"BE A GOOD EXAMPLE"
“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe”.
1 Timothy 4:12

INTRODUCTION
Each and every one of us is an example of some kind to someone, somewhere.
It can be a compliment to be followed by someone. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
No one is exempt from being an example. Romans 14:7.
Being an example is one of the best ways to teach any lesson.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give; But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live. -----Edgar A. Guest
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.----Mark Twain(Samuel Clemmons)
Mr. Webster says: Example:
1. One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of all; a sample.
2. That which is to be followed or imitated; a pattern.

EXAMPLES CAN EITHER BE GOOD OR BAD
The Egyptians were bad examples and were no to be followed by the Israelites; Leviticus 18:1-5.
The majority sometimes are bad examples to follow; Exodus 23:2; Genesis 6:1-8.
Many times our own relatives are bad examples;
2 Chronicles 30:6-9.
Sons followed wicked fathers as kings over Israel.
1 Kings 18:18; 2 Kings 20:32
Many fathers (or mothers) today are not setting the right example for their children.
Our hearts do not always set the right example. Jeremiah 16:12.
People say: "I will follow the feelings of my heart." Jeremiah 17:9,10.
We are not to follow after evil examples;
3 John 11; Romans 12:9.

WE CAN BE GOOD EXAMPLES AND FOLLOW AFTER GOOD EXAMPLES.
Example in Faith. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8.
Example in Good Works. Titus 2:7,8.
Example in Suffering and Patience. James 5:10,11.
Christ was a good example for us.
1 Peter 2:11-25.
Elders are to be good examples. 1 Peter 5:3.
Women are to be good examples. 1 Peter 3:1-6.
Parents are to be good examples. Ephesians 6:4.
Teachers are to be good examples. Romans 2:21-24; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; Titus 2:1-10; James 3:1
Preachers are to be good examples. 1 Timothy 4:12.

ALL CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE GOOD EXAMPLES IN:
Word. Ephesians 4:20; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 4:11.
In manner of life or conduct. Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Peter 3:1.
Faith. Colossians 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:3.
Love. John 13:35; 1 John 5:3.
Purity. Matthew 5:8; James 1:27.

CONCLUSION:
Let us ask ourselves two questions:
Am I a good example?
If every member were like me, what type of congregation would this one be?
If you are a good example now, continue to be one.
If you are not a good example now, become one.

By Carey Scott from an article I read

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