Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8428 example

A person who acts as an illustration or model. Scripture provides examples of both good and bad conduct for the guidance of believers.

Scripture provides examples to inform and warn believers

Israel is an example to believers

1 Corinthians 10:6 See also 1 Corinthians 10:11

Job as an example of perseverance and patience

James 5:10-11

The example of Jesus Christ is of special importance to Christians

John 13:15; 1 Corinthians 11:1 See also Matthew 11:29; Matthew 16:24; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Timothy 1:16; Hebrews 3:1-2; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:21

The apostles set an example for believers to follow

Philippians 3:17 See also 2 Thessalonians 3:7

Christian leaders are to provide examples to their people

1 Peter 5:3; Titus 2:7 See also 1 Timothy 4:12

Examples drawn from everyday life

Galatians 3:15; James 3:4

Biblical examples to be imitated

Faith

Matthew 15:22 a Canaanite woman; John 4:4-29 a Samaritan woman; John 20:24-29 doubting Thomas; Romans 4:18-21 Abraham; Hebrews 11:4-38 various OT figures

Forgiving one's enemies and assailants

Genesis 33:1-11 Esau; Genesis 45:5-15 Joseph; 1 Samuel 24:8-22 David; Luke 23:34 Jesus Christ; Acts 7:59 Stephen

Generous giving

Ruth 2:15-19 Boaz; Job 29:11-16 Job; Mark 12:41-44 a widow; Acts 10:2 Cornelius

Praise

Exodus 15:1-2 Moses; Exodus 18:9-12 Jethro; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 David; Daniel 2:19-23 Daniel; Luke 1:57-68 Zechariah

Biblical examples to be avoided

Leviticus 20:23; Proverbs 22:24-25; Ezekiel 20:18; Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 3:17

See also

1670  symbols
1680  types
2339  Christ, example of
5034  likeness
5409  metaphor
5769  behaviour
5904  maturity, spiritual
6744  sanctification
8120  following Christ
8124  guidance
8206  Christlikeness
8265  godliness
8347  spiritual growth
8449  imitating