Be an example.

Continuing from the thought process of yesterday (if you didn't read go do that now! lol) Paul was a great example to Timothy which we see here:



2 Timothy 3:10-12

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.



As followers of Christ we are to be good examples to other believers in our faith. Let's look at a few things Paul pointed out to the young Timothy:



1. Follow my doctrine. Now what was the doctrine of Paul? The Word of God! It wasn't his opinion of what the scriptures say, Paul had divine revelation straight from God. He wanted Timothy to be sure to carefully stay true to this doctrine. We should be teaching others that God's Word is truth and absolute. Stick to it, don't turn from it no matter what anybody else says!



2. Follow my manner of life. What was Paul's manner of life? Christ like. Once he was converted his life was one of trying to be like Jesus at all times. Did he fail at times? Yes. But he lived for Jesus. Are we being good examples of living a Christ like life? It can be a great witness to others!



3. Follow my purpose. What was Paul's purpose? This very easy...to share Jesus. Is that our purpose in life? It should be.



4. Follow my faith. What was Paul's faith in? This is easy also...Jesus! No doubt as he devoted his life to Jesus! Is your life devoted to Jesus?



5. Paul was longsuffering. Which means Paul suffered long in his walk with the Lord and with dealing with others. I wonder how many of us would still be followers of Christ if we had to go through what Paul did...snake bit, beaten many times, left for dead, ship wrecked, imprisoned!



6. Paul loved. If Paul didn't love God and people he would have given up early in his ministry!



7. Paul showed perseverance. Wow did he ever. He was like the energizer bunny...he just kept going and going. Nothing but death could stop him!



8. Persecutions/afflictions. I already talked about these in #5. Wow did he suffer!



Now here is the key to staying faithful to God even in hard times: And out of them all the Lord delivered me. When we are faithful to God and follow with all we have, God will take care of his own! Praise God! What a word to a young person or for that matter anyone who is new to the faith! Then comes the promise we need to look at very closely: 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Notice Paul did not say may or might, He said WILL! This a a sign for our walk with God...if you are not suffering some sort of persecution for your faith in Christ it is a good sign you are not doing much for Christ. An example of this might be someone calling you some sort of name because you talk about Jesus with others.



This is our goal:



1 Peter 2:11-12

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.



So my friends, are we teaching these traits to others? We must be an example! It is not really a choice as a believer it is our duty!



Tom.