[but set an example for the believers] … in faith…
Summary: Paul’s instruction to set an example moves from things we can observe into a realm that is both less obvious and more substantial. Faith is both invisible and very personal. For the believer, it is the foundation of our relationship with God.
It is one thing to set an example in speech and conduct: we can see that. It is another to set an example in love (agapē): we can feel that. But when we get to faith, we are talking about a different kind of thing. We can’t see or feel someone’s faith in God. All we can do is observe them over time and try to discern with our minds why they do what they do.
The Bible provides some startlingly clear information about faith. The writer of Hebrews says:
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Some might say this sounds like circular reasoning, but in the broader context of Hebrews, it makes sense. Hebrews continues with:
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Hebrews 11:3)
Strong’s Lexicon describes the Greek word for faith, “pistis,” as a “moral conviction of religious truth.”*
To have a “moral conviction,” one needs to have a moral compass that points to the truth. This is not the same thing as saying we have the ability to know all truth, but that we at least have the ability to recognize truth when it presents itself.
Do all people have this ability?
Sadly, no.
The Bible addresses this topic in several ways. Perhaps the best-known story is the “Parable of the Wheat and the Tares” (Matthew 13:24-30, KJV).
I like the King James version of this parable because it is specific about the exact kind of weed that was planted in the wheat field. A tare looks like wheat, but it does not produce anything of value. Instead, it just takes up space and saps the soil of nutrients.
This is what makes having faith a challenge. We humans are social creatures. We want to fit in and be accepted by those around us. When we “see” something others do not see, we are met with a conundrum: Do we pretend we don’t see it so we can continue to fit in with the group, or do we speak and act according to what we have seen?
It is often assumed that the Bible is speaking to two groups of people — believers and non-believers. In reality, there are three groups, according to Jesus. It is the wheat that the Bible speaks to. The tares, apparently, will never be part of God’s kingdom. The problem is that the wheat is divided between those who have faith and act on it, and those who have faith but hide it because they still want to fit in with the tares.
The challenge we are left with is simple: Are we willing to set an example for believers in faith?
Application: Exercise your faith every day.
Food for Thought: How does one “set an example” in faith?
*”G4102 – pistis – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 29 May, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4102/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
How does one “set an example” in faith?
The question made me reflect on those around me that I admire their faith. That is to say, I can see their faith in how it emanates from them in the way they live their life. Whatever is happening around them or to them only serves to strengthen their relationship with God, as they depend on Christ for all things. Their dependence is rooted in faith and is manifest in what comes out of them:
In their speech.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
In their conduct.
Philippians 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
How they treat others.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
How they deal with adversity or uncertainty.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
It becomes obvious that they have an internal accountability to God. Moreover, they seek to be aware of God’s presence, depend on the Holy Spirit and God’s Word for guidance, and place total dependence on Christ.
Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Thank you, Chris.
Nicely said!
I especially liked “an internal accountability to God.” That is where the rubber hits the road.
How does one “set an example” in faith?
Once we have received Jesus Christ, we are called to become a living sacrifice, examples who by faith submit to His Lordship as we seek to live each moment in submission to His will over our own.
Revelation 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Romans 12:1, Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
As we place our trust in God, seek life in obedience to His Word over the foolishness of this world’s distorted view of reality. We are led into a life of submission to His will which leads to clarity of vision as well as true confidence in the future. It is in submission to God that we begin to live in reality, placing our trust in His will, His power over our own, live in faith, knowing His love for us is more powerful than this world and find peace.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10, But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Thank you, Ron.
Obedience to Jesus is indeed an act of faith.