Setting an Example in All Things
9/27/2024
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
— 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy, a young leader in the early church. Timothy may have felt inadequate or insecure due to his youth, but Paul reminds him that age is not the measure of spiritual maturity or capability. Instead, Timothy is urged to set an example in how he lives, speaks, and loves.
This message isn’t just for the young. No matter our age, we are called to live in such a way that others can see Christ in us. Remember, we may be the only bible someone reads. Our pages need to be true.
So, how can we live out these areas enabling us to set an example for others?
In Our Speech
Our words have power. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” We can either tear others down or build them up. Imagine someone who always speaks positively, encouraging others with their words, this person brings life into every conversation. On the other hand, think of those whose words are filled with complaints or criticism. As followers of Christ, we must guard our speech, ensuring that our words reflect grace and truth (Ephesians 4:29). Take time today to consider how your words can lift someone up.
In Our Conduct
Our actions often speak louder than our words. Whether we are at work, at home, or even in traffic, how we behave reflects what we truly believe. If someone cut you off on the road, would you respond in anger or with patience? If your coworker receives credit for something you did, do you react in bitterness or humility? Setting an example in conduct means living with integrity and kindness, no matter the situation.
By Our Love
Jesus said that love is the greatest commandment. How do we show love? It's more than just affection—it’s sacrificial, patient, and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Think about someone in your life who may be difficult to love. God calls us to love even when it’s hard, forgiving as we have been forgiven and showing grace as we’ve received grace. Today, ask God to give you His heart for those who challenge you.
By Our Faith
Faith is trust in God, even when circumstances don’t make sense. Are you trusting God in both the big and small areas of your life? For example, when finances are tight or health issues arise, are you anxious, or do you rest in the knowledge that God is in control? By maintaining a calm trust in God’s goodness, we set an example for others who are watching how we handle adversity.
In Our Purity
Purity isn’t just about physical actions, it also extends to our thoughts, intentions, and heart. In a world filled with temptation, maintaining purity requires intentionality. It might mean avoiding certain media, staying away from toxic environments, or seeking accountability. When we live with purity, we honor God with our whole being, setting an example that reflects holiness in a world that often devalues it.
How can you set an example today? It might be in a conversation with a friend or family member, in how you respond to a challenge at work, or in the way you extend love to someone difficult. Whatever your situation, know that people are watching how you live out your faith. Don’t be discouraged by your age or experience; God can use you to lead others by example.
Let me challenge you today.
Choose one of the five areas Paul mentioned, speech, conduct, love, faith, or purity and focus on it today. Ask God to show you specific ways to set a Christ-like example in that area. Then continue to do it each and every day. Think of it as a way for you to ask God for a specific daily assignment.
Lord, help me to be a light for You in all that I say and do. Guide my speech, actions, and heart so that they reflect Your love, faith, and purity. Let me set an example today that leads others closer to You. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
— 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy, a young leader in the early church. Timothy may have felt inadequate or insecure due to his youth, but Paul reminds him that age is not the measure of spiritual maturity or capability. Instead, Timothy is urged to set an example in how he lives, speaks, and loves.
This message isn’t just for the young. No matter our age, we are called to live in such a way that others can see Christ in us. Remember, we may be the only bible someone reads. Our pages need to be true.
So, how can we live out these areas enabling us to set an example for others?
In Our Speech
Our words have power. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” We can either tear others down or build them up. Imagine someone who always speaks positively, encouraging others with their words, this person brings life into every conversation. On the other hand, think of those whose words are filled with complaints or criticism. As followers of Christ, we must guard our speech, ensuring that our words reflect grace and truth (Ephesians 4:29). Take time today to consider how your words can lift someone up.
In Our Conduct
Our actions often speak louder than our words. Whether we are at work, at home, or even in traffic, how we behave reflects what we truly believe. If someone cut you off on the road, would you respond in anger or with patience? If your coworker receives credit for something you did, do you react in bitterness or humility? Setting an example in conduct means living with integrity and kindness, no matter the situation.
By Our Love
Jesus said that love is the greatest commandment. How do we show love? It's more than just affection—it’s sacrificial, patient, and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Think about someone in your life who may be difficult to love. God calls us to love even when it’s hard, forgiving as we have been forgiven and showing grace as we’ve received grace. Today, ask God to give you His heart for those who challenge you.
By Our Faith
Faith is trust in God, even when circumstances don’t make sense. Are you trusting God in both the big and small areas of your life? For example, when finances are tight or health issues arise, are you anxious, or do you rest in the knowledge that God is in control? By maintaining a calm trust in God’s goodness, we set an example for others who are watching how we handle adversity.
In Our Purity
Purity isn’t just about physical actions, it also extends to our thoughts, intentions, and heart. In a world filled with temptation, maintaining purity requires intentionality. It might mean avoiding certain media, staying away from toxic environments, or seeking accountability. When we live with purity, we honor God with our whole being, setting an example that reflects holiness in a world that often devalues it.
How can you set an example today? It might be in a conversation with a friend or family member, in how you respond to a challenge at work, or in the way you extend love to someone difficult. Whatever your situation, know that people are watching how you live out your faith. Don’t be discouraged by your age or experience; God can use you to lead others by example.
Let me challenge you today.
Choose one of the five areas Paul mentioned, speech, conduct, love, faith, or purity and focus on it today. Ask God to show you specific ways to set a Christ-like example in that area. Then continue to do it each and every day. Think of it as a way for you to ask God for a specific daily assignment.
Lord, help me to be a light for You in all that I say and do. Guide my speech, actions, and heart so that they reflect Your love, faith, and purity. Let me set an example today that leads others closer to You. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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