Ellisville Church of Christ

Be Thou An Example

" BE THOU AN EXAMPLE" Text- 1 Tim 4:12 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. (KJV) EXAMPLE- defined: "a pattern or model after which anything is made or fashioned" 1. Christ left his people an example. 1 Pet 2:21 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (KJV) If His people follow him they will thereby become examples for others to follow. 1 Cor 11:1 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (KJV) BODY: 1. The power of example. A. Jesus said to His disciples " Ye are the salt of the earth...Matt. 5:13 B. " Ye are the light of the world."...Matt.5"14-16 c. Paul reminded the Christians of the power of example. 2 Cor 3:3 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (KJV) Epistle define: A letter containing a specific teaching or doctrine. 4.Peter impressed upon Christian wives the power of example. 1 Pet 3:1-4 1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (KJV) Example is such a powerful force that even death cannot destroy it. Rev 14:13 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. (KJV) Heb 11:4 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (KJV) 2. Young people need to be examples to the believers! a. The choice: an example of believers or an example of unbelievers....Rom 1:20-32 b. Does God have a double standard....Youth is not a license to " sow wild oats " or to " sow to the flesh " Gal 6:7-8 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (KJV) 3. Specific areas of life where young people are to be examples. Worship Assemblies. 1. attendance. Hebrews 10:25 2. conduct. 3.Participation. In the home Eph 6:1-4 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (KJV) a. respect for parent, brothers/sisters b. cooperation. c. gratitude. In school. a. respect to others. b.honesty. c.courage to stand for Christ. In recreation. a.purity of life. b.time used wisely. Eph 5:15-17 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (KJV) CONCLUISON: Problem facing youth: compromise, be like the crowd.