"And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia." — I Thess. 1:7-8
In several places, including this one, the New Testament gives emphasis to the power and importance of example. In I Peter 5:3 the Spirit of God, through the apostle Paul, admonishes pastors not to lord it over their churches, but to be examples to the flock. Writing to the Philippians he is not ashamed to call attention to the example set by himself and his associates in ministry, when he says, "walk so as ye have us for an example (cf. Phil. 3:17)." Again, he writes of "… making ourselves an example unto you to follow us (cf. II Thess. 3:9)."
To his young protégé Timothy Paul counseled, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity [I Tim. 4:12]." And in Titus 2:7 he exhorts that young minister, "In all things [show] thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you," where the word "pattern" in the Greek text is identical with the word "example" in the preceding references.
In I Timothy 1:15,16 the apostle Paul says, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."Here the word "pattern" is a derivative of the word for "example." Paul is identifying himself as a pattern or example for others to follow. That is consistent with his exhortation to the Corinthians, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ [I Cor 11:1]." (See also I Cor 4:16; Phil. 3:17; I Thess. 1:6; Heb. 6:12)
The supreme "example" for us to follow is, of course, Christ. The apostle Peter noted, "… Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps… Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth…" [I Pet. 2:21-22]." In I John 2:6 we are counseled, "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk , even as He walked." It was Paul's aim to do just that; so to order his life, that those who followed his example would be perfectly aligned with Christ. It should be yours and mine as well! It is, to say the least, a lofty goal, and one that cannot be fulfilled in the energy of the flesh, but only through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection upon these passages, and this study on the importance of example, confronts us with a self-test: If others follow my example (and someone will!) will they be following Christ? Many years ago a gospel tract circulated entitled, "Your Children will be like you." It is a sobering thing to consider, whether one thinks of his literal offspring or his spiritual "children." Again, there was a gospel song which carried the line, "What you are speaks so loud men can't hear what you say!" Even if we tell the truth, others are not likely to "hear" it unless they see it exemplified in our lives.
May it be our unwavering aspiration so to live that our spiritual overseers may be able to say of us what Paul said of the Thessalonian believers: "Ye were examples to all that believe… " A Christian can be paid no higher compliment.
For HIS glory,
"Pastor" Frasier
In several places, including this one, the New Testament gives emphasis to the power and importance of example. In I Peter 5:3 the Spirit of God, through the apostle Paul, admonishes pastors not to lord it over their churches, but to be examples to the flock. Writing to the Philippians he is not ashamed to call attention to the example set by himself and his associates in ministry, when he says, "walk so as ye have us for an example (cf. Phil. 3:17)." Again, he writes of "… making ourselves an example unto you to follow us (cf. II Thess. 3:9)."
To his young protégé Timothy Paul counseled, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity [I Tim. 4:12]." And in Titus 2:7 he exhorts that young minister, "In all things [show] thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you," where the word "pattern" in the Greek text is identical with the word "example" in the preceding references.
In I Timothy 1:15,16 the apostle Paul says, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."Here the word "pattern" is a derivative of the word for "example." Paul is identifying himself as a pattern or example for others to follow. That is consistent with his exhortation to the Corinthians, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ [I Cor 11:1]." (See also I Cor 4:16; Phil. 3:17; I Thess. 1:6; Heb. 6:12)
The supreme "example" for us to follow is, of course, Christ. The apostle Peter noted, "… Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps… Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth…" [I Pet. 2:21-22]." In I John 2:6 we are counseled, "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk , even as He walked." It was Paul's aim to do just that; so to order his life, that those who followed his example would be perfectly aligned with Christ. It should be yours and mine as well! It is, to say the least, a lofty goal, and one that cannot be fulfilled in the energy of the flesh, but only through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection upon these passages, and this study on the importance of example, confronts us with a self-test: If others follow my example (and someone will!) will they be following Christ? Many years ago a gospel tract circulated entitled, "Your Children will be like you." It is a sobering thing to consider, whether one thinks of his literal offspring or his spiritual "children." Again, there was a gospel song which carried the line, "What you are speaks so loud men can't hear what you say!" Even if we tell the truth, others are not likely to "hear" it unless they see it exemplified in our lives.
May it be our unwavering aspiration so to live that our spiritual overseers may be able to say of us what Paul said of the Thessalonian believers: "Ye were examples to all that believe… " A Christian can be paid no higher compliment.
For HIS glory,
"Pastor" Frasier
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