"BE THOU AN EXAMPLE"

1 Tim. 4:6-16.

INTRO:

1. Each and everyone of us is an example of some kind to someone, somewhere.

A. It is a compliment to be followed by someone. 1 Cor. 11:1.

2. No one is exempt from being an example. Rom. 14:7.

3. Being an example is one of the best ways to teach any lesson.

A.

• SERMONS WE SEE:
• I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.
• I'd rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.
• The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
• Fine counsel is confusing, but examples are always clear;
• And the best of all the preachers are the men who live by their creeds,
• For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
• I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done.
• I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run;
• And the lectures you deliver may be wise and true;
• But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
• 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

4. 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.

I. EXAMPLES CAN EITHER BE GOOD OR BAD.

A. The Egyptians were bad examples and were no to be followed by the Israelites; Lev. 18:1-5.

B. The majority sometimes are bad examples to follow; Exo. 23:2; Gen. 6:1-8.

C. Many times our own relatives are bad examples; 2 Chron. 30:7.

1. Sons followed wicked fathers as kings over Israel.

2. Many fathers today are not setting the right example for their children.

a. FATHER'S FOOTSTEPS.

• A father and his tiny son Crossed a rough street one stormy day.
• "See, Papa," cried the little one, "I stepped in your steps all the way."
• Ah, random childish hands that deal Quick thrusts no coat of steel could stay;
• It touched him with the touch of steel: "I stepped in your steps all the way."
• If this man shirks his manhood due, And heeds what lying voices say;
• It is not one who falls, but two-- "I stepped in your steps all the way."
• But they who thrust off greed and fear, Who love and watch, who toil and pray;
• How their hearts carol when they hear, "I stepped in your steps all the way."
• ---------------Anonymous

D. Our hearts do not always set the right example. Jer. 16:12.

1. People say: "I will follow the feelings of my heart." Jer. 17:9,10.

E. We are not to follow after evil examples; 3 Jno. 11; Rom. 12:9.

II. BUT WE CAN BE GOOD EXAMPLES AND FOLLOW AFTER GOOD EXAMPLES.

A. Example in Faith. 1 Thes. 1:6-8.

B. Example in Good Works. Titus 2:7,8.

C. Example in Suffering and Patience. Jas. 5:10,11.

D. Christ was a good example for us. 1 Pet. 2:11-25.

E. Elders are to be good examples. 1 Pet. 5:3.

F. Women are to be good examples. 1 Pet. 3:1-6.

G. Parents are to be good examples. Eph. 6:4.

H. Teachers are to be good examples. Rom. 2:21-24; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; Titus 2:1-10; Jas. 3:1

I. Preachers are to be good examples. 1 Tim. 4:12.

III. ALL CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE GOOD EXAMPLES IN:

A. Word. Eph. 4:20; Col. 4:6; 1 Pet. 4:11.

B. In manner of life or conduct. Mt. 5:13-16; 1 Pet. 3:1.

C. Faith. Col. 1:23; 2 Thes. 1:3.

D. Love. Jno. 13:35; 1 Jno. 5:3.

E. Purity. Mt. 5:;8; Jas. 1:27.

IV. THESE GOOD EXAMPLES SHOULD BE SET BEFORE THE BRETHREN, THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.

CONCLUSION:

1. Let us ask ourselves two questions:

A. Am I a good example?

B. If every member were like me, what type of congregation would this one be?

2. If you are a good example now, continue to be one.

3. If your are not a good example now, become one.

By Jim Sasser

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