Thursday, 7th December 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: AS A CHRISTIAN, GROW
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Let no man despise your youth, but be an example of the believers in speech, in conduct, in spirit, in love, in faith, in purity” - 1 Timothy 4:12 KJV
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why must we always set an example for other believers?
- In which areas of our lives can we set an example for others?
Within the community of believers, there will always be God’s people who are at different levels of maturity. Some will be new to the faith. Others will be young in it. While others will be matured, others will be fathers in the faith. The life in Christ Jesus progresses from one level of maturity to another. This provides an opportunity for us to learn from one another because, at each level of growth, another believer has ever been there. This is why Paul admonished Timothy to be an example, as a leader, to the believers.
There are 6 areas Timothy, as a leader, was charged to set an example. As God’s people, and also leaders over our family, in the church, workplace and in the community, more is expected from us.
As Christian leaders, we are also to set examples in the six areas Paul, by the Spirit recommended.
Speech: the proof of maturity in the faith is first measured by how our tongues are bridled and controlled. If any man offends not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able to bridle the whole body (James 3:2). We are to set examples for other believers – our children, group members, work colleagues, etc. in speech by talking at the right time and at the right place seasoned with salt.
Precious one, don’t let filthy communication come out of your mouth (Eph 4:29) but rather words that edify so that it can minister grace to your hearers.
Conduct: our character should be that which is the gospel. Our lives must be characterized by all godliness, honesty and simplicity. In Antioch, the believers were called Christians (Acts 11:26) because their conduct was Christ-like. As a leader, your conduct must be distinguished, being far from favouritism, nepotism, lying and greed. These, and others, are not Christ-like conducts.
Love: the Christian life is a life of love and our commandments point us to love. Jesus instructed us to love one another, as He has loved us (John 13:34). If we say we love God and also hate our brother, we are liars. Learning never to hate is a mark of growth. To give is the highest pleasure of true love. We are to set examples, as leaders matured in the things of God, by giving ourselves to the people we serve in the Lord.
Spirit: Our zeal must be that of Christ and towards Him. We must demonstrate that we are spiritually minded and not carnally minded, letting everything we do all point towards Christ and the advancement of His kingdom on earth.
Faith: Precious one, the just shall live by the God-kind of faith. Being an example requires that our trust and confidence be in no one but God. We have no confidence in the arm of flesh.
It also means that we consistently allow nothing to interfere with our faith in Christ Jesus.
Purity: Or chastity, where our lives are free from adultery, fornication and the like. We must set examples in walking purely, because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we are not of our own (1 Cor 6:19).
Precious One, our most effective message to the world and also to those who look and learn from us is the message of the gospel we live. As a result, let us be an example to our children and our spouses. Let us be an example in the church and in the workplace. Be a true example of the faith. God bless you more.
FURTHER READING – 2 Timothy 2:22
QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- In which of the six areas do you need to do more in being an example to other believers?
CONFESSION
Precious Father, I thank you for your life in me and your Spirit who enables me to live in conformity with this superior life. From today onwards, I am living as a true example of our faith. My life and conduct are henceforth sending the right message of the gospel to all. Glory to Jesus!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Job 9; Micah 5; James 1
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