FOLLOWING GODLY EXAMPLES

FOLLOWING GODLY EXAMPLES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 4:16

Key Verse: "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me." — 1 Corinthians 4:16 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:10-11; Titus 2:7-8

Description: Following godly examples means observing, learning from, and imitating the Christlike character, faith, conduct, and service of mature believers.

INTRODUCTION

God has designed the Christian life to be lived in fellowship with others, and one of the ways believers grow is by observing godly examples. Paul did not merely teach the Corinthians with words; he challenged them to follow his example as he followed Christ. This shows that Christian influence involves both what we teach and how we live.

A godly example is a life that makes the character and ways of Christ visible to others. Such examples demonstrate faithfulness, humility, integrity, love, perseverance, prayer, obedience, and sacrificial service. We must therefore be careful about the people we choose to admire and imitate because what we repeatedly observe can eventually shape our values and behaviour.

At the same time, following a human example does not mean placing a person above Christ or copying everything about them blindly. Paul himself established the correct standard: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Christ remains the ultimate example, while godly believers serve as practical demonstrations of what following Him looks like.

1. RECOGNISE THE POWER OF GODLY EXAMPLES

People are often influenced more by what they see than by what they hear. A consistent godly life can teach lessons that words alone cannot communicate.

a) Examples Influence Others (1 Thessalonians 1:7)
The Thessalonian believers became examples to other Christians because their faith was visible in their conduct. Our lives can influence people positively or negatively.

b) Character Is Contagious (Proverbs 13:20)
Those we closely associate with can influence our attitudes, decisions, and behaviour. Wise relationships therefore contribute to spiritual growth.

c) Conduct Can Strengthen Faith (1 Peter 3:1-2)
A godly life can communicate the reality of faith even when words are limited.

d) Influence Carries Responsibility (Matthew 5:16)
Jesus calls believers to let their light shine so that others may see their good works and glorify God.

Biblical Example: Daniel's consistent character and devotion to God influenced the kings and people around him, even in a hostile environment (Daniel 6:3-5, 25-27).

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO IMITATE

Not every successful or influential person is a suitable spiritual example. We must choose models according to biblical character rather than popularity or achievement.

a) Look For Christlike Character (Philippians 3:17)
Paul instructed believers to observe those who lived according to the godly pattern they had received.

b) Examine Their Fruit (Matthew 7:16)
Jesus taught that people are known by their fruit. Character should be considered before influence.

c) Follow Those Who Follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Paul's example was valuable because it pointed people towards Christ rather than towards himself.

d) Honour Faithful Leaders (Hebrews 13:7)
Believers should remember faithful spiritual leaders, observe the outcome of their conduct, and imitate their faith.

Biblical Example: Timothy became a trusted example because he closely followed Paul's teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and perseverance (2 Timothy 3:10-11).

3. IMITATE CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER

The purpose of following godly examples is not merely to copy external habits but to develop Christlike character.

a) Imitate Humility (Philippians 2:5-8)
Jesus demonstrated extraordinary humility by willingly serving and obeying the Father. His humility should shape our attitudes.

b) Imitate Love (John 13:34-35)
Christ's followers are recognised by their love. Godly examples demonstrate love through practical actions.

c) Imitate Faithfulness (Revelation 2:10)
Faithfulness means remaining committed to God even when circumstances are difficult or inconvenient.

d) Imitate Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Christian influence must be accompanied by a life that reflects God's holiness.

Biblical Example: Stephen demonstrated Christlike courage, forgiveness, and faithfulness even when facing persecution and death (Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60).

4. BECOME A GODLY EXAMPLE TO OTHERS

Following good examples should eventually lead us to become examples ourselves. Christian maturity includes accepting the responsibility of influencing others positively.

a) Be An Example In Conduct (1 Timothy 4:12)
Paul instructed Timothy to be an example in word, conversation, love, faith, and purity.

b) Teach By Your Lifestyle (Titus 2:7)
Christian leaders must demonstrate integrity and good works so that their teaching carries credibility.

c) Influence The Next Generation (Psalm 78:5-7)
God expects His truth to be passed from one generation to another. Our lives can become models for those coming after us.

d) Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16)
Our good works should direct people's attention to God rather than to ourselves.

Biblical Example: Paul became an example to many churches through his sacrifice, perseverance, doctrine, and commitment to the Gospel (1 Corinthians 4:9-13).

5. FOLLOW WITH DISCERNMENT AND MATURITY

Godly examples should be followed wisely. Our ultimate standard is always Jesus Christ and the truth of Scripture.

a) Test Everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Believers should examine what they hear and observe rather than accepting everything without discernment.

b) Search The Scriptures (Acts 17:11)
The Bereans examined Paul's teaching against Scripture. Even respected spiritual leaders should be evaluated according to God's Word.

c) Keep Your Eyes On Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)
Human leaders can fail, but Christ remains the perfect and unchanging example.

d) Grow Beyond Imitation (Ephesians 4:13)
The ultimate goal is spiritual maturity and conformity to Christ, not permanent dependence upon human personalities.

Biblical Example: The Bereans received Paul's teaching eagerly but searched the Scriptures daily to confirm whether what they were taught was true (Acts 17:10-12).

CONCLUSION

Godly examples are powerful instruments of spiritual growth. Through the lives of faithful believers, we can learn how to pray, serve, persevere, lead, forgive, remain pure, and walk faithfully with God. We should therefore deliberately surround ourselves with people whose lives point us towards Christ.

However, our eyes must never become fixed exclusively on human personalities. People can fail, but Jesus never fails. Follow godly examples as they follow Christ, learn from their virtues, avoid their weaknesses, search everything through Scripture, and ultimately become the kind of example that others can safely follow.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, surround me with godly people whose lives will strengthen my faith and draw me closer to Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me discernment to recognise the right examples to follow and the wrong influences to avoid, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me to imitate the humility, love, faithfulness, holiness, and obedience demonstrated by Christ, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from following people merely because of their popularity, success, position, or influence, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to examine every example and teaching according to the truth of Your Word, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let the lives of faithful believers around me inspire me to grow stronger and deeper in my walk with You, in Jesus name.

7. Father, make my own life a godly example that will encourage my family, church, younger believers, and those around me, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let my words, conduct, faith, love, patience, and purity consistently reflect the character of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

9. Father, protect me from becoming discouraged when human leaders fail, and keep my eyes firmly fixed upon Jesus, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to become a faithful example whose life will inspire others to follow Christ and fulfil His purpose for their lives, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall be surrounded by godly examples whose faith, wisdom, character, and conduct will strengthen your walk with Christ.

2. The Lord shall give you discernment to recognise relationships and influences that will contribute positively to your spiritual growth.

3. You shall increasingly reflect the humility, love, holiness, faithfulness, compassion, and obedience of Jesus Christ.

4. You shall not be deceived by popularity, position, charisma, or outward success, but you shall value genuine godly character above appearances.

5. Your faith shall become stronger as you learn from faithful believers and apply the godly principles demonstrated through their lives.

6. You shall become a positive spiritual influence to your family, church, community, and the generation coming after you.

7. Your words and conduct shall agree, and your life shall provide a credible example of genuine Christian faith.

8. When others observe your life, they shall see qualities that point them towards Christ rather than towards human pride or self-glorification.

9. Even when human examples fail, you shall remain firmly anchored in Jesus Christ, the perfect example and author of your faith.

10. Your life shall become a godly pattern that others can safely follow, and through your example many shall be encouraged to know, love, and serve Christ faithfully.