September 7, 2012
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
1 Timothy 4
Sharhonda Conner
Central Truth
Actions speak louder than words. By the way we conduct ourselves, we teach others who God is and what His character is like. Many, in turn, make a decision whether to follow Christ based on the message they hear and see in us.
Key Verse | 1 Timothy 4:16
Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16)
1 Timothy 4
Some Will Depart from the Faith
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
6 If you put these things before the brothers, 1 4:6 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, 2 4:10 Some manuscripts and suffer reproach because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, 3 4:15 Greek be in them so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Dive Deeper | 1 Timothy 4
While in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, I remember hearing the phrase, "You cannot lead unless you know how to follow." When I was no longer the fish at the bottom of the ranks, I thought it was just for empathy. As I continued through and took note, I realized a different meaning. I began to follow Christ while in the Corps thanks to men and women who led by example. Just as an impressionable freshman watches the shoes and uniform of the upperclassman, so do the unbeliever and new believer watch those who proclaim to dress with the armor of Christ.
In this epistle Paul writes to Timothy and encourages him to hold firm to the teachings of Scripture and not be distracted by worldly fables (verse 7). Just as we have today, there were many ideas in Paul's day on what was right -- from dietary constraints to self-indulgences. To discern the right way, we must use Scripture as our road map. "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." (Joshua 1:8) The key to following effectively is to follow the Word of the Lord. Once we know our map, we can invite others to follow us as we walk toward Christ.
In order to lead well, we must lead by the example we set as disciplined believers. Paul cautions us in verse 12 to show ourselves as examples in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. The world is watching us. For me today, those eyes are my students, co-workers, those I disciple, my family, and the stranger in passing. Each day, I am the first glance, second glance, or only glance at the Bible they see. When I walk by dressed in the armor of Christ, it must be shined and ready for presentation, for the salvation of many are at stake.
Discussion Questions
1. What example are you projecting to the eyes that are watching you?
2. Who in your life is helping you to watch for "smudges" on your spiritual uniform?
3. Keeping in step with verse 7b, how are you disciplining yourself for godliness? What spiritual exercises are helping you train future disciples?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
September 3-7 (2 Thessalonians 3- 1 Timothy 4)
Read 1 Timothy 4:7-12.
• What sports or physical exercise do you like to do?
• What do you have to do if you want to be good or better at one of them?
• What does Paul tell Timothy is more important than physical exercise?
• How can you train yourself for spiritual fitness?
• What does verse 12 say about young believers?
• What are the ways verse 12 says you can be an example to older believers?
Activity: Write all the words to verse 12 on separate pieces of paper. Place them all face down on the other side of your room or backyard. Everyone make a line. Now, one at a time, run down and grab one and bring it back. Keep doing this until the words of the verse are in order. Repeat until you have the verse memorized. You can also make it fun by timing yourself each time to see how fast you can put it in order.