Imitating Good Examples
Introduction
A. Learning from the Faithful: The Bible provides us with many worthy examples to imitate so that we may please God in our Christian walk. The apostle Paul famously exhorted: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1; see also 1 Co. 4:16; Phil. 3:17). He calls us to observe those who live according to a godly pattern.
B. God’s Desire: God wants us to learn from faithful men and women who lived in a way that delighted Him. Imitating good examples isn't about copying people; it’s about learning the principles of faith that help us serve God as He deserves.
C. Purpose: In this study, we will examine five biblical examples we should imitate to glorify God in our daily lives.
I. Imitate the Example of Sacrificial Giving (The Poor Widow)
Text: Luke 21:1–4
A. Observation: Jesus was watching how people gave in the temple. Many wealthy people threw in large sums, and from a human perspective, they seemed to be doing well.
B. The Contrast: However, Jesus highlighted a poor widow who put in only two small copper coins. He declared that she had given more than everyone else because she gave out of her poverty—everything she had—while the others gave out of their surplus.
C. Radical Trust: This woman placed her full trust in God for her future sustenance (Matt. 6:25, 33–34). Often, we don't give with that kind of confidence; instead, we give with one eye on our bank accounts and a fear of tomorrow.
D. The Heart Principle: God teaches us to give according to how we have prospered (1 Cor. 16:1–2). We shouldn't just offer God the "leftovers" of our time or money, but give Him the first place. This is not about a legalistic percentage, but about a heart that gives with faith, gratitude, and responsibility (2 Cor. 9:7).
Application: Do we give to God with a spirit of surrender, or do we only offer what we won't miss?
II. Imitate the Example of Constant Worship (Anna)
Text: Luke 2:37
A. A Life of Fidelity: Anna is a magnificent example of faithfulness. The Bible says she “never left the temple,” serving God with fasting and prayer night and day.
B. Priority Over Option: Her life was completely dedicated to God. She understood that worship was a priority, not a secondary option to be fit into a busy schedule.
C. The Warning Against Absence: Scripture exhorts us not to neglect meeting together (Heb. 10:25). Many today miss worship for trivial reasons, forgetting that the assembly is where our faith is corporately strengthened.
D. The Pattern of the Early Church: The first Christians persevered with one mind and were constantly in the temple (Acts 2:46). Their consistency was their strength.
Application: Are we constant in our worship, or do we look for excuses to distance ourselves from the assembly?
III. Imitate the Example of Listening to the Word (Mary)
Text: Luke 10:38–42
A. Sitting at His Feet: Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet to listen to His word. Her sister, Martha, was distracted and worried by many things—even good things like hospitality.
B. The Better Part: Jesus affirmed that Mary had chosen “the good portion,” which would not be taken from her. The Word of God is the most important thing in a believer's life.
C. Spiritual Growth: We must crave the Word like newborn babies crave milk (1 Pet. 2:2). Without it, there is no growth. Scripture is sufficient to make us mature and equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
D. Avoiding Distraction: When we neglect the Word, we neglect our own spiritual health. We must imitate Mary’s focus and avoid becoming "spiritually noisy" or distracted like Martha.
Application: What place does the Word of God occupy in your daily routine? Is it a priority or a footnote?
IV. Imitate the Example of Sincere Generosity (Barnabas)
Text: Acts 4:34–37
A. Community Care: In the early church, there were no needy people because the believers shared what they had.
B. A Practical Example: Barnabas (the "Son of Encouragement") was a notable example. He sold a field and brought the full amount to the apostles to help those in need.
C. Sincerity vs. Pretense: We should imitate Barnabas’s sincerity, and avoid the path of Ananias and Sapphira, who wanted to appear spiritual while harboring a heart of greed and deceit (Acts 5:1–11).
D. The Blessing of Giving: Jesus taught that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Having received grace freely, we should give freely (Matt. 10:8).
Application: Are we generous and sincere in our help for others, or do we only act when there is an audience?
V. Imitate the Example of Being Rich in Good Works (Dorcas)
Text: Acts 9:36
A. A Practical Disciple: Dorcas (Tabitha) was a disciple known for her "good works and acts of charity." She spent her time making tunics and garments for widows.
B. Eternal Wealth: She may not have been materially wealthy, but she was rich in what mattered. Material riches don't guarantee eternal life (Matt. 16:26), but a life of service leaves a legacy.
C. A Warning to the Prosperous: Paul exhorted those who are rich in this world not to be haughty or set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but to be “rich in good works” (1 Tim. 6:17–19).
D. Avoiding Spiritual Poverty: The church in Laodicea thought they were rich because of their money, but God saw them as spiritually poor (Rev. 3:17–18). We must imitate Dorcas by living out a practical, active, and helpful faith.
Application: Are you investing in eternal treasures or only in temporary comforts?
See also
- The Difference Between the Mission of the Church and the Mission of the Individual
- How a Christian Ought to Live in This World
- What should a Christian's devotion be like?
Conclusion
We have looked at five biblical portraits of faithfulness:
1. The Widow: Sacrificial trust.
2. Anna: Constant worship.
3. Mary: Priority of the Word.
4. Barnabas: Sincere generosity.
5. Dorcas: A life full of good works.
Let us follow these good examples and glorify God with a life that reflects Christ in everything we do.
Would you like me to help you create a set of reflection questions based on these points for a small group study?
