Be the Example
I Timothy 4:12-16 NKJV
[12] Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. [14] Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. [15] Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. [16] Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
The Apostle Paul is training up Timothy.
He taught him what to do and what not to do.
Paul gives him warning’s and expectations.
We are called to do very hard things.
We are called to be salt and light. Pick up our cross. Die to self.
Deny ourselves, humble ourselves.
Esteem others above ourselves.
We are called to a different kind of life.
What makes you so different from the world?
Selfless living, but do people know that when they see you?
We are called to set an example.
To be the example and show it, live it.
The world always watches those that proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior. They will seek and wait for you fall from grace.
How do you conduct youself speaks volumes on the power of a Transofmed life in Christ.
How you speak, behave, love, show faith, and do we pursue righteousness, holiness and purity will have great influence to those that are searching and seeking hope in a hopeless world.
Who will give it to them?
Our actions and words should align with the teachings of Jesus.
Do we bring others closer to His saving Grace or do we drive them farther away from it?
Titus 2:7-8 NKJV
[7] in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, [8] sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
We talk a lot about the influence of the world. We blame Satan and darkness and all this stuff on the evils that are happening.
We put the blame and expect things to change and be different.
How different would things be if we, the Followers of Christ, were the example!
The sad part is that many people that proclaim to be Christian and Followers of Christ are a very bad example!
Sorry Truth hurts!
And since many are bad examples, it is no wonder why the world will no longer accept the Truths of the Gospel.
We all have influence.
We have influence in our families..
We have influence with our friends.
At work, at the store.
Everywhere we walk, every place we step we have influence!
How far does your influence go?
As long as we have the gift of breath we have the opportunity to live our lives as an example of Jesus Christ!
The World cannot take that away from you unless you give it up!
The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy so well.
“Let no one despise your youth”
If you are young in years don’t allow the world to dictate how you are to live your life. FOLLOW CHRIST!
If you are young in the faith, no matter your age, don’t allow the world to shadow the Light of Christ that is in you!
FOLLOW CHRIST!
Many times we come to Jesus for the answers. The profession of faith is made.
Salvation is accepted.
Repenting of sins happens.
Believing the Gospels starts.
But Following Jesus is hard.
It is hard to no longer be influenced by the world.
It is even harder to influence and be an example to the world that you just stepped out of.
Many are not taught how to conduct themselves that is honorable to the Lord.
There is a lack of Biblical Discipleship.
Paul instructs Timothy how to live his life in a world that doesn’t want him to succeed in giving the Gospel out.
How to conduct himself in front of Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
But also how to live the example of Jesus Christ.
Timothy is given 6 examples.
We are given 6 examples.
“but be an example to the believers “
In word.
In conduct.
In love.
In spirit.
In faith.
In purity.
Which of these do you lack? Which one of these needs to be strengthened.
We all could use a little fine tuning.
Paul starts with the most basic one.
In word, in speech.
Does what you speak reflect the Kingdom of Heaven?
Are the words that come out of you mouth a representation of a new life in Jesus Christ? Are they editing to the ears of the desperate?
Do they same types if words come out or are you truly a new Creatiin in Christ in every area, even the tongue!
Or do your words tear down in condemnation.
Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
There is a reason Paul starts with this one. Not just what we say but how we say it can bring life or death.
Choose to bring life to the soul that is knocking on the gates of Hell.
In conduct.
How do you deal with other men and women now?
Has anything changed in our behavior?
When things get hard and the world comes against you, how do you react to it?
Does the “old man” come out?
Do you purposely live in a manner that is a good representative of your new life in Christ.
In love.
Let every action be with affection.
Let it be in good-will.
In love. In kindness with no expectations of receiving it back.
Without hypocrisy.
Without prejudices.
Show the same love that Jesus showed you in your mist desperate times.
Let love be the representative of your new life in Christ.
In Spirit and in Faith.
Let your faith be simple.
Don’t over complicate what the Lord has done in your life.
Have faith that what He says is true and will come to pass.
Have faith when in His ability and not your own. Have faith the the War has been win.
Have faith even in the hardest if times you God will come through.
Faith over fear!
Faith over in hard times.
Faith in tribulation.
Faith over in the Word of God over all the promises of the world.
Be an example of faith and trust in the promises of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In purity.
This is the hardest one for many people.
Live a life of moral cleanliness.
It’s not allowing yourself to go back to the old ways. It is refusing reckless, hurtful selfishness ways. Many call these the “BC days”, before Christ.
Let those times be the Testimony of the saving power of submission and repentance to the One that died on Calvary and Rose from The Grave!
Give Glory to the Throne of Heaven for the transforming power of Redemption and Restoration!
Be the Example so that when others see you they see Christ!
Be the Example to be the Representative of Heavens King!
Be the Example for the hopeless that have now way. Be the Example to show them to THE WAY!
Think about this today.
We have influence.
If we have the ability to be the Example to just one person, and that one person puts their hope, trust and faith in Jesus Christ it is all worth it!
Then living a life worthy
In word.
In conduct.
In love.
In spirit.
In faith.
In purity.
Is worth it all!
Be the Example even if it is for the one!
Let the World see what Grace, Love and Mercy can do in a life that had none before Jesus!
Then live your life like you have been redeemed and saved from the fires of Hell!
Be the Example of the Goodness of God!
Pastor Ed
