Most people who accept the Bible as God’s Word have no trouble agreeing that we should obey the commands both of God the Father and Jesus the Christ. Many may be surprised, however, to learn that Christians are also required to follow the example of Jesus and his Apostles. This is nonetheless true.
Jesus said in John 13:15, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” He also said, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 15:12; emphasis mine, MJDJ) Both of these passages indicate to us that Jesus expects us to look at the example that he has given and pattern our own lives after it. To fail to do so is to sin just as surely as we sin by breaking a commandment of our Lord!
We also have the example of the Apostles that Jesus himself chose. Paul said, “Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.”(1Corinthians 11:1-2, ASV) Notice here, Paul says, “…as I also am of Christ.” This indicates to us that for the example of the Apostles to be applicable to us, they must be approved examples; that is, they must not contradict the teaching of Christ or the inspired teaching of the apostles. For instance, Peter refused to eat with the Gentiles when certain Jews were present. This was contradictory to the Gospel he himself had preached, and Paul rebuked him for this sin. Therefore, we must not follow Peter’s example of sin.
Peter also took a wife with him at least some times when he traveled preaching (I Corinthians 9:5). Paul indicates that this is acceptable and it does not contradict any other teaching of the Apostles or Christ, therefore we know that this example is approved. Paul, however, took no wife with him. This also does not contradict any other teaching. This example, then, is also approved. We can learn from this that a preacher can be married or not; the approved example of the Apostles shows this.
In Acts 20:7, we find that Paul preached to the brethren who were gathered on the first day of the week. Did you know that there is no command in the New Testament for Christians to meet on the first day (or any other specific day) of the week? Did you know that there is no command that there be preaching on the first day of the week? Yet, for almost two thousand years Christians have done these things. “Why?” you say? Approved apostolic example! The example of Paul and others who are approved of God is our only way of knowing when God wants us to gather!
These are only a few of the instances of this in the New Testament. When you read your Bible, do so with this in mind. Try to find more examples…of Approved Example! Only by knowing God’s commands, following his examples, and understanding his will for us can we be pleasing to him.
Until next time, let me encourage you to search the scriptures daily, whether these things are so. Acts 17:11
May God bless you in your study of his Word.
Copyright 2006 Mance J. Davis Jr.
