandment is a lamp, And the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

  • Romans 14:1-23

    [1] Now receive one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions. [2] One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. [3] Don't let him who eats despise him who doesn't eat. Don't let him who doesn't eat judge him who eats, for God has received him. [4] Who are you who judge another's servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand. [5] One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. [6] He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn't eat, to the Lord he doesn't eat, and gives God thanks. [7] For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. [8] For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's. [9] For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. [10] But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [11] For it is written, "'As I live,' says the Lord, 'to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.'" [12] So then each one of us will give account of himself to God. [13] Therefore let's not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother's way, or an occasion for falling. [14] I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. [15] Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don't destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. [16] Then don't let your good be slandered, [17] for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. [18] For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. [19] So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up. [20] Don't overthrow God's work for food's sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a stumbling block by eating. [21] It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak. [22] Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn't judge himself in that which he approves. [23] But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. (14:24) Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, (14:25) but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; (14:26) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

  • Matthew 23:3

    All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don't do their works; for they say, and don't do.

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