1 Timothy 4:12 – Setting an Example for Believers
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
1 Peter 2:21 – Following in Jesus’ Steps
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Matthew 5:16 – Letting Your Light Shine
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Philippians 3:17 – Keeping Your Eyes on Role Models
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”
Titus 2:7-8 – Being an Example of Good Works
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 – A Model for All Believers
“And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.”
1 Corinthians 11:1 – Imitating Christ
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
1 Peter 5:3 – Being a Good Example as a Leader
“Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Matthew 23:3 – Practicing What You Preach
“So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”
Also Read: 40 Bible Verses About Being an Example
Ephesians 5:1-2 – Walking in Love
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Hebrews 13:7 – Considering the Outcome of Their Way of Life
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Colossians 3:17 – Doing Everything in Jesus’ Name
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Doing All to the Glory of God
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Judges 2:7 – Following the Ways of the Lord
“The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.”
Proverbs 4:26 – Keeping Your Foot on the Right Path
“Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”
Matthew 27:42 – Trusting God to Save You
“He saved others, but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”
Galatians 5:22-23 – Displaying the Fruits of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Philippians 4:9 – Practicing What You’ve Learned
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Psalm 37:37 – Following the Blameless
“Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.”
Matthew 5:48 – Striving for Perfection in Christ
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Proverbs 11:16 – A Gracious Woman Retains Honor
“A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches.”
1 John 2:6 – Walking as Jesus Walked
“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
Psalm 101:2 – Walking with a Blameless Heart
“I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.”
James 1:22-25 – Being a Doer of the Word
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
Titus 2:3-5 – Setting an Example for Younger Women
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
1 Corinthians 16:14 – Letting Love Be Your Motivation
“Do everything in love.”
Psalm 25:21 – Living with Integrity and Uprightness
“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.”
1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 – Living a Holy, righteous and Blameless Life
“You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 – Walking in Unity and Humility
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Deuteronomy 5:32 – Not Turning Aside from God’s Commandments
“So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; don’t turn aside to the right or to the left.”
1 John 3:18 – Love in Action
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Matthew 6:33 – Seeking God’s Kingdom and Righteousness
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Proverbs 20:7 – Living a Righteous Life
“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 – Following the Example of Christ’s Generosity
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
Psalm 26:3-4 – Walking in Faithfulness and Trust
“For I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.”
Acts 20:35 – Helping the Weak and Remembering Jesus’ Words
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting in the Lord
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Galatians 6:9 – Not Growing Weary in Doing Good
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Romans 12:9 – Sincerity and Genuine Love
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
James 4:10 – Humbling Yourself Before God
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Matthew 11:29 – Taking Jesus’ Yoke Upon Yourself
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Psalm 34:13 – Keeping Your Tongue from Evil
“keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
John 13:15 – Serving Others as Jesus Served
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Colossians 3:23 – Working Heartily for the Lord
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Proverbs 16:3 – Committing Your Plans to God
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Matthew 20:28 – Serving Others as Jesus Served
“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 12:30 – Loving God with All Your Heart
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
What Does the Bible Say About Being an Example?
The Bible provides us with profound guidance on the importance of being an example to others. It’s clear that our actions and behaviors are observed by those around us, and as followers of Christ, we are called to live out His teachings in a way that others can see and follow.
One notable reference is found in 1 Timothy 4:12, where Paul advises Timothy to “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” This instruction is not just limited to Timothy but extends to all of us. We are urged to demonstrate our faith not just through our words but through our daily actions and interactions with others.
Furthermore, in Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages us to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This verse beautifully captures the essence of being an example; our good deeds should lead others to praise God and be motivated to follow His path.
In another profound example, Paul, in Philippians 3:17, urges us to follow his example and take note of others who live according to the pattern he gave. This demonstrates the strength of community and the power of righteous living as a collective witness for Christ.
Moreover, in Titus 2:7-8, the Bible speaks to the need for integrity and seriousness in our teaching. It emphasizes that we should show by doing what is good and that our actions should be beyond reproach, so that others may have nothing bad to say about us.
Ultimately, our call to be an example is rooted in love and service. In the gospel of John, Jesus says, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35). This verse underscores that the foundation of being an example lies in our love and care for each other, reflecting the love Christ has for us.
Through these scriptures, it is clear that the Bible invites us to embody the teachings of Christ, not just in belief but in lived experiences. Being an example is about consistency in faith, love, and purity, so that through our lives, others may witness the transformative power of God’s grace.