100 Bible Verses about Leading By Example

Titus 2:7 ESV / 208 helpful votes

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV / 190 helpful votes

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 Peter 3:15 ESV / 101 helpful votes

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 77 helpful votes

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:24 ESV / 75 helpful votes

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,

1 Peter 5:3 ESV / 71 helpful votes

Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

1 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV / 70 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?

James 3:1-18 ESV / 67 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ...

1 Peter 5:1-14 ESV / 64 helpful votes

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ...

Hebrews 13:17 ESV / 57 helpful votes

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

John 16:33 ESV / 55 helpful votes

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Hebrews 13:7 ESV / 51 helpful votes

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV / 51 helpful votes

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 25:21 ESV / 48 helpful votes

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

1 Peter 2:21-24 ESV / 47 helpful votes

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. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Titus 1:7 ESV / 46 helpful votes

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

Philippians 3:17 ESV / 43 helpful votes

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

1 Peter 5:2 ESV / 42 helpful votes

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV / 39 helpful votes

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV / 38 helpful votes

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Philippians 2:3 ESV / 37 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Psalm 78:72 ESV / 37 helpful votes

With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.

1 Peter 5:5 ESV / 36 helpful votes

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

John 10:11 ESV / 36 helpful votes

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Matthew 20:26 ESV / 36 helpful votes

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

James 3:1 ESV / 34 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Acts 20:28 ESV / 34 helpful votes

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

John 3:30 ESV / 33 helpful votes

He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 32 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV / 30 helpful votes

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ...

1 Peter 5:1-5 ESV / 29 helpful votes

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Philippians 4:9 ESV / 29 helpful votes

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 29 helpful votes

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Galatians 6:9 ESV / 28 helpful votes

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Proverbs 4:23 ESV / 27 helpful votes

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

1 Peter 2:21 ESV / 26 helpful votes

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.

Matthew 20:25-28 ESV / 26 helpful votes

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 25 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Ephesians 4:11 ESV / 24 helpful votes

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

Mark 10:45 ESV / 24 helpful votes

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:42-45 ESV / 24 helpful votes

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 23 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:1 ESV / 23 helpful votes

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:

Acts 1:8 ESV / 23 helpful votes

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1 Peter 5:12 ESV / 22 helpful votes

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

James 4:10 ESV / 22 helpful votes

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Philippians 2:4 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

John 3:16 ESV / 21 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 Timothy 3:1-2 ESV / 20 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV / 20 helpful votes

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Galatians 6:1 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Acts 6:1-7 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. ...

John 13:12-15 ESV / 20 helpful votes

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 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.

1 Peter 5:9 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 ESV / 18 helpful votes

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

John 3:16-17 ESV / 18 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

1 Peter 2:25 ESV / 16 helpful votes

For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Timothy 5:17-18 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

Ephesians 4:12 ESV / 16 helpful votes

To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Proverbs 16:18 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Titus 1:5-9 ESV / 13 helpful votes

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Proverbs 29:2 ESV / 13 helpful votes

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Proverbs 22:6 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 11:14 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Psalm 101:5 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.

Psalm 32:8 ESV / 13 helpful votes

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Exodus 18:21 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

1 Peter 4:1-19 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ...

James 1:12 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Titus 1:5 ESV / 12 helpful votes

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

1 Timothy 4:8 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Timothy 3:4 ESV / 12 helpful votes

He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / 12 helpful votes

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

John 18:15-16 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in.

Matthew 23:1-39 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, ...

Psalm 23:1 ESV / 12 helpful votes

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Ephesians 5:21 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

1 Peter 5:2-3 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

1 Timothy 4:6 ESV / 9 helpful votes

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.

Ephesians 6:1 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Ephesians 5:33 ESV / 9 helpful votes

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Galatians 5:19-26 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ...

1 Corinthians 6:9 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,

Romans 8:7 ESV / 9 helpful votes

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

John 21:15-17 ESV / 9 helpful votes

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

John 13:1-17 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. ...

Luke 15:3-7 ESV / 9 helpful votes

So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Mark 9:33-37 ESV / 9 helpful votes

And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

Psalm 131:1 ESV / 9 helpful votes

A Song of Ascents. Of David. O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.

1 Peter 5:14 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Titus 2:5 ESV / 8 helpful votes

To be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

1 Timothy 3:1 ESV / 8 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

Galatians 5:9 ESV / 8 helpful votes

A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Acts 2:38 ESV / 8 helpful votes

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 13:9 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”

John 10:1-18 ESV / 8 helpful votes

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” ...

John 5:19 ESV / 8 helpful votes

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.

John 3:2 ESV / 8 helpful votes

This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

Matthew 7:15 ESV / 8 helpful votes

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

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