Setting the Example
08.15.2021

Children may close their ears to advice, but they keep their eyes open to EXAMPLE. (Michael Hodgin)

And just so as you know . . . we are ALL God's children!

I CHOOSE TO UPDATE BOTH MY CHURCH AND MY LIFE THROUGH SOUND DOCTRINE THAT CONFORMS TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

We've learned that the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that he was to guard against FALSE DOCTRINE.

The apostle Paul has been equipping Timothy, and by extension you and me, to do that by teaching the priorities, noble tasks, and resources God has provided for His Church, but . . .

It's not all on God, you and I have a part to do as well. We are to train ourselves to BE GODLY.

7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 1 Timothy 4:7-9 NIV®

As we share our scripture passage be listening for the WHAT and WHY of setting the example.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:11-16 NIV®

What was true for Timothy and the first-century church he led is ALSO TRUE for all who lead or are the church in their respective times.

Timothy was to teach . . .

The priorities, resources, noble tasks of the church, and the NECESSITY of training yourself in these matters!

Here's the why . . .

The simple fact is that the world will never have any use for Christianity unless it can prove it produces the best man and woman.
William Barclay

If the unchurched and dechurched don't see a DESIRABLE difference between themselves and the churched, they will have no reason to endure the pain of change.

The desirable difference is not necessarily in wealth or material possessions but in GODLINESS!

Now, the what . . .

All believers in Jesus Christ are called to the live a life of good character; elders are called to be AN EXAMPLE of it.

The apostle Paul wrote . . .

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV®

As Paul had set the example for Timothy, Timothy was to set the example for the church at Ephesus, and so on until we get to today, when it's OUR TURN!

Set the example in SPEECH . . .

The best way to judge the character of a person is not by what others say about them, but by what they say about others.
Author Unknown

Jesus said it this way . . .

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45 NIV®

Your life will not be example of a desirable difference while you PERSIST in ungodly speech . . .

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26 NIV®

To change your speech CHANGE what's stored in your heart.

Set the example in CONDUCT (and purity) . . .

I would not give much for your religion unless it can be seen. Lamps do not talk, but they do shine.
Charles Spurgeon

Everybody has somebody that's WATCHING them.

The apostle Paul charges Timothy with setting the example of showing PROGRESS not perfection (see 1 Timothy 4:15).

When you mess up FESS UP!

Set the example of LOVE . . .

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV®

Love is not a feeling or an emotion it is a DECISION.

Set the example of FAITH . . .

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV®

Set the example by GROWING through what you're going through!

And the how . . .

Devote yourself—Do not neglect your gift

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 NIV®

If you don't know what your spiritual gift is then you are ALREADY neglecting it!

Verse 4:16 is a SUMMARY of what it means to train yourself to be godly; 'Watch your life and doctrine closely!'

Lend when you do not hope for a return.
Do good without expecting thanks.
Love when you expect no love in return.
This will make us act like the sons and daughters
of the Most High God when People are watching . . .
And people are always watching!
Henrietta Mears

I CHOOSE TO UPDATE BOTH MY CHURCH AND MY LIFE THROUGH SOUND DOCTRINE THAT CONFORMS TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

MY ACTION STEP THIS WEEK IS (choose one or more)
□ Memorize the selected verse: 1 Timothy 4:12
□ Learn what the Gospel is and also the doctrine of my church.
□ Get to know my church's Elders/Deacons (Leadership Team).
□ Pray for God's wisdom in restructuring our church.
□ Pick an area to make progress in setting the example this week: Speech
Conduct
Love
Faith
Purity

The GOSPEL is the perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection of Jesus—which is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.
https://www.faithfacts.org/bible-101/what-is-the-gospel

DOCTRINE is teaching by an authoritative source (God's Word).

© Carl Barnhardt, August 2021