Thematic Bible: Conformity to, required in


Thematic Bible



I have demonstrated before you a [good] example in all [these] things, so that you [too] will work hard to help those who are [physically] weak. [Also] remember the words of the Lord Jesus who Himself said, 'It is a greater blessing [for you] to give [to people's needs] than to receive [help yourselves].' " Verse ConceptsExploitationsCompassion, In ChristiansGiving To OthersBeing BlessedThe Benefits Of LaborAttitudes, to other peopleKindnessPoverty, Attitudes TowardsPoverty, Causes OfRememberingStewardshipWeakness, PhysicalPriorityIndustryRole ModelsDonationsRemembering ChristHelp The WeakThe Fact Of ToilGivingHard WorkSupportHelping Those In Needboyfriendshardwork


But just as you excel in everything [else]; in your faith, in your speaking; in your knowledge [Note: Possibly these refer to spiritual gifts. See I Cor. 12:8-10], in your eagerness [to serve], and in your love for us, now you people should also excel in this favorable work [i.e., of giving financial help to needy people]. Verse ConceptsFaith, Growth IneagernessAbounding, Good ThingsGenerosity, Used TowardsKnowingLove Exists Between PeopleGraceGivingReciprocitySpeechgraciousness


For who is most important, the person who reclines at the dinner table or the person who serves [him]? Is it not the person who reclines at the dinner table? But I am among you as the person who serves. Verse ConceptsTablesJesus Christ, Meekness OfChrist, Character OfHumility Of ChristReclining To EatServing PeopleServing

Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man's. Verse ConceptsemptinessReputationServants, Working Conditions OfChrist, Humanity OfJesus Christ, Meekness OfHumility Of ChristChrist Like PeopleChrist Humbled HimselfA Mans ReputationDivineDivinityGodheadSelf Imageservanthoodcredibility





So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you.


For even Christ did not please [just] Himself, but as it is written [Psa. 69:9], "The insults of those people who insulted you [i.e., God] fell on me [i.e., Christ]." Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfInsultsSelfishnessUnselfishnessHumility Of ChristProphecies Concerning ChristNot Pleasing People



[After all], this is what you were called to do, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps. [For] He neither sinned nor used deceitful words. When He was spoken to with harsh insults, He did not reply in the same way. When He was made to suffer, He did not threaten [His tormentors], but instead entrusted Himself to God, [whom He knew] would make a righteous judgment [in the matter].

[After all], this is what you were called to do, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps. [For] He neither sinned nor used deceitful words.


but according to the Holy One, who called you [i.e., God], you people also should become holy [i.e., separated for God's service] in all your conduct, because it is written [Lev. 11:44f], "You shall be holy [i.e., separated from sin] even as I am holy."

Now think about how Jesus endured such opposition against Himself from sinners, so that you do not grow weary and become discouraged [yourself]. You have not yet resisted to the point of [shedding] blood in your struggle against sin.