Who's Example Are You?/An Example Worth Following.

Lately I have been writing so much about, "doing" and taking action as a Christian in order to represent Christ to the best of our abilities. I feel today I will post a study I wrote some time ago entitled "Who's Example Are You?/An Example Worth Following." It is a lengthy one but it is direction for our lives.

INTRODUCTION: Society has a poor view of Christians and what it means to be a Christian. Are we being bad examples to society as a whole?

--> -->The bible speaks of examples…
Imitating those who are good examples. Ph. 3:17 "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you."

1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

b. Being a good example to others (young people) 1 Tim 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

2. Such scriptures should cause one to wonder…

a. Who is my example, my role model as a Christian?

b. Whose example am I as a Christian?

c. What kind of example do I set as a Christian?

{in this study, "Examples Worth Following" , let's consider these questions more carefully…}

--> --> Who is your example?

--> -->A. Is it the lord Jesus Christ….?

--> -->1. --> -->He was for the apostle Paul- 1 Corinthians 1:11

--> -->2. He should be our example as well.

--> -->a. On how to please one another – Romans 15:1-3 "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.""

--> -->b. On how to love one another – Eph 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

--> -->c. On how to look out for one another – Phil 2:4-5 "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

--> --> d. On how to suffer patiently when mistreated – 1 Peter 2:20-23 "But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

JESUS CERTAINLY SERVES AS OUR PRIME EXAMPLE.

--> --> B. Is it the apostle Paul…?

--> -->1. As he urged the Corinthians – 1 Cor 4:6 ; 11:1

--> --> a. To give no offense – 1 Cor 10:32

--> --> b. To seek the benefit of others – 1 Cor 10:33

--> --> 2. As he urged the Philippians – Ph 3:17

--> --> a. Not to consider themselves to have attained perfection – Ph 3:12 (beginning of verse)

--> --> b. To press on to maturity – Ph 3:12(end of verse)-15

--> -->c. To live according to the level they have learned – Ph 3:16

--> --> d. To enjoy a close relationship with the God of peace – Ph 4:9

--> --> 3. As he praised and encouraged the Thessalonians

--> --> a. For receiving the Word despite affliction – 1 Thes 1:6

--> --> b. To avoid being a burden to others – 2 Thes 3:7-10

PAUL AND OTHER NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS PROVIDE WONDERFUL EXAMPLES.

--> --> C. Is it other faithful Christians…?

--> --> 1. As Paul exhorted the Philippians – Ph 3:17

--> --> a. To note those walking like Paul.

--> --> b. To consider them a pattern to follow.

--> --> 2. As exhorted be the writer to the Hebrews

--> --> a. To imitate the faith and patience of those who inherit the promises – He 6:12

--> --> b. To follow the faith of those who rule over us – He 13:7

MANY CHRISTIANS TODAY DO PROVIDE EXAMPLES WORTHY OF EMULATION.

{Whose example are you following? You are imitating either Christ or some other Christian (either living or dead) Does your life suggest the example you are following is less than exemplary (I.e. the Laodiceans – Re 3:14-16) Closely related to this is another question…}

--> --> II. Whose example are you…?

--> --> A. Is it not other Christians…?

--> --> 1. Your brothers and sisters in the Lord?

--> --> 2. Especially those who are babies in Christ?

--> --> 3. But even more mature Christians?

-- Christians should be mindful of their example on one another,

Note. 1 Th 1:7; 1 Ti 4:12, 2:7

--> --> B. Is it not young children…?

--> --> 1. Who naturally look up to their parents?

--> --> 2. Who are also influenced by others?

--> --> a. Adults often are like their parents

--> --> b. Older children too.

Christians should be mindful of their example upon the young – Mat 18:6

--> --> C. Is it not unbelievers…?

--> --> 1. Who see if we "walk the talk"?

--> --> 2. Who often gauge the value of following Christ by our example?

--> --> 3. Who judge the church by it's members?

Christians should be mindful of their example seen by the world – 1 Pet 2:12

{Whether we want to be or not, we are examples to others, especially the young in years and young in faith. So let me ask…}

--> --> III. What kind of an example are you?

--> --> A. Is it indicative of a faithful Christian..?

--> --> 1. Showing the world what it means to be a Christian?

--> --> 2. Showing Babies in Christ what maturity means as a disciple?

-- Is your example helping or hindering discipleship in others?

B. Is it Conducive to the church growth…?

1. Offering a noble pattern of faithful church
attendance?

2. Setting a good example of developing one's
abilities for Christ?

3. Providing a worthy model of involvement in service to the Lord and His Church?

-- Is your example helping or hindering the cause of Christ?

Conclusion.

--> --> 1. I hope these questions have prompted serious introspection on your part…

--> --> a. As to who is your example or role model as a Christian

--> --> b. As to the sort of example or role model you are setting for others.

Though written to a young preacher, I encourage you to apply Pauls words to yourself.

--> --> a. Be an example to the believers – 1 Tim 4:12 a

--> --> b. Be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity – 1 Tim 4:12 b

You cannot escape being an example to others. Your only choice is what kind of example you will be. Will you be one of the many "examples worth following?"