Journey With Jesus: The Daily Trek of Discipleship
THE DISCIPLE’S EXAMPLE
Introduction
1 Timothy 4:1-2 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, through the insincerity of liars whose
consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
Paul wrote letters to the young evangelists Timothy and Titus, giving them advice and encouragement that would develop their leadership and equip him for ministry. In those encouragements we can find today’s daily principle for discipleship: Set A Good Example for others.
Titus 2:7 NIV “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.”
1 Timothy 4:12b “…Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
Titus 2:10 NIV “…make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
What a privilege it is to model the qualities of Christ to those who are searching for him. Sanders: “By an exemplary lifestyle, the disciple can make his or her Lord attractive to others…People should not only hear truth worth hearing but see lives worth emulating.”
In his first letter to Timothy Paul gave advice of timeless relevance to the younger man, and from it every disciple can profit today. (1 Timothy 4:6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus…)
Within Paul’s instructions to Timothy we can find at least three areas in which we are to provide a powerful and good example.
1. BE AN EXAMPLE OF GODLINESS (1 TIMOTHY 4:6-9)
Go into training: We do not become more godly accidentally. This rests in our own hands. It involves training. Training - gives us our word gymnasium … the idea of “exercising the body or mind.” J. B. Phillips renders verse 7: “Take time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.” Training involves regular strenuous effort, which will make
demands on our time and activities.
Train in Words of the Faith and Good Doctrine (teaching)
Training involves learning in the truth of the Scriptures (6-7 If you put these things before the brothers, 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. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness… ). Paul contrasts growing in understanding of Scripture with godless myths and “old wives’ tales” (NIV). Always examine your beliefs and assumptions! Let Scripture teach us, rather than us train Scripture!
Training involves the promises of God for this life and the next (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.). We grow in faith - trusting God’s promises!
Training involves setting our hope on the living God (10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.)
Being an example of Godliness reminds us to study God’s Word and trust His truth!
2. BE A GOOD EXAMPLE IN IMPORTANT AREAS
1 Timothy 4:11-12 Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
-Speech (James 3:2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.) Avoid profanities and ugly talk; hurtful words. Speak encouraging words (Col. 4:6 "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”)
Conduct. Conduct is manner of life, behavior. (1 Peter 2:12 "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”)
Love. How are you treating people? Agape is seeking the highest good for someone else no matter what the circumstances. Barclay: Its real meaning is unconquerable benevolence. If a man has agape no matter what other people do to him or say of him, he will seek nothing but their good. He will never be bitter, never resentful, never vengeful; he will never allow himself to hate; he will never refuse to forgive. John 13:35 "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Faith. Full reliance and confidence in God. To place our trust fully on God takes giving our whole heart to the Lord. Trust God through the tough times as well as the easy times.
Purity. It’s almost hard to remember what purity means in this corrupt and filthy world! Philippians 2:14-16a “…become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
3. BE A GOOD EAMPLE OF USING YOUR GIFTS
1 Tim 4:13-16a "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Persist in this…"
Paul references a time when Timothy was surrounded by the elders and prayed over; a laying on of hands - commissioning him as a minister. Then Paul says to use the gifts you have.
He grounded the use of gifts in the Word (13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. )
He gauged the value of gifts - ‘keep on using them’! (14 Do not neglect the gift you have)
He gave depth to the gifts - "immerse yourself in them" (15)
He guided Tim to persist in using them (16 "Persist in this")
We are a gifted people- and the church is always in need.
Discern your gifts in the Word!
Don’t neglect your gifts!
Dive in to use your gifts!
Drive yourself to keep on using your gifts!
Conclusion:
On the journey with Jesus, the daily trek of discipleship demands that we provide a good example of living the Jesus life in a dark world.
There is power in being an example of discipleship!
1 Timothy 4:16 “Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
There is a lot riding on you being a godly person!
Philippians 3:17 "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”
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Questions For Discussion
1. This chapter begins with a warning (1 Timothy 4:1-5). Among these warnings, do you see any of them taking place in the world around us today? What does this tell us about the necessity of our example?
2. Paul compares physical exercise to spiritual exercise. How can we train ourselves for godliness, and why is it important?(4:7-8)
3. When we talk about Christian examples, who immediately comes to mind and why?
4. 1 Timothy 4:11-12 are some instructions Paul wrote to young Timothy. Why are these themes so important to teach to young people? Why are these areas of example important for young and old alike? Why are these areas important in regards to the church community?
5. 1 Timothy 4:13-14: What role do reading Scripture, preaching, and teaching play in our spiritual growth? Aside from being a preacher for congregation, how can individuals in the church embrace these actions?
6. How can we identify and use our spiritual gifts effectively?
7. 1 Timothy 4:15-16: Why is it crucial to watch our life and doctrine closely? How can we ensure we are persevering in our faith and helping others do the same?
8. What else did you want to talk about today?
