This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Be an Example of Christ.
A few months ago I wrote “This Sunday at Church: Imitate someone as they imitate Christ” where I exhorted we go to church to look for others to imitate as they imitate Christ. My exhortation was based upon 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” But I also realize some people in the back of their mind say “But I don’t have anyone to see as an example to follow at church!”
First off I say be careful of assuming you can not learn from anyone’s example in church. Make sure its not your pride that is driving you to say that. I’ve learned from the examples of those I never considered before such as grandmothers in the church bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit like long-suffering in the faith. As I grew more in Christ I find more examples from the believers around me. Secondly we are also called to be an example towards others in the Church! So its not just the responsibilities of others to be an example for others’ to imitate; we are called to do so as well. In fact the more you focus on this the more gracious you be with others and also notice others’ godly examples for your encouragement (and not jealousy, cynically, etc).
Leaders are called to be an example to the church: “nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). But this is not just a command only for believers; hear 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” Notice it says “show yourself an example of those who believe.” This is applicable even for those who are young since Paul wrote “Let no one look down on your youthfulness.”
Pray about it. Pray to God to grow you to be a genuine example on Sundays, if not even this Sunday. Ask God to help you in this area that you not be doing this hypocritically for show.
Secondly this obviously involves things outside of Sunday. Your walk with God in your daily life matters. What you do in private matters. Being an example isn’t an on and off switch.
Thirdly, you can’t be an example to others in an encouraging way if you aren’t involved with people’s life in a loving way. If you are a godly example but then you don’t love others, you can appear distant and elite; and some might even wrongly think you are arrogant. If you are a godly example but don’t love, that also don’t go as far in ministering to others. So go to church to love others and not just be a trophy case.
Fourthly, review the list found in 1 Timothy 4:12 of what areas of our life we are to be an example in. Is there any area you can grow in? Strive to grow and be godly in those areas. Read the Word concerning those areas and also books and sermons by others who are teaching based upon the Bible. Too often people think of being an example in static terms; sometimes we can be an example not by reaching perfection but by our growth, our changes and development of Christian character.
Finally you need to know this: You won’t be an example by keep on thinking you need to be an example; you need to turn to the example of Christ. But not just an example of Christ; you need to turn to Him as your Lord and Savior who saved you from sins and He did that because He loves you. Let that love be something you bask in, till you love Him back and that love lead you to loving obedience, even in the hard things.
Very good writing SLIMJIM We are all people that do observe that is why we can be influenced. As Christians who desire to please God we will judge our own selves and look at others action and words. As we grow we will know more how to evaluate our lives and the life others by the word of God so we know who and what to follow. At the same time we desire growth and to please God we must realize that there are others who are looking to us as example.
It is true that an exemplary life is more than a Sunday morning. A church service is just a few hours. We spend more time around family members and coworkers who read our lives as their Bible.
It may be hard at times but we have to conform to God’s word to love even our enemies too.
Amen brother Maurice! We are indeed wired by God to observe and be influenced and vice versa. How was your Lord’s Day with Christ’s body?
I wasn’t in church today I work the night shift. Paul had admonish the body of Christ to ‘follow me while I follow Christ’ which speaks of influence.
Thanks for this good Sunday exhortation! Often I get so wrapped up in myself that I forget about being a good example for others and that starts, as you’ve written, by putting myself on the back burner and reaching out and loving others.
It’ not easy to reach out to others and love them. Especially when people are sinful and sinfully selfish! How did your weekend go?
RE: weekend
Yesterday was a lot of paperwork – bills and other stuff that I had shoved aside. That seemed to consume most of the afternoon. Last night I spent a lot of time writing today’s “Messiah” post. Today was church (excellent sermon on Christians who have a critical spirit), then picked up branches and twigs in the backyard after a strong windstorm last night, and then finally sorted through my pile of Christmas gifts that sat next to my bed for the past 18 days. That made my wife happy. Now it’s R&R until bedtime. How was your weekend? I’m sure you’re still cranking on Sunday afternoon.
Have a blessed sunday
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Amen. Love this: “You won’t be an example by keep on thinking you need to be an example; you need to turn to the example of Christ.”
Blessings.
Amen.
Wow, I hadn’t thought about it like this. Thank you, my friend!
Thanks for all your support of our blog online including our Facebook page!
You’re so welcome, brother! May the Lord continue to bless your ministry.
Reblogged this on a simple man of God.
Out pastor has a different theme for each month this year . This month is “ greet one another and get to know each other “ . His themes remind me of these great Sunday series you are doing pastor Jim.
Thank you! Reading this discussion serves as a mid-week message about our daily walk with Christ. Our words and actions speak for themselves so hopefully we look to Jesus as a living example. I appreciate your encouragement to return to 1 Timothy 4:12 for guidance in reflecting upon my own image in the mirror.