Get the app1&2 Timothy: Priorities & Principles In LeadershipSample
Be A Role Model
When Brother Yun, the Heavenly Man, came to Malaysia, thousands flocked to see the man whose faith in Christ had triumphed in the midst of cruel persecution. I believe the people who overflowed Brother Yun's meetings were actually longing to see a role model, a Christian who had walked the talk, who had done heroic things in an age where heroes are found mainly in comic books.
Paul was a hero, a role model who could boldly say 'follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ' (1 Corinthians 11:1). In his final charge to Timothy, we see why we should emulate him:
- He accepted persecution and suffering as part of the godly Christian life (vs 10-11).
- He recognised all Scripture as the God breathed, life changing word of God (vs 16-17).
- He believed in proclaiming the Gospel with great urgency, in view of Jesus returning as Judge and the growing fascination in myths (vs 1-4).
If we were to write our own epitaphs what would we say? For Paul the most fitting epitaph would certainly be his own words, 'I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.' The persecutor turned preacher had fulfilled the mission that began on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Now, as Paul looks forward to his heavenly reward, he throws us a challenge to follow his example (v 8b).
Encourage young people in the family to follow the example of great heroes of the faith, rather than movie stars and singing idols!
When Brother Yun, the Heavenly Man, came to Malaysia, thousands flocked to see the man whose faith in Christ had triumphed in the midst of cruel persecution. I believe the people who overflowed Brother Yun's meetings were actually longing to see a role model, a Christian who had walked the talk, who had done heroic things in an age where heroes are found mainly in comic books.
Paul was a hero, a role model who could boldly say 'follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ' (1 Corinthians 11:1). In his final charge to Timothy, we see why we should emulate him:
- He accepted persecution and suffering as part of the godly Christian life (vs 10-11).
- He recognised all Scripture as the God breathed, life changing word of God (vs 16-17).
- He believed in proclaiming the Gospel with great urgency, in view of Jesus returning as Judge and the growing fascination in myths (vs 1-4).
If we were to write our own epitaphs what would we say? For Paul the most fitting epitaph would certainly be his own words, 'I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.' The persecutor turned preacher had fulfilled the mission that began on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Now, as Paul looks forward to his heavenly reward, he throws us a challenge to follow his example (v 8b).
Encourage young people in the family to follow the example of great heroes of the faith, rather than movie stars and singing idols!
Scripture
About this Plan
These readings from Scripture Union Peninsular Malaysia are written from the thoughts and insights of Asian writers. Paul lays down the priorities and principles of leadership in the church, and for dealing with practical matters in church life. He emphasises the personal life and example of the leader, not methods or techniques, with himself as the role-model.
More
