How to Set a Good Example for Others

Introduction

The influence of a single life is immeasurable. As Christians, we are called to be the "light of the world" and the "salt of the earth." The purpose of our conduct is not to draw attention to our own virtues, but to lead others to glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Today, we will meditate on the power of example—both the warnings of the past and the inspirations of the faithful—so that we may learn how to be a positive influence in a world that is watching us.

I. The Warning of Bad Examples

The Bible is brutally honest. It records the failures of men and women so that we might avoid the same pitfalls. If we imitate their patterns, we will inevitably share in their consequences.

• Cain: The example of religious jealousy and unrestrained anger. He allowed sin to crouch at his door and became a murderer. We are warned not to be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one (Genesis 4:13-15; 1 John 3:12).

• Balaam: The example of greed and compromise. He knew the truth but was willing to pervert his prophetic gift for profit. He is the archetype of those who "follow the way of unrighteousness" (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14).

• Demas: The example of spiritual desertion. Paul writes with heartbreak that Demas left him because he "loved this present world" (2 Timothy 4:10).

• Diotrephes: The example of pride and territorialism in the church. He loved to be first and refused to welcome the brothers, gossiping maliciously about them (3 John 9-10).

II. The Inspiration of Good Examples

We are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1). These individuals were not perfect, but their lives were marked by specific virtues that give us strength and courage to please God.

A Gallery of the Faithful:

1. Abraham (Faith): He obeyed even when he did not know where he was going, trusting that God is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:8-10; Romans 4:18-23).

2. Job (Patience): In the face of total loss, he remained steadfast. His endurance reminds us that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy (James 5:11).

3. Joseph (Holiness & Forgiveness): He fled from sexual immorality (Genesis 39:9-13) and later offered radical forgiveness to those who betrayed him (Genesis 50:16-21).

4. Moses (Humility): Despite his power and authority, he was the most humble man on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3).

5. Daniel (Courage): He refused to stop praying even when a lion’s den was the penalty. His integrity silenced his enemies (Daniel 6:7-10, 22).

6. Peter (Boldness): After the Spirit came, he stood before the very men who killed Jesus and declared, "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29).

7. Paul (Self-Sacrifice): He viewed his life as a drink offering, poured out for the sake of the Gospel (Philippians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 10:33).

8. John (Love): The "Beloved Disciple" who reminds us that we cannot claim to love God if we do not love our brother (1 John 3:14-18; 4:17-21).

III. Jesus Christ: The Perfect Pattern

While humans may inspire us, Jesus Christ is the only perfect role model. He is the "Author and Finisher of our faith."

• Patience: He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and did not retaliate when insulted (Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 2:22-23).

• Humility: He who was God took the form of a servant, washing the dirty feet of His disciples and submitting to death on a cross (John 13:4-17; Philippians 2:5-8).

• Courage: He "resolutely set out for Jerusalem," knowing exactly what awaited Him there (Luke 9:51).

• Zeal: His passion for the holiness of God’s house drove Him to action (John 2:13-17).

• Self-Denial: Though He was rich, for our sakes He became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9).

• Love & Forgiveness: Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends. Even from the cross, He cried, "Father, forgive them" (John 15:13; Luke 23:34).

IV. Practical Application: How to Be a Good Example

Being an example is not a role for "super-Christians"; it is the daily duty of every believer.

A. Specific Roles of Influence:

• Parents: You are the first "Bible" your children will ever read. Model faith as Eunice and Lois did for Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5; Ephesians 6:4).

• Servants/Employees: Work with such integrity that you "adorn the doctrine of God" by your excellence (Titus 2:10).

• Women: A gentle and quiet spirit has a "winning" influence that words often lack (1 Peter 3:1-4).

B. The Universal Call:

Every Christian must be an example in everything. Whether you are a husband, a wife, a worker, or a neighbor, your life should be a "living sacrifice."

• In Speech: Let your words build up, not tear down.

• In Conduct: Be blameless and pure, shining like stars in a warped and crooked generation (Philippians 2:14-18).

• In the World: Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God (1 Peter 2:11-12).

Conclusion

Setting a good example is not about perfection; it is about direction. It is about a life that consistently points toward Jesus. The question for us today is not just "What am I doing?" but "Who is following me?" If everyone in this church followed your example of prayer, your example of giving, and your example of love, what kind of church would this be?

Let us leave here today resolved to "be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

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How to Set a Good Example for Others