Be Godly Example|| 1 Timothy 4:12|| Amos Moktan

                                                    1 timothy 4:12                                                            

As we know Christian life is not about learning about God or the works he had done. It is all about the transformation of life and intimacy with God. As Christ is the real model for the Christian life. We should also be an example to our believers and to the people. Here Paul is suggesting to Timothy. Since he was young and he was serving as a pastor of the church of Ephesus. Paul wants Timothy to be a Godly example. He gives the five areas to set an example.

1. Be an example in speech: being a God’s minister our way of living should be different from the normal believer. To be the Godly example the first thing that we have to do is that we have to set an example in our speech.

A. should not be corrupt/ vulgar (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians. 3:8): Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 

 The word corrupt refers to that which is foul or rotten, such as spoiled fruit or putrid meat. Foul language of any sort should never pass a Christian’s lips, because it is totally out of character with his new life in Christ. We should not speak vulgar words though we are in anger. Our words should always be inspiring and motivating to others. Our words should be beneficial to the hearers rather than corrupting them.

B. should be Good for the edification (Ephesians: 4:29b Col: 4:6):  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

We should be very careful about our words. We have to be accountable for every word that we speak on judgment day (Matthew: 12:36). But the Christian speech should be instructive, encouraging, uplifting, corrective, and suitable for the moment which ultimately provides grace to the hearers.

2. Be an example in Conduct v.12

A. glorifying our God (Titus 2:10, 1 Peter 1:15) But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

Many times we may think that we can live our life as we wish. But to be or to live as a Godly example our lives should glorify God. Our every activity and way of living should be exalted, Lord. In the same way, we have to live the Holy life as the one who calls us is the most holy one.

3. Be an example of love

A. our love should be unconditional (John 15:12-13): My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

 It’s very simple today that we love one another. But as we look to the meaning it’s not an easy task.  Bible suggests that we have to love as God loves us. But in reality, we can’t love one another as God did. Jesus has sent an example of how we should love one another. Our love should be unconditional. If we love one another we should be ready to sacrifice for their needs as well.

4. Be an example in faith

A. we be faithful for every work (Hebrew 11:1, 1 Corinthians 4:2) Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 

Bible defines Faith as the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. We should be good models for the faith and we have to be very faithful to every kind of task whether that is small or big. Bible clearly says that if we are not faithful to the small tasks then we are not assigned to the greater task. That is why our faithfulness should start with a minor task.

5. Be an example of purity

A. we must live holy life (1 Peter: 1:15): being a Christian is not about knowing about Christ and the Lord. It is all about following him and making him the master. We should live a holy life. Since our lord is holy one and those who believe in him must be holy.

Finally, Here is a challenge for you to live an exemplary life. Here I want to share a quotation by Bruce Van Horn “Kids don’t care how many sermons you preach to them. The only sermon they’ll hear is how you live your life in front of them.”  And this is not for kids only but it would apply to all human beings. Rather than listening to the words people will evaluate our life and follow the pattern of our life. So we must be able to set an example not only in our words but in our actions as well.