The Apostle Paul did his best to be the example for others to follow. The church at Corinth faced many challenges. Being instrumental in their founding as a body of believers, he commanded a certain respect from the believers in Corinth. As he writes to help them be more Christ-like, he reminds them of his relationship with them in 1 Corinthians 4:14-16, “14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.”
Of course, Paul doesn’t want the Christians at Corinth to follow his example before he met Christ. The Paul before Christ was a man determined to destroy the Lord’s church (Acts 9:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 1:15). Later in 1 Corinthians 11:1 he states plainly that they are to “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
Paul also encouraged other congregations he worked with to do the same. In Philippians 3:17, he says “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” The Philippians are to follow not only Paul’s example, but the example of others who share the same example. The example that Paul and others share is to be a pattern for those who strive to live like Christ. Paul says it this way in Philippians 4:9, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
All who make the decision to follow Jesus must follow His example. The example that Christ left for us to follow is one of a servant. While we could site many examples of Jesus’ servanthood, the one in John 13 is notable. In John 13 Jesus takes on the humble role of a servant to wash His disciples’ feet. When He completed the task He told them in John 13:15, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”
Jesus also set the example of suffering. While some may suffer for no apparent reason, Jesus’ path of righteousness incurred the wrath of His persecutors. This can be no better illustrated than Christ going to the cross (Matthew 27). While we might not face crucifixion, we may have to endure persecution for our faith. The Apostle Peter notes in 1 Peter 2:20-21, “20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
The most amazing example that Jesus gave us to follow is that of love. We know that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).” Jesus’ example of love in going to the cross ultimately overshadows His many other acts of love, but in no way diminishes their importance. Ephesians 5:1-2, encourages us to “1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 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.”
One of the best examples Jesus left us is His ability to forgive. We cannot forgive anothers’ sins against God like Jesus did (Luke 5:20-23; Luke 7:47-48; Luke 23:43). We can, however, forgive another who sins against us. Jesus calls upon His disciples to forgive one another (Matthew 18:21-35). Colossians 3:13, tells us to be “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
Being Jesus’ disciple means that we are to follow His example in everything. Romans 8:29 confirms that His followers are “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” It is God’s will for Jesus’ disciples to follow His example. When we follow Jesus’ example we become the example for others to follow that leads to Him.
