The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Humility
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The life and teachings of Jesus Christ serve as the ultimate example for believers, particularly in the virtue of humility. Conformity to Christ in humility is not merely encouraged but required for those who seek to follow Him faithfully. This requirement is deeply rooted in Scripture and is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship.

Biblical Foundation

The call to humility is exemplified in the life of Christ, who, despite His divine nature, chose to live a life marked by humility and service. Philippians 2:5-8 provides a profound insight into this aspect of Christ's character: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."

This passage highlights the depth of Christ's humility, as He willingly set aside His divine privileges to become a servant and ultimately sacrifice Himself for humanity. Believers are called to adopt this same mindset, embracing humility as a core component of their faith journey.

Christ's Teachings on Humility

Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught the importance of humility through both word and deed. In Matthew 11:29 , Jesus invites His followers to learn from Him, saying, "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." Here, Christ emphasizes His own humility as a model for believers to emulate.

Furthermore, in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus illustrates the value of a humble heart before God. The tax collector's humble plea for mercy is contrasted with the Pharisee's self-righteousness, underscoring the truth that "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).

Practical Application

Conformity to Christ in humility requires believers to adopt a posture of servanthood and selflessness. Jesus demonstrated this through acts of service, such as washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17). In this act, He provided a tangible example of humility, instructing His followers to do likewise: "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14).

The Apostle Paul further encourages believers to live in humility, urging them to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). This exhortation aligns with the example set by Christ and calls believers to prioritize the needs and well-being of others above their own.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Conformity to Christ in humility is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers believers to overcome pride and self-centeredness, cultivating the fruit of humility within their hearts. As believers yield to the Spirit's guidance, they are transformed into the likeness of Christ, reflecting His humility in their interactions with others.

Conclusion

The example of Christ in humility is a central tenet of the Christian faith, calling believers to a life of selflessness and service. Through the teachings and example of Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to conform to this divine standard, embodying the humility that Christ Himself demonstrated.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Luke 22:27
For whether is greater, he that sits at meat, or he that serves? is not he that sits at meat? but I am among you as he that serves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:5,7
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... of duty, and exhibits an entire conformity to the ... the regenerating and sanctifying
power of his Spirit and example. ... from all they had heard and seen of Christ. ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Letter i. --About Vanity and Infidelities.
... word in justification under any pretext whatever is according to the spirit of the
Gospel, and in conformity with the example of Jesus Christ and of ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter i about vanity and infidelities.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ...
... part of sanctification; for this longing desire after conformity to God's ... 1 John
2:6. "He left us an example that we ... that they scar at that which Christ out of ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter v how christ is.htm

Subject Index
... of sin, [607]19. Conformity to Christ, [608]50. ... speaking, [868]17. Example of Christ,
[869]9, [870]35, [871]35, [872]54, [873]54. Examples of love, [874]19. ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm

The True Nonconformist.
... evil for support, as the theatre, for example, is, that ... abuse and not proper use
which Christ condemns, and ... said to-day, license for improper conformity to the ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the true nonconformist.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... That Christ did himself perform, as our example, whatever he required of us to do;
yea, that he trod himself EVERY step of our way to heaven (p.148).19. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

A Warning Rejected.
... the reformers depart widely from their example of humility ... The spirit of worldly
conformity is invading the churches ... are called to suffer with Christ, but they ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /21 a warning rejected.htm

The Sermon on the Mount
... the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,"these
are the ... The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 31 the sermon on.htm

A Warning Rejected
... the reformers depart widely from their example of humility ... The spirit of worldly
conformity in invading the churches ... are called to suffer with Christ, but they ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 21 a warning rejected.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... and afflicted members of Christ call for also. Ah! love is cold in these frozen
days, and short when it is at the highest. (4.) The grace of humility, when is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

Resources
Who was Abraham in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

With all of the different religions, how can I know which one is correct? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being passive-aggressive? | GotQuestions.org

Example: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Example

Example: Bad, Admonitions Against

Example: Christ, Our

Example: God, Our

Example: Good

Example: Paul, Our

The Example of Christ is Perfect

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Progressive

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Being Guileless

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Being not of the World

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Benevolence

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Forgiving Injuries

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Holiness

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Humility

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Love

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Meekness

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Ministering to Others

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Obedience

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Overcoming the World

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Purity

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Righteousness

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Self-Denial

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Suffering for Righteousness

The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Suffering Wrongfully

The Example of Christ: Saints Predestinated to Follow

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The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Holiness
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