Lesson 10.

 What Doth the Lord require of Thee?

In Reference to Example

As members of the church we need to realize that today as never before in man’s history, we live in an age of power. The evidence to this fact is great it sends chills up our spines. One Polaris submarine carries enough missiles to match all bombs dropped by planes during World War II. In the midst of all this harnessed and in some instances, unharnessed power, stands one more powerful- human influence. The influence of the Christian is powerful.  

I.        Most Powerful Medium of Influence Is Personal Example. 

A.   People seldom forget what you do! I Timothy 4:12; Romans 14:7 The Minute you start telling your friends what Christianity will do for them will be the minute they start looking to see what it has done for you. Matthew 7:21. Also read Matthew 5:15 and note it is “See” not “hear” your good works

B.   Look at the following men in the Bible and see how they taught lessons by example that will live on for eternity.

1.     Abraham – example of faithfulness unto God. Genesis 22:9-12 Also read James 2:21-23 for a commentary on his life.

2.     Job – example of righteousness and patience. Job 1:20-22 Also read James 5:11

3.     Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – example of courage. Daniel 3:16-17

4.     Good Samaritan – example of hospitality. Luke 10:30-35

5.     Prodigal Son – example of repentance. Luke 15:11-24

6.     Eunuch – example of obedience. Acts 8:36-38

7.     Christ – GREATEST EXAMPLE OF ALL in every phase of life. Acts 1:1

II.     Paul Tells Christians to Be Good Examples. I Timothy 4:12

A.   Example – “pattern or mood-anything proposed for-or worthy of imitation.” (Webster) This is the same word that is used in I Peter 5:3. We expect elders always to be good examples. The same is true of any Christian.

B.   Word – used generically here. Includes doctrine as well as everyday speech. Christians should be able to answer questions concerning the faith. I Peter 3:15-16; Jude 3 This should also include everyday conversation. Proverbs 25:11

C.   Conversation – can well be translated “manner of life” or “conduct.” The Christian’s life should be as the one described by Paul. Philippians 1:27 What constitutes such a life your estimation.?

D.   Charity – this means love, and it is unmerited love as described by Paul in I Corinthians 13. Also read Romans 13:8

E.   Spirit – this means the spiritual things of life. I Corinthians 14:15

F.   Faith – a faith that causes one to work and serve the Lord. James 2:22

G.  Purity – this would include the entirely one’s life. Matthew 5:8

We will be better examples when we realize it takes time to grow to maturity. Psalms 119:59 This growth necessitates prayer. Luke 18:1; I Thessalonians 5:23 In order to be right kind of examples we will have to study. I Timothy 4:14 This comes right after Paul’s statement to be good examples. We will have to replace ourselves with Christ. Christ lives in us.  Galatians 2:20