"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"
Be An Example To The Believers (4:12)
INTRODUCTION
1. Instructing Timothy as to his obligations, Paul charges him to "be an
example to the believers..." - 1Ti 4:12
2. The word "example"...
a. Comes from the Greek word "tupos"
b. Used here in the sense of being a pattern, an example, for others
to follow
[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!
[Now let's consider...]
II. THE KIND OF EXAMPLES WE SHOULD BE
A. AN EXAMPLE IN "WORD"...
1. Many understand Paul to refer to speech, personal conversation
(cf. Barnes)
a. Certainly Christians are to be careful in their speech - cf.
Ep 4:29,31; 5:4,12
b. Their speech should be with "grace" (remember Jesus?) - Co
4:6; cf. Lk 4:22
2. Others think Paul was referring to doctrine, what one taught
(cf. Clarke)
a. That one teach nothing but the truth, that which accords to
God's Word
b. Timothy was to be careful regarding doctrine - cf. 1Ti 4:6,
13,16
-- Whether in private conversation or public teaching, Christians
should set an example of speaking the truth with grace
B. AN EXAMPLE IN "CONDUCT"...
1. The KJV uses the word "conversation"; the ASV has "manner of
life"
a. The Grk. is anastrophe - "manner of life, conduct, behavior,
deportment" - Thayer
b. "The word 'conversation' we now apply almost exclusively to
oral discourse, or to talking. But it was not formerly
confined to that and is never so used in the Scriptures. It
means conduct in general - including, of course, our manner
of speaking, but not limited to that - and should be so
understood in every place where it occurs in the Bible."
- Barnes
2. 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
-- 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"...
1. The KJV uses the word "charity"; most other translations have
"love"
a. The Grk. is agape - "brotherly love, affection, good will,
love, benevolence" - Thayer
b. A popular definition is "active good will"
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"...
1. Most translations omit the phrase "in spirit"; not found in the
oldest manuscripts
2. The Grk. is pneuma - as used here, it refers to zeal,
disposition or attitude
3. That Christians should be fervent in spirit is clearly taught
elsewhere:
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!
E. AN EXAMPLE IN "FAITH"...
1. Nearly all translations read "faith"; the ISV reads
"faithfulness"
a. The Grk. is pistis - "assurance, belief, believe, faith,
fidelity" - Strong
b. It can refer to either the belief one has (as in God), or to
the fidelity and faithfulness of one's character
2. Both should be true of the Christian:
a. Possessing a strong belief or faith in God and Christ - He
11:6
b. Displaying the character of faithfulness and dependability
- Re 2:10
-- "At all times, and in all trials show to believers by your
example, how they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in
God." - Barnes
F. AN EXAMPLE IN "PURITY"...
1. Virtually all translations use the word "purity"
a. The Grk. is hagneia - "purity, sinlessness of life" - Thayer
b. In the NT, used only here and in 1Ti 5:2
2. Moral or sexual purity, both in thought and act, seems to be
the idea
a. "There should be nothing in your contact with the other sex
that would give rise to scandal." - Barnes
b. "Chastity of body and mind; a direction peculiarly necessary
for a young minister, who has more temptations to break its
rules than perhaps any other person." - Clarke
-- As Paul would instruct Timothy later, all Christians should
"flee youthful lusts" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love,
peace..." - cf. 2Ti 2:22
CONCLUSION
1. Are we calling on the Lord out of a pure heart...? - cf. 2Ti 2:22
a. Calling upon Him for our salvation?
b. Calling upon Him for our sanctification?
2. 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
f. Our purity
What kind of church (people) would we be if everyone followed our own
example in these things? May this question motivate us to examine our
lives and correct any deficiencies that we may find...
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Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2009
