What Emulation Implies in Biblical Context
In the realm of the Bible, emulation is often associated with a strong desire or efforts to equal or surpass others. It denotes a sense of competitiveness, often rooted in envy or jealousy, which is discouraged. However, in other instances, emulation is depicted as a noble act, especially when driven by the aspiration to emulate Christ’s manner of living or virtues that foster love, peace, and justice.
Why Emulation Can Be a Temptation
The Bible portrays emulation as potentially harmful when it fuels negative human tendencies such as jealousy, pride, or selfishness. This type of emulation often leads to discord, which undermines the harmonious relationships desired among believers. It highlights the dangers of unchecked emulation that encourages comparison with others, igniting desires that could lead to actions contravening the tenets of love, humility, and unity.
Who Should We Emulate According to the Bible
On a more positive note, the Bible indicates particular entities worthy of emulation. Foremost among these is Jesus Christ, whose life is presented as a perfect model of love, selflessness, and servitude. Similarly, the saints who have displayed extraordinary faith, virtue, and devotion are held up as examples. It encourages the emulation of individuals or characteristics that promote spiritual growth, service to others, and adherence to God’s commandments.
When Emulation Becomes a Pathway for Spiritual Growth
Emulation is also depicted as an effective tool for spiritual growth when guided by the desire to adopt virtuous qualities and holy lifestyles. By choosing to emulate Christ’s selfless and loving character, believers can nurture their spiritual lives and get closer to God. This positive form of emulation encourages believers to strive for moral excellence and maturity, benefitting both the individual and their community.
How Emulation Shapes Society in Biblical Perspective
Biblically, emulation can profoundly influence societal norms and behaviours. Negative emulation can sow discord and conflicts, fracturing the unity necessary within communities. However, by emulating positive role models within the society, such as virtuous leaders or Christ, a healthier, more harmonious societal fabric can be woven. This underscores the transformative power of emulation and its potential to shape society, further establishing its significance within the broader range of biblical themes.
Below is our full list of bible verses on emulation (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Emulation
Galatians 5:20
“20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,”
Related Themes: Dating Indulgence Bitterness Strife Magic
Romans 11:14
“14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.”
Hebrews 10:24
“24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”
Related Themes: Criticism Community Working Together Friendship Church
Romans 11:11
“11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.”
Romans 10:19
“19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.”
Acts 13:45
“45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Envy And Jealousy
Deuteronomy 32:21
“21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.”
James 3:16
“16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Related Themes: Envy And Jealousy Selfishness Offense Jealousy Youth
James 3:14
“14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Envy And Jealousy Lying Strife
Romans 13:13
“13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
Related Themes: Dating Lust Drugs Indulgence
1 Corinthians 3:3
“3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”
Related Themes: Arguing Envy And Jealousy Division Strife Jealousy
Romans 12:6
“6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;”
Related Themes: Creativity Education Creativity Talent Responsibility
Romans 11:25
“25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”
Genesis 28:6-9
“6 When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;7 And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram;8 And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father;9 Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.”
