core studies : christian example
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
Christian Example
The term "Christian" (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16) means to be "like Christ." When we live our lives as Christ lived, others will see that God is real and able to deliver them from sin (Philippians 2:15-16, 2 Corinthians 4:1-4). By the effective testimony that we live in front of others, they will know that God is able to bless and guide them too (1 Corinthians 2:1-5, John 13:15, James 2:21-26).
Our testimony will also give hope to other Christians around us (1 Peter 3:15, Matthew 5:14-16). When two Christians are going through the same struggle and one of them desires to give up, the stronger Christian will encourage the weaker that God's grace is able to sustain him (2 Timothy 2:3-5). Therefore, we must be faithful to God, because other people are either encouraged or discouraged by our example (1 Timothy 4:11-13).
It is required that all Christians remain faithful to God as Christ did (1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Timothy 4:16). If we do not maintain our Christian example, not only will we die out of the will of God, but we may also hinder those who looked to us as an example (Matthew 24:13, 1 Corinthians 9:12, Galatians 5:7).
Every Christian must know Christ before he can share Christ with others (1 Corinthians 9:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:6-7). Every person who grows in God will grow in his respective ability to minister, but he must first be ministered to before he can minister to others (Romans 12:4-8, 2 Timothy 2:2).
The "fruit of the spirit" will manifest the spirit of God within our lives. Every fruit seen is a testimony of the spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-25, Ephesians 5:9, Matthew 7:17-20, Matthew 12:33, John 15:2-8, Matthew 13:3-9).
Our Christian example is also determined by the way we identify and respond to our mistakes and to those of others (Luke 17:3-4, Matthew 18:21-35, Galatians 6:1). If we are not willing to repent of our own sins, how can we minister the word of God to others. If we cannot forgive others their trespasses, our heavenly Father will not forgive us ours (Matthew 6:14-15).
