Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-16
Title: God wants me to be a model of His Character
(The purpose of discipleship)
Intro: 5 Goals for every believer series.God wants me to be a model of His character.
V12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Reason #1 God wants me to be a model of his character so that I won’t be led astray later. (V1-5)
V1-5 “The Spirit (Holy Spirit) clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teaching comes through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
1.The reality of deceiving spirits and demons
2.The reach of deceiving spirits and demons (some in the faith)
3.The receptacle (container) for deceiving spirits and demons.(who deceiving spirits and demons work through)
“Such teaching comes through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”(V2)
a. Hypocrites – liars - those whose consciences have been seared.
b. Models of their own character
4.The restrictions enforced on people by deceiving spirits and demons
“They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.”
a.They seek to exert control over all areas of a persons life
b.They seek to rob God of his rightful worship
5.The remedy for overcoming deceiving spirits and demons
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
The remedy for overcoming deceiving spirits and demons is to remain consecrated to God.
1.By the word of God
2.By prayer
The word of God and prayer are both essential for making us into a model of his character.
Quote:"The Spirit of God uses the word of God in order to make us more like the Son of God."
Conclusion: The more we model the character of God the less chance we will be led astray by deceiving spirits and demons.
2. God also wants me to be a model of his character so I can make the most of this life and the life to come (v6-8)
“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
1.Lets begin by pointing out some myths about becoming a model of God’s character.
Myths = anything fabricated by the mind that is set against what is real
Myth #1. Becoming a model of God’s character is an automatic thing.
The reality
a. We need truth (the truths of the faith)
b. We need teaching
c. We need training (brought up)
d. We need testing
Tests =Trials, temptations, difficult people.
Myth #2 Becoming a model of God’s character only holds real value for the life to come.
Conclusion :The most valuable thing you can hold is a promise of God
3.God wants me to be a model of his character so that I can be an example for other believers. (V11-14)
“Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” (V11-14)
There are two ways people can look at you.
1. They can look down at you
2.They can look up to you as an example
God wants us to be a model of His Character in 5 areas (v11-14)
1.In speech (what I say)
2.In life (what I do)
3.In love (what I prioritize)
4.In faith (what I believe)
5.In purity (what I am)
4.God wants me to be a model of His character so that everyone may see my progress (v15-17)
“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (V15-17)
How can I see if I’m progressing in the faith? What is the standard for measurement?
1.Others
2.Christ
Progress demands (v15-17)
1.Diligence
2.Wholeheartedness (give yourself wholly to them)
3.Close examination (your life and your doctrine)
4.Perseverance
5.God wants me to be a model of his character so unbelievers may also find Christ and be saved. (V9-10)
“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.”
What is our hope as we labor and strive to become models of his character; that unbelievers may be saved!
What is necessary in order for someone to be saved? (v9-10)
1.Trust
2.Acceptance
3.Believe
Conclusion
God wants me to be a model of His character for several reasons
1.God wants me to be a model of his character so that I won’t be deceived later. (V1-5)
2.God also wants me to be a model of his character so I can make the most of this life and the life to come (v6-8)
3.God wants me to be a model of his character so that I can be an example for other believers. (V11-14)
4.God wants me to be a model of His character so that everyone may see my progress (v15-17)
5.God wants me to be a model of his character so unbelievers may also find Christ and be saved. (V9-10)
