BE A GOOD EXAMPLE

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8

Introduction: As Christians we are to let our lights shine before men (Matt. 5:14-16). We must be a book that is seen and read by all men (2 Cor. 3:2). We must be an influence upon the community around us (Phi. 2:15). There is nothing more detrimental to the forward movement of the cause of Christ than a poor example.

A. In this lesson we will learn what it means to be an example

B. We also will learn who can benefit from our example

1. Sinners

2. Family-especially children

3. Other members

C. Finally, we need to learn how to be a good example

I. What does the Bible mean by an example?

A. One word so translated means an impression or the mark left by a blow

1. It is translated pattern or form (Heb. 8:5)

2. God made man in his image – moral likeness – Jesus came to show us how act in accordance with that image (Eph. 5:2; 1 John 2:6)

B. Another word means “a thing shown; a specimen”

1. Sodom and Gomorrah are held up as an example of what happens to those who live ungodly (2 Pet. 2:6)

2. Jesus left a specimen of performing brotherly service (John 13:15)

C. God has provided both good and bad examples – we must follow the good and avoid the bad

1. God commanded His people not to be like certain people (2 Chr. 30:7)

a. We must consider such examples not do the same (1 Cor. 10:6)

b. We must not follow evil but good (3 John 11)

2. God has given us good examples to follow

a. Jesus left us with several examples

1) humility (Phi. 2:5-8)

2) service (John 13:13-17)

3) love (John 13:34)

4) sacrifice (1 John 3:16)

5) suffering (1 Pet. 2:21)

b. God used the apostle Paul as an example to follow

1) benevolence (Acts 20:35)

2) industriousness (2 The. 3:7-10)

3) Endurance (1 Tim. 1:16)

II. It is necessary for the sake of the gospel that we provide good examples ourselves

A. Someone is always watching for the kind of example you will give to them

1. A little leaven leavens the lump (Gal. 5:9)

a. You can be an influence for evil (1 Cor. 8:9-11)

b. You can be an influence for good (Tit. 2:7-8)

2. Sometimes our example can be so positive and influential that words may not have to be spoken to influence others for good

a. 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8

b. Spouses can be won by a godly example (1 Pet. 3:1-2)

B. We must maker sure we are good examples

1. Sinners may be watching (1 Pet. 2:11-12)

2. Our children are watching (Matt. 18:6-10)

a. Remember, example means “an impression”

b. What impression are you leaving with your children?

3. Brethren are watching and are looking for good examples to follow

a. Be an example in word, conduct, love, in faith, in purity

b. We can be an influence even when we have gone on (Heb. 13:7)

C. How can we become good examples?

A. We need to follow good examples

1. Jesus – We must look unto him (Heb. 12:2-3); we must follow Him (Eph. 5:1-2)

2. Paul – We can follow his example (Phi. 3:17)

3. Elders – They are to lead by example (1 Pet. 5:3)

4. Brethren (Heb. 13:7)

B. We must learn from the bad examples and avoid them (1 Cor. 10:6, 11)

1. We will take heed how we are standing (1 Cor. 10:12)

2. We will be more diligent (Heb. 3:12-19; 4:11)

Conclusion: Usually first impressions are those that are most remembered. Let us do everything to make a good and lasting impression upon those with whom we come in contact. A great man once said, “In early life I had nearly been betrayed into the principles of atheism, but there was one argument in favor of Christianity that I could not refute, and that was the consistent character and example of my own father.”