intro: picture of youngstar

question: they did become as an example to the believers or we should be an example

to the believers?

1 timothy 4:12(read)

cause some older ones in the church may not be pleased to hear the younger man
timothy giving them instruction and perhaps
correcting them.

pleased = happy or satisfied

[We shall examine what sort of example Paul has in mind, but let's first
stress that Timothy is not the only person who ought to be an
example...]

I. THOSE WHO OUGHT TO BE EXAMPLES

A. MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL...

1. Such as Timothy - 1Ti 4:12
2. Such as Titus - Tit 2:7-8
-- Preachers and evangelists should certainly set a good example
for others

B. SHEPHERDS OF THE FLOCK...

1. As Peter charged the elders - 1Pe 5:1-3
2. As the Hebrew writer encouraged his readers to follow their
faith - He 13:7
-- Elders (i.e., bishops and pastors) should provide an example
worth following

C. FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS...
1. Certainly true of mature Christians - Php 3:15-17
2. Can also be true of new Christians (e.g., the new church at
Thessalonica) - 1Th 1:6-8
3. And true of younger Christians (e.g., Timothy) - cf. 1Ti 4:12a
-- All Christians, young and old, should strive to be examples to
one another!

. THE KIND OF EXAMPLES WE SHOULD BE

A. AN EXAMPLE IN "WORD"...

- Whether in private conversation or public teaching, Christians

should set an example of speaking the truth with grace. Their speech
should be with "grace" (remember Jesus?) - Co
4:6; cf. Lk 4:22

B. AN EXAMPLE IN "CONDUCT"

-. Regarding our conduct or manner of life, it should:

a. Demonstrate meekness and wisdom - Jm 3:13
b. Display holiness, reverence, purpose - 1Pe 1:15-19 (WE SHOULD ACT
AND THINK ACCORDING TO THE WAYS OF GOD)
-- Not only is our conduct to be an example to the believers, but
Honorable among unbelievers - cf. 1Pe 2:11-12

C. AN EXAMPLE IN "LOVE"...
 2. The love we are to display is to be manifested toward:
a. God and our brethren - Mt 22:37; 1Jn 4:11
b. Our fellow man including our enemies - Mt 22:39; 5:44
-- In a world where love is often lacking, Christians should
exemplify the virtue

D. AN EXAMPLE IN "SPIRIT"..

a. In reference to good works - Tit 2:14

b. In reference to our service to the Lord - Ro 12:11; Re 2:4
c. In reference to our love for one another - 1Pe 1:22; 4:8
-- Christians should provide an example of enthusiasm in their
service, not lethargy!

F. AN EXAMPLE IN "PURITY"...
As Paul would instruct Timothy later, all Christians should
"flee youthful lusts" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love, ( unodnon
nga paghandum)
peace..." - cf. 2Ti 2:22

. Then let our example be one that illustrates the power of the gospel
to impact...
a. Our words
b. Our conduct
c. Our love
d. Our spirit
e. Our faith