In 1st Timothy Chapter 4, Paul begins with general instructions for godly living. He talks about seducing spirits, doctrines of devils, speaking lies, seared consciences, forbidding to marry, and exercises in godliness.
Paul said, “These things command and teach.” (Verse 11).
In the very next verse, Paul writes, ” …Be thou an example of the Believers.” As a young man and an ordained elder, Paul warns Timothy--If you are going to command and teach, let no man despise thy youth, but be an example.
The best way to command and teach is by example.
In another verse, Paul writes, “ For though we have 10,000 instructors in Christ, yet, have we not many fathers.” (Examples). (1 Corinthians 4:15)
As Christians, we are to let our light shine—that others may see God’s good work in us and glorify Him. (Matthew 5:16).
We are called to be examples in:
- Word—Say what you mean and mean what you say. (Matthew 5:37).
- Conversation—Our conversation should be as it becometh the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:27).
- Charity—Charity suffereth long and is kind. It never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4,8).
- Spirit—Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16).
- Faith—Strong in faith, giving glory to God. (Romans 4:20).
- Purity—Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Purity equals integrity). (Matthew 5:8).
Pal continues his exhortation to Elders/leaders. (I Peter5:1-6).
- Feed the Flock
- Taking the oversight thereof--not by constraint, nor for filthy lucre but willingly and of a ready mind; not as lords over God’s heritage—but as
Leaders must also be examples in word, Conversation, Charity, Spirit, Faith, and Purity.
To do these things, Paul said, we must all submit one to another and be clothed with humility. For, God resisteth the proud but gives grace to the Humble.
Therefore, “Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, and he will exalt you in due time.”(1 Peter 5:6).