Christian Conduct: Following the Example of Christ
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The concept of Christian conduct is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate model for believers. The New Testament provides a comprehensive guide for Christians to emulate Christ in their daily lives, emphasizing virtues such as love, humility, obedience, and service.

Imitating Christ

The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to imitate Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, he writes, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." This call to imitation is not merely about external actions but involves a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning one's entire being with the character of Jesus.

Love and Compassion

Central to Christ's example is His love and compassion for others. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." This love is sacrificial and unconditional, reflecting the love Christ demonstrated through His life and ultimately His death on the cross.

Humility and Service

Christ's humility is exemplified in Philippians 2:5-8, where Paul describes Jesus' willingness to humble Himself, taking on the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death on a cross. Believers are called to adopt this same mindset, serving others selflessly and placing the needs of others above their own.

Obedience to God

Jesus' obedience to the Father is a cornerstone of His earthly ministry. In John 6:38, He states, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." Christians are encouraged to seek God's will in their lives, submitting to His authority and guidance as Christ did.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Forgiveness is another critical aspect of Christ's example. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours." Following Christ involves a commitment to forgive others, fostering reconciliation and peace.

Endurance and Perseverance

Christians are also called to endure trials and persevere in faith, as Christ did. Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." This endurance is marked by steadfast faith and hope in God's promises.

Holiness and Righteousness

Finally, following Christ involves a pursuit of holiness and righteousness. 1 Peter 1:15-16 instructs, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is a call to live a life set apart, reflecting the purity and righteousness of Christ in every aspect of life.

In summary, Christian conduct, as modeled by Christ, encompasses love, humility, obedience, forgiveness, endurance, and holiness. By following Christ's example, believers are transformed into His likeness, bearing witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 13:15
For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:21-24
For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
... and if any impenitent sinners witness their conduct, it helps ... of the sinner as the
work of the Christian. ... It is only following part of the example of Christ. ...
/.../letter xiii christian activity.htm

After Christ: with Christ
... Me, let him follow Me,' and here is the special region in which the following is
to ... But the true characteristic of Christian teaching as to conduct lies in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/after christ with christ.htm

Examples from the Old Testament, Balaam, Moses, and Hezekiah, to ...
... to Show How Completely the Instruction and Conduct of Christ ... I can draw also from
the following words: "For ... a difference there is between the example of Moses ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxviii examples from the old.htm

How Wilbrord, Preaching in Frisand, Converted Many to Christ; and ...
... Following their example, two other priests of the English nation ... and asked of him
that he would conduct them to ... to the new religion of the Christian faith; and ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap x how wilbrord preaching.htm

The Divine Christ Confessed, the Suffering Christ Denied
... preceding and the 'thee' of the following clauses, and ... other words, of laying down
the law of Christian conduct. ... permitted or forbidden to a Christian man will ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the divine christ confessed the.htm

The Limits of Liberty
... I can, pursue some course of conduct, engage in ... How any Christian man can read these
two verses ... considerations reappear in the verses following the specific ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the limits of liberty 2.htm

The Christian Service
... heart; there is a goodness of conduct on the ... reason why Bible instruction and Christian
teaching should ... have power with men." In following Christ, and placing ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study viii the christian service.htm

Christ and the Unstable.
... disciples, and after them the people, and, following their example ... For in His conduct
this is plainly to be ... That is, that a Christian guided by the Spirit of ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/v christ and the unstable.htm

Proof against the Marcionites, that the Prophets Referred in all ...
... earnest care the prophets, and you will find that the whole conduct, and all ... same
[is still true] with regard to us, the body following the example of the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiv proof against the marcionites.htm

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST AND THE CHRISTIAN'S CITIZENSHIP IN ... does; also to shape their
belief and conduct by the ... chapter, in the third verse and following, he says ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about sexual harassment? | GotQuestions.org

What is Confucianism? | GotQuestions.org

What was the biblical role of the high priest? | GotQuestions.org

Conduct: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Christian Conduct: Abounding in the Work of the Lord

Christian Conduct: Abstaining from all Appearance of Evil

Christian Conduct: Adorning the Gospel

Christian Conduct: Being Contented

Christian Conduct: Being Liberal to Others

Christian Conduct: Believing God

Christian Conduct: Believing in Christ

Christian Conduct: Blessedness of Maintaining

Christian Conduct: Controlling the Body

Christian Conduct: Doing As we Would be Done By

Christian Conduct: Fearing God

Christian Conduct: Following After That Which is Good

Christian Conduct: Following God

Christian Conduct: Following the Example of Christ

Christian Conduct: Forgiving Injuries

Christian Conduct: Fulfilling Domestic Duties

Christian Conduct: Hating Defilement

Christian Conduct: Honoring Others

Christian Conduct: Living Peaceably With All

Christian Conduct: Living: Soberly, Righteously, and Godly

Christian Conduct: Living: To Christ

Christian Conduct: Living: To Righteousness

Christian Conduct: Loving Christ

Christian Conduct: Loving God

Christian Conduct: Loving One Another

Christian Conduct: Obeying Christ

Christian Conduct: Obeying God

Christian Conduct: Overcoming the World

Christian Conduct: Perfecting Holiness

Christian Conduct: Putting Away all Sin

Christian Conduct: Rejoicing in Christ

Christian Conduct: Rejoicing in God

Christian Conduct: Showing a Good Example

Christian Conduct: Shunning the Wicked

Christian Conduct: Striving for the Faith

Christian Conduct: Subduing the Temper

Christian Conduct: Submitting to Authorities

Christian Conduct: Submitting to Injuries

Christian Conduct: Sympathising With Others

Christian Conduct: Visiting the Afflicted

Christian Conduct: Walking in Newness of Life

Christian Conduct: Walking in the Spirit

Christian Conduct: Walking: After the Spirit

Christian Conduct: Walking: As Children of Light

Christian Conduct: Walking: Honestly

Christian Conduct: Walking: Worthy of God

Christian Conduct: Walking: Worthy of the Lord

Christian Conduct: Walking: Worthy of Vocation

Conduct

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Christian Conduct: Following God
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