Text: 1 Tim 4:12
By: Sunny Ogumor
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We are Christians yes, we are. Say it claim it and work to achieve it. Antioch is the epicenter of this name that we love to bear. (focal point: the very center or focal point) why? Christianity was early introduced into this city Antioch (Acts 11:26), and the name “Christian” was first applied here to those who profess Christ and this is because they were good examples of Christ. Like father like son so says the adage. The proper meaning of this name is a follower of Christ, it refers to one who from serious thought embraces the religion of Christ believes his promises and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ’s principles and example.
Examples are important in life. Leading by examples has the power to influence somebody. The important thing in Christian life is that do not copy bad examples.
Paul’s address to Timothy: 1 Tim 4:12 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. In everything that is good you should be there. Write your name in the test of time amongst the believers, cast it on stone so that nobody will clean it.
Nobody will disregard your Christianity if you keep from excessive pride, worthless behaviors and old fashion things before you become a Christian. Those who teach the doctrine should teach it with sincerity through their life, no deception. Your discourse should be edifying, your conversation should be holy and we should be an example of love to God and to mankind. Those who ministers the word should mind the teachings as their principal work and business. By this means your profiting will appear in all things, as well as to all persons who hear from you. In this way we will benefit in knowledge and grace, and also to benefit others. The use of foul language and deviation should be discouraged. Therefore, let us continue to study to show ourselves a workman that rightly divide the word. 2 Timothy 2:15 This duty have no time for leisure or wordly pleasures or idle conversation, but we have little time for this duty. We pray the good Lord profit every believer in this assignment and let our profiting appear to all men seeking to experience the power of the gospel and bring forth fruits in his life.
In the scripture there are many good examples to learn from as we wish somebody to learn from your good examples.
Noah was credited with Godliness: Gen 6-7. God was grieved and wanted to destroy man and living things from the face of the earth but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord and saved mankind. Heb 11:7
Abraham is the father of faith: We are often advised to leave worldly connections, interests, and comforts. If we are heirs of Abraham’s faith, we should obey and go forward, but we may be afraid not knowing what may befall us if we leave this confront zone. The man who got the courage to leave it was credited to him as the father of faith.
Job for patience: Job 1-2, Daniel for courage: Dan 6, Moses for endurance: Heb 11:23-27 and Joshua for Leadership Joshua 24:31, Nub.14. Others: Jn. 13:15, Tit. 2:7, 2 Th. 3:9
We cannot conclude without mentioning bad examples: which are also abound everywhere, but Christians should run away from all bad practices because some consequences are great.
Two Hundred and fifty men led by Korah, Dathan and Abiram including their families were destroyed for rebelling against Moses. Nub 16. Bad example.
The ten spies who influenced a whole nation by their lack of faith. Nub.13,14.
The pharisees in time of Jesus Matt 6:2-8, Matthew 6:2-8, Others: 1Cor. 5:11, 2 Cor. 6:14, Psm.1:1.
The Scriptures are written for our learning and benefit, as much as for those to whom they were first given. Nothing in the Scripture is written in vain and it is our wisdom and duty to learn from it. Our problem is the follow up, to this we should pray fervently. Some have fallen away, and so we may if we neglect to search the scriptures properly. God has not promised to keep us from temptations and falling, but there is a way of escape for us. We have full encouragement to run away from sin, and to be faithful to God. The fear of the Lord, put into our hearts, will be the great means of safety. These days men make efforts to please men this will make you put your trust in man who will disappoint you at any time. In all our doings ensure to be accountable to God Almighty so that should he ask you why, you will have a favorable answer to give.
He who runs a race, must always focus on the end and press forward as fast as he could so as to win a prize, no looking back. Luke 9:62. So those who have heaven in their view, must still press forward to it, in holy desires and hopes, and constant efforts. There is no getting to heaven as our home, but by Christ Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. True believers in seeking this assurance should follow his examples and bear the name Christian with dignity.
Conclusion:
Rom.12:2 Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
May the Good Lord bless His words in our Heart in Jesus Name, Amen.
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