Lesson 55 – The Example

Text: 1 Timothy 4:11-13 KJV  These things command and teach.  (12)  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  (13)  Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Intro:

Many strive to be unique or present themselves as some kind of trend-setter. The truth is there is “no new thing under the sun.”[1] We are likely following some kind of example that someone else has set before. This pattern could be from an influential person in our life or perhaps the world around us. (culture) It is important to recognize these inputs into our lives and determine if they are appropriate. Equally important to that is to understand that we are setting an example for those around us even if they are not followers of us.

When Paul addressed a man named Timothy who was following his example, he admonished him to also be an example. That example was to be presented in every area of who he was. The example was to be set in his speech, his lifestyle, how he loved others, by being governed by God’s spirit, his faith, and his teachings on being a Christian. This is only accomplished by having a proper example to follow as well as a diligent effort in setting an example to others.

We have an Example:

Society today is obsessed with having “followers.” People attempt to lift themselves up publicly as an example for others to follow while their private lives are often the exact opposite. We need to be clear and decisive on the choice of whose example we will follow. Perhaps this is why Jesus and the Apostles helped us understand that they were our example.

Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,  (20)  built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,  (21)  in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.  (22)  In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

The scriptures record the life and ministries of our Lord and the Apostles. This was not to archive their biography so we could judge them. Jesus said that everything he did was to serve as an example to us so that we would have an example to follow. We are to do and be everything he was and did.  

John 13:15 KJV  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

1 Peter 2:21-23 ESV  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.  (22)  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.  (23)  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.

When considering the life of Jesus and the Apostles, it is very easy to elevate their lifestyle to a position that seems unattainable to us. We cannot fall into the excuse-making trap of saying it is impossible to live the way they lived and do the things they did. IT IS POSSIBLE!

Philippians 3:17 KJV  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

2 Thessalonians 3:9-10 KJV  Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.  (10)  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Philippians 4:8-9 NASB  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  (9)  As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Paul was emphatic that he was living the example that Jesus set and was also setting the example that they should follow. His example was taught and seen because he practiced what he preached. Followers do not make us leaders, being an example does. The example we have has been lived by many throughout the ages.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, (2) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Imitators:

Ephesians 5:1 KJV  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Ephesians 5:1 ESV  Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

To be a follower of Christ means that we are imitating God. The things He says, we say. The things He did, we are doing. Being an imitator does not mean we are hypocritically living one way outwardly without inward sincerity. Like those in Antioch, people around us see that everything about us aligns to Christ’s example.

1 Corinthians 4:16 KJV  Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Corinthians 4:16 NIV  Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

Paul was also confident in the godly example of lifestyle that he was living. Because he was living the example of Christ EXACTLY, he asked others to imitate himself so long as that example aligned with that of our Lord. 

1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 ESV  because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.  (6)  And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,  (7)  so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Conclusion:

Jesus, the Apostles, and the early church diligently followed and set a godly example. That example must first be set in our homes and then to the world around us. Let’s be godly imitators of those recorded in the scriptures who have gone before us. No other example will produce the results they produced.