Good Examples Make Good Disciples

Showing up is more powerful than you will ever know. Never under estimate the power of a good example. Any Christian can make a significant impact simply by his presence and persistence. 

Have you ever gotten home before growth group tired and wishing for an excuse to stay home? As a mom or dad, have you ever felt tongue tied with a parenting issue? Or have you ever thought, “I am just not a teacher, what do I have to offer?” If you have, you are not alone. But never underestimate your example. Be encouraged by the adage “it’s more caught than taught.” A good example is something a brand new Christian can do for seasoned saints. It’s something seasoned saints can do for teenagers.

Jesus hardwired this into his command to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus’ call to Peter, James and John included modeling when he said, “follow me and I will make you fishers’ of men” (Matthew 4:19).  A disciple is a person who follows Jesus’ teaching and Jesus’ example.  What is interesting is that as we follow Jesus’ example someone in turn is following ours. Multiple times Paul says to follow his example.

2 Timothy 1:13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.

Paul also charged young Timothy to set a good example. “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12 ESV)

Where does the power of a good example come from?

To begin with, it’s the work of Jesus on the cross that both enables and informs our example. He set the perfect example because we had failed in every way. He suffered in our place to pay for our sins. All the power for a good example flows through the cross of Christ.

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21

Peter is talking about suffering unjustly with a godly attitude because that is the very way Jesus atoned for our sins. When wondering how to be a good example always start with Jesus’ cross work and what you do next will flow out naturally.

What kind of examples can any Christian set?

1. Humility. Quickly admit sin and your need for mercy. 

1 Timothy 1:15-16 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 

 Your example can help others admit their sin and turn to Jesus for mercy. Jesus is rich in mercy.

2. Mundane Service. Jesus did the most mundane lowly service so that we would do the same. 

John 13:14-15 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 

Humble service is the great equalizer. That means everything from diaper changing to post growth group clean up is an opportunity to give a Christ-like example.

3. Receiving and believing the truth: Eagerly listening to sermons, bible lectures, taking notes, or other people’s insights at growth group sets a powerful example. Even more does seeking to live it out afterword. 

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

4. Pursuing godliness. We will not be perfectly like Jesus until heaven, but the pursuit of it is a great example. 

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity… 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 

 One of the most important principles as a parent and as a fellow saint is the power of progress. Your kids and your church family often know what the bible says, but they don’t always know how to do it. That is what your example is for.

Where can I be a good example?

In the gatherings of the saints.

Showing up to Sunday gatherings, growth groups and other special events has its own “Spirit” driven power. Fellowship (sharing spiritual life) is built on providing good examples to each other.

In homes and over meals.

This is the step we in Spokane may need most. We are a generally private people, but people need to see us in the environments we live in. How we respond to spilled milk, fussy children, or stressful family life teaches as much as anything. Jesus took his disciples to live with him for three years.  Bring people into your life and your living spaces. 

It is vital for the growth of others in the church that you show up. It is something any believer can do. It’s something we all need to see. It is vital to share life where we live. It’s a foundational element of making disciples. Good examples make good disciples.

Dan Jarms

Dr. Dan Jarms is teaching pastor and team leader at Faith Bible Church in Spokane Washington, as well as associate dean at The Master's Seminary in Spokane. He has been married for over 30 years to Linda, and has three adult children. He earned his B.A. in English at the Master’s College, B.Ed. at Eastern Washington University, M.Div and D.Min in Expository Preaching at The Master’s Seminary. His other interests include NCAA basketball, woodworking, and art.

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