Set An Example

Paul talks to youth, in… 1 Timothy 4:12, 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.

What kind of example do we set for others? Hopefully you will set a good example!

Here’s six ways you can be an example…

1. BE AN EXAMPLE IN WORD

Some people use words that are bitter and hurt. Swearing and cursing. Angry and toxic words.

The Bible says that …death and life are in the power of the tongue… (Proverbs 18:21)

May our words be life giving words. Tell the truth. May our words be words that lift, that build, that bless…

2. BE AN EXAMPLE IN CONVERSATION

It’s talking about how we live our lives. Do we want to please God with our life? To know God. To pray, to worship, to serve God?

Be strong. Be wise. Be a witness. Stand up for honour and truth.

Nehemiah was one who heard about a need - God’s city and its broken down walls - and he did something.

Esther was one who risked her life to go into the king to plead for his mercy on the people of Israel.

Noah was one who listened to God, and believed and obeyed God.

3. BE AN EXAMPLE IN CHARITY

Charity means love.

God showed His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God wants us to come to know and love Him.

Do we love God? Do we love others? God will help us to love and care about other people.

4. BE AN EXAMPLE IN SPIRIT

How is our spirit? Our spirit can be filled with God’s Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist was called a burning and shining light.

The Bible says we should be …fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Romans 12:11.

David was anointed as king, and it says the spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he entered into battle.

David had a heart right with God, after God’s own heart.

Do we have the right kind of spirit?
Is our spirit…
Humble?
Kind?

The Bible says of Caleb - that he had “a Different Spirit”.

Unlike the other spies who Moses sent into Canaan, Caleb and Joshua had faith and trusted that with God’s help they could conquer the Promised Land. It says Caleb followed God “wholeheartedly.”

What about us? Will we be like Caleb - and have a different spirit from people who don’t know God.

5. BE AN EXAMPLE IN FAITH

Faith is believing God. The Bible says we are saved by faith.

Be like Gideon. God was pleased with Gideon’s faith and courage. Gideon trusted in God against a fierce enemy. With just three hundred men he saw God bring great victory.

The Bible says that this is the victory that overcometh the world – even our faith.

Faith also has the idea of Faithfulness. You may think that you cannot do a lot of things, but you can be faithful… Turn up, and be there.

Be true to your word. Be dependable. Be someone who can be counted on.

6. BE AN EXAMPLE IN PURITY

Purity means being clean. Some people use dirty talk and dirty words, but God wants us to be clean. God wants us to call on Him out of a pure heart...

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Guard your heart. Like Joseph.

When temptation stared Joseph full in the face he ran away from it. We all face temptation to do the wrong thing.

Joseph did not sin. He did what was right.

Daniel was another one who made the right choice. It says Daniel “purposed in his heart not to defile himself” (Dan. 1:8).

We can make godly choices.

When we have done wrong, we can ask God to clean our heart. Our heart can be made clean. God can forgive us. The Bible says God can wash away our sin.

The most important thing of all - is that we can be saved.

You can be an example to others. Set a good example.

What is most important is to know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour. He set the best example of all as the perfect man, but more than that, as God.