Thoughts for Life: #53 You will be Accountable for Your Example

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel: Jesus lived His life as an example to us. He deliberately acted in a certain way to set an example. (Google image, Jesus with children)

1. He was an example in restraining His tongue. "Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.' When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:21-23).

2. Jesus was an example in humble service of others. When He washed the feet of the disciples He said, "Do you understand what I have done for you? . . . I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you . . . Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them' (John 13:12-17).

Three times Paul urged his converts to follow his example:

1. "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). The literal Greek is "continue to be my imitator as I continuously imitate Christ." The immediate context in which Paul specially wanted the Corinthians to follow him was (a) in not causing anyone to stumble; (b) in seeking as far as possible to please others; and (c) in seeking the good of others rather than his own good.

2. "Join with others in following my example" (Phil. 3:17). Literally, the Greek is "continue to be fellow-imitators of me." The immediate context Paul was emphasizing was his beautiful description of how he pressed on in following Christ (vv. 7-16).

(a) He considered all else loss compared to knowing Jesus better in all His lordship. (b) He considered all else as rubbish that he might gain Christ and be righteous by faith in him. (c) He wanted to know Christ and His resurrection power, gladly sharing in Christ's sufferings in the extension of the gospel and eventually being raptured at the second coming of Christ.

(d) He made this his one overwhelming priority, forgetting what was past and straining every effort for what lay ahead. This is what Paul wanted all Philippian believers to Join him in doing. Are you pursuing Christ and His priorities so whole-souledly that you are a constant example?

3. "You ought to follow (Greek, imitate) our example" (2 Thess. 3:7). The immediate context is Paul's not being idle but working day and night to support himself and not be a burden on others. He had done this "in order to make [himself] a model for you to follow" (v. 9).

Paul knew that one of the besetting sins of the Thessalonians was idleness. So during visits to Thessalonica, he deliberately supported himself. To Paul it reflected poorly on Christ for Christians to be idle. He was entitled to support from the church, but he purposely chose to forego his rights to emphasize the example he was trying to give them. God forgive you if you have a reputation of not being a hard worker.

In 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul exhorts Timothy to "Set an example for the believers," especially in five items which he lists: speech, life, love, faith, and purity. The Greek is literally "continue becoming a model." Peter writes the same thing "to the elders," i.e., the pastor-leaders: "Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3).

Nothing is more important in a leader's life and ministry than to lead an exemplary life in all things. His leadership can be no more effective than his life. His manner of living prepares the way for the reception of his words. This is true both among his own people and among the unsaved.

The example of your life validates or invalidates your ministry. You have no more credibility in any community than your life warrants. You must incarnate what you say. You must demonstrate that the gospel is true.

God may even permit you to pass through difficult experiences in order to prove to non-Christians that Christ is real and that you are genuine. Setting an example can be costly. Nothing is more urgent.

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Used by permission of the author and Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana. Creative reading style by Jean.

Ablaze for God
#53 You will be Accountable for Your Example
by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 168-169) ZondervanPublishingHouse

Powerful War Room prayers

Father, as Christ Jesus became our perfect example of how to please You while He lived among us, we see the need to follow His life's example.
The apostle Paul emphasized our need to be careful not to cause anyone to stumble, to do what we can to please others, and to seek their good, rather than our own.
We agree that nothing is more important in a leader's life and ministry than to lead an exemplary life in all things. Our pastor's leadership, as well as our own lives, can be effected by their life's standard.
Setting an example for those they lead can be costly, as sometimes they may have to pass through difficult experiences in order to prove to non-Christians that Christ indeed is real, and that they are genuine.
We humbly ask that You help us uphold our pastors/leaders in daily fervent prayers, as they are humans, trying to follow Christ's example for us to follow.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Today's Bible verse-

1 Cor. 11:1 (KJV) "Be ye followers of me, even as I
also am of Christ."

Phil. 3:17 (MSG) "Brethren, together follow my
my example and observe those who live after the
pattern we have set for you."

2 Tim. 2:15 (KJV) "Study to shew thyself approved
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth."

Today's quote-

Joseph E. Harris- "For every Christian, obedience to God is most important because it is the chief proof of a genuine experience of salvation. Christ insists that it is useless to call Him, 'Lord, Lord,' if we do not the things He requires. He says 'if ye do whatsoever I command you' (John 15:14). As the disobedient life is the idolatry of self, so the obedient life is the proof that we truly worship and serve the Lord." [Taken from Herald of His Coming newspaper, Vol 77, No 5 (917), p. 5. Used by permission.]

Today's question-

What are some bedrocks of the Christian faith?

We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (see 1 Peter 1:5).
We can have joy knowing our sins are forgiven (Col. 2:13).
We have the joy of answered prayers which honor God (1 John 5:14, 15).
Fellowship with believers is a great gift, and can bring peace and increase of commitment to Christ to live a sanctified life (2 Tim. 2:21).
Our faith gives us purpose for living (1 Tim. 6:6).
We were dead, and have been made alive in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 15:22).
New revelations from God's Word brings joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8; 2 Tim. 3:16)).
We are more than conquerors through Jesus (Rom. 8:37).
Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:35, 38, 39).
We can look forward to our own resurrection to eternal life (1 John 5:11; Titus. 1:2).
Our bodies will be changed into immortal bodies, fit for heaven (1 Cor. 15:53).
Our expectation increases, knowing of Christ's soon return (Phil. 2:16; 1 Cor. 15:23.

Upcoming posts-

#54 You will be Accountable for Your Prayer Life
17th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

Awakening
19th- Saturday's post by Lee Forbes

#55 Prepare Your people for Eternal Reward
22nd- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#56 Two Great Ages for the Church
24th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel