This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Again, Actions speak so much louder than words! In this pursuit, one must have his course fixed on the right beacon or have his radio tuned in to the right frequency, or he will arrive at the wrong destination. 3:3ff). Naturally, the Lord Jesus is our supreme example, goal, and authority, but Scripture does authorize the legitimacy of following godly people as examples. We should note that verse 7 flows out of the charge to encourage younger men to be self-controlled (vs. 6) because being an example to them is so important to their encouragement or motivation. 10:31). “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction” (1 Thess. It is this biblical/spiritual element, at least in part, that makes the marks of Christian leadership distinctively Christian. Several passages dealing with this issue will be considered later in this study. They are going to do what you do! 4:12f. Find Quotes. 4:13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. The focus is to glorify God through your actions; to have your actions represent the love of God. 'Example is the school of mankind,' said Burke, 'and they will learn from no other.' Our character is on display whether we are at home, church, work, school, or in the community, people are trying to follow a godly example, not a bad one. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. 3:9). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In other words he needs the right example and standard. In fact, biblical spirituality can be described by the term maturity since Christian maturity is the result of growth produced by the ministry of the Spirit in the light of the Word over time. 11. So, exactly what does a mature Christian look like? (3) We need Christian maturity that provides people with real honest-to-God examples of authentic Christ-like living. Some people will follow us. Some people are what we might call “controllers.” These are people who seek to dominate or lord it over others as a means to get followers, but in doing so they ruin their capacity to be an example of Christ-like leadership. Are there parts of your life that you would not want others to imitate? Bible verses related to Being A Good Example from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance - Sort By Book Order Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. He said, “Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all” (Mark 10:44). 1:6). It’s true. Obedience to these commands would allow Timothy to become an example to follow in public ministry when the church is assembled. ; Gal. She was awesome! The same principle is seen in the context of 2 Thessalonians 3:9 as it pertained to working to support one’s self and one’s family (see 3:6-15). This is one of the distinctive characteristics of Christian leadership and will be discussed below. Our society, which has a Greek view of education, places is secondary to academics. Godly Examples. The godly woman’s affections are fixed on Christ, her Savior, and she makes every effort to follow His example of good works. What three things does a biblical understanding of Christ’s finished work on the cross and our union with him produce? Little eyes watch everything you do, so be sure to model great behavior. That’s being a light! This sets a model that says these other pursuits are more important than the Lord or the assembling together with the body of Christ for Bible Study, prayer, or worship. People want to follow someone who is not only talking the word, but living it in action. ekbasin, which refers to the outcome or product of something. Even if she has little to share, she willingly offers it to others. The apostle begins this section with the charge to “command and teach these things (a reference primarily to 4:1-5, a warning against legalistic doctrines which have their source in demonic influence).” But Timothy’s ability for this is dependent on two things contextually: (a) nourishing his own soul on the words of the faith, i.e., godly discipline in his own life (vss. Thanks in advance and just know that Inside Out with Courtnaye is all about helping women grow stronger in their walk with Christ from the inside out (from the heart). If our lives are not what they should be, we become inverted examples who take people away from the Lord and the life He has called them to. Thus, in this passage, Peter warns of the tendency to lead by dominating others, a characteristic that is typical in the world, but that should not exist in the body of Christ. Because of the power of our example and the way one’s life either negatively or positively influences others, the Scripture repeatedly addresses this vital responsibility. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7. Or are you a gossip, slanderer, rebel, or slothful servant? 3:18, 19 and Rom. What areas of your life would you like others to imitate? But then he quickly added, “… just as I also am of Christ.”. A godly influence is one who moves others onto God’s agenda. follow me). For 18 years they will watch you, listen to you, and emulate you. Some use their position of leadership as a way to get their own needs met outside of faith in Christ and the sufficiency of their new life in Him. 3:18 For many live (about whom I often told you, and now say even with tears) as enemies of the cross of Christ. Effective ministry to others is often equated with such things as dynamic personalities, with talent, giftedness, training, enthusiasm, and with charisma. Such scriptures should cause one to wonder... a. 1. But these things alone are inadequate, as is so evident by the leadership we have seen in the top government positions in our country the last few years. They provide us with godly incentives. It is not the consequence of our capacity to imitate God, but the result of God’s capacity to reproduce Himself in us through the Holy Spirit as we learn His Word and learn to walk by faith. 13. He encouraged the Corinthians to “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. Activity in itself never means effectiveness. 1:6), I don’t know about you, but the idea of telling someone to be an imitator of me is scary. 3. This is the focus and point of this study. The apostle Paul also recognized the power of being a role model. 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