Category: Example

Late December is a time where we commonly consider possible resolutions for the new year. I am a fan of resolutions. One of mine is to lose the rest of my excess weight, and keep it off by exercise and proper diet.

Of course there are spiritual resolutions to set, that if kept diligently, will be even more beneficial to each of us. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

There is a step to be taken prior to the setting of resolutions. That step is assessment. It takes discernment and introspection. Whether you desire to time any resolutions with the beginning of the new year or not, such assessment is needful, and should be constant. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Perhaps there is some deficiency that devotional acts of prayer, study and meditation might fill. Maybe there is a bad habit or trait that can be altered through diligent effort. It is possible that a careless neglect can be made into a point of focus in the months ahead. Surely there is something done, or left undone that can be addressed after an honest assessment of our life and faith is made.
Might I suggest that each of us set aside time this next week, amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, to “examine” ourselves, and then upon that assessment resolve to improve in any appropriate facet of our life and faith? This would certainly please our heavenly Father, as we improve the expression of our devotion to Him.

The second principle we affirm is that approved examples give us authority to act. Whenever we find Christians in the New Testament engaging in behavior that is approved by God, we can copy that behavior. We are on safe ground, guaranteed to please Him.

This is both logical and scriptural. It is true because Christians today live today under the same covenant as those of the first century (cf. Hebrews 1:1-4; 8:10-13). It is true because God does not show partiality (cf. Acts 10:34). It is true because we are called to emulate other Christians (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1).

The Holy Spirit intends for us to learn from all examples. Paul wrote of Israel’s disobedience, and said, “Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them” (1 Corinthians 10:6-7a). However, for us to be safe in doing or teaching anything, the examples we follow must be approved by God.

A demonstration: In Acts 20, Paul was in Troas. Verse 7 states, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” Since the disciples met on Sunday to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we can do the same with God’s approval.

This principle is seldom denied. The problem is not the belief that we are wrong to emulate Christians in the first century, but that we are free to depart from that pattern they create by their actions and teaching. This will be discussed in a later article.

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The lesson is a study on influence. Our need to emulate champions of faith – and our responsibility to serve as an influence on others.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera

Armando uses the text of Christ’s sermon (Matthew 5 & 6) to point out that we are to be the lights of the world, but not to bring attention to ourselves! The point is that good works are to be done, but we must take care both of our motivation, and the way in which we do those works.

Audio

Fourth in an ongoing series on authority. This lesson explains what hermeneutics is (the methodological system of interpreting the Bible), and explains that our methodology is not arbitrary or contrived, but is a simple consequence of what the Bible claims to be.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

There are numerous momentous decisions made by Bible characters that had far reaching implications for themselves, their descendents, and even all of mankind.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Just about everyone knows who Tiger Woods is. He is the most famous golfer, and perhaps the most famous athlete in the world. He has also become one of the most infamous athletes due to being a serial philanderer.

Numerous women have been linked to him. Despite initial denials it was obvious that he had been unfaithful to his wife on numerous occasions with multiple mistresses. When denials proved futile, he finally admitted his infidelity, and has taken a sabbatical from golf to try to save his marriage, and regain the trust of his wife.

Continue reading “In The News: A Philandering Tiger” →

The apostle Paul, in Philippians 2:5-8 indicates that we are to have the mind of Christ. Those things that are characteristic of Christ, things such as:

• Love
• Obedience
• Sacrifice
• Submission
• Loyalty
• Purity
• Industry
• Courage

Should be characteristic of us as well, as Christ has left “us an example, that you should follow His steps” (cf. 1 Peter 2:21-22).

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Even as we pattern ourselves by those who live righteously… (“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ”, 1 Corinthians 11:1), …ultimately our pattern to follow is the Lord Himself.

What did Christ do for us as our example?

• He suffered for us
• He repelled the tempter through God’s word and prayer
• He forgave sinners seeking His mercy
• He was compassionate
• He exemplified humility

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Joshua is a wonderful example of leadership. His example to us includes his success in roles such as a son, a slave, a servant, a soldier, a spy, a savior and a saint.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Rehoboam lost his kingdom (1 Kings 12), because he listened to ungodly companions. The preacher warned his son of ungodly influences in Proverbs 1:10-19. Christian young people should be aware that “evil companions corrupt good morals.”

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:12-16).

The preceding paragraph of instructions, given by the great Apostle Paul to Timothy, his “son in the faith”, contains much of benefit to all who wear the name of our Lord. The call to diligence in doctrine, love and morality are not exclusive to young evangelists. Rather they are needed for all who would be followers of God.

Continue reading ““Be An Example … in Purity”” →

Colossians 4:5-6

The context of Colossians, chapter four, reveals Paul’s desire that Christians influence others for good. He instructed Masters to be good examples to their servants (vs. 1). He asked for prayers from the Colossians, so that he might have opportunity and courage to share the word with the lost (vs. 2-4). In verses 5 and 6 of the chapter, he instructs the Colossians to be careful in their speech, so that they might be an effective influence to those outside the body of Christ.

One who is wise and discerning in his speech will carefully weigh his words, that they might be a positive influence to those outside the body of Christ. May it never be that we, through thoughtless or foolish speech, put a stumbling block before the lost. We are to be the light of the world.

Remember, the world is watching every move we make, and listening to every word we say. We need to act accordingly.