Be an Example of the Believer

As Christians, we are called to be examples and set the standard for how to live a Godly life. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV), “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” This verse gives us a blueprint for being an example in all areas of our lives. When we live out our faith with integrity, others will see the light of Christ in us.

Key Takeaways:

Set an example with your words – speak truthfully and graciously
Set an example with your conduct – live morally and treat others with respect
Set an example with your love – show the love of Christ to everyone
Set an example in your spirit – have a gentle, humble, and sincere spirit
Set an example in your faith – be steadfast, loyal, and unwavering in your beliefs
Set an example in purity – live a holy life free from sinful compromise

In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore how to apply these principles and truly be living examples of devoted believers. When the world looks at us, they should see the light of Christ shining through.

Set an Example with Your Words

As Christians, the words we speak carry weight and significance. Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37 (NKJV), “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Our words have the power to build others up or tear them down. As believers, we must be thoughtful and intentional with how we communicate. Here are some ways to set an example with your words:

Speak Truthfully

Honesty and integrity need to be the foundation of how we interact with others. Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV) instructs, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” Even when the truth is difficult to share, it must be communicated with grace, discernment, and sincerity. Choose transparency over secrecy.

Speak Life

Our words should aim to edify others, not cut them down. Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Avoid harmful speech patterns like gossip, slander, bitterness, and malice. Season your speech with grace, empathy, and understanding.

Speak to Unify

As believers, our words should bring people together, not divide. We are one body in Christ. Ephesians 4:3-4 (NKJV) reminds us, “Be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit.” Celebrate diversity, find common ground, and focus on what unifies over what divides.

Speak with Self-Control

It is easy to fly off the handle and say things you later regret. As representatives of Christ, we need to exhibit restraint. James 1:19 (NKJV) wisely counsels, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Before opening your mouth, pause and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your response.

When we steward our words well, they can point others to the light of Christ. Set an example of godly speech in all your communication.

Set an Example with Your Conduct

Our actions, behavior, and conduct as followers of Jesus also carry tremendous weight. Even unbelievers recognize the need for Christians to back up our faith with integrity between our beliefs and behaviors. As 1 Peter 2:12 (NKJV) reminds us, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” The way we conduct ourselves must align with the call of Christ upon our lives. Here are some principles for setting an example with Christ-like conduct:

Live Morally

As Christians, we are held to a higher standard when it comes to morality and ethics. We serve as ambassadors for the kingdom of God. Our conduct must be above reproach. Paul writes in Philippians 1:27 (NKJV), “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This means fleeing from sexual immorality, drunkenness, dishonest business practices, unethical behavior, and hypocrisy.

Treat Others with Respect

Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). This means treating everyone with value, dignity, and respect, regardless of background, belief, or status. Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Be humble, honor all people, and lift others up.

Be Responsible

Follow through on your commitments with excellence and diligence. Colossians 3:23 (NKJV) says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Don’t cut corners ethically. Pay your bills on time. Show up when expected. Christ-like conduct requires responsibility.

Be Self-Controlled

In all areas of life, exhibit restraint and self-discipline, not recklessness and impulsivity. Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV) warns, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” Make wise choices, resist temptations, and avoid excesses. Let the spirit control your fleshly desires.

Our conduct speaks volumes. If we are not living out our faith with integrity, we damage our witness. As believers, we must set the example with Christ-like conduct.

Set an Example with Your Love

One of the primary characteristics Jesus told His followers they would be known for was love. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied in Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV), “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” As Christians, demonstrating the love of Christ is essential to modeling our faith. Here are some ways we can set an example with love:

Love the Unlovable

Jesus told us to love our enemies and bless those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This kind of supernatural love only comes from Christ working through us. We are called to forgive those who have wronged us, to show kindness to the ungrateful, and to overcome evil with good. This kind of agape love demonstrates who we belong to.

Love Your Neighbor

This includes anyone God puts in your path – friends, family, coworkers, strangers. Make a practice of showing generosity, compassion, mercy, and charity. Offer assistance to those in need. Write a note of encouragement to someone going through a hard time. Make meals for the sick or elderly. Share resources with the poor. Big and small acts of love make a difference.

Love Fellow Believers

The church should be a place where the family of God experiences unconditional love and community. John 13:34-35 (NKJV) says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Pursue unity, avoid gossip, build each other up, and pray for one another.

Love from the Heart

Genuine love flows from who we are, not just what we do. When our hearts have been changed by Christ, loving others becomes natural. Everything we do should be motivated by love. 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NKJV) warns, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” Love wholeheartedly!

As believers, we must open our hearts to generously give and receive love. The example of Christ-like love speaks loudly.

Set an Example in Your Spirit

Cultivating the inner life before God is crucial for believers. Our spirit and attitude should align with the heart of Jesus. When our spirit is filled with His grace, it affects how we engage with the world around us. Here are some principles for setting an example in our spirit as believers:

Be Humble

Pride and arrogance have no place in the life of a Christian. Jesus resisted earthly power and position. He washed His disciples feet as an act of humility. Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) reminds us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Reflect the gentle humility of Christ.

Be Sincere

Followers of Jesus need to be real, authentic, and honest about our struggles. Don’t pretend you have it all together. Be honest about areas you are still working on. Admit when you make a mistake. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Walk in sincerity as you grow in grace.

Be Joyful

The joy of the Lord should be evident in believers, even during trials. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 (NKJV), “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” This joy is rooted in the hope we have in Christ. Don’t let circumstances steal your joy. Abide in Him.

Be Patient

Extend patience and mercy to others, just as God has done for you. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19). Tolerate weaknesses and failures with compassion. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart as you deal with difficult people.

Be Kind

Treat everyone you encounter with gentleness, peace, and compassion. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) instructs, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Look for opportunities to extend small acts of kindness. Reflect the goodness of God to others.

As we grow a heart and spirit that mirrors Christ, it will positively impact those around us. Our example bears witness to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit within.

Set an Example in Your Faith

The way we live out our faith matters when it comes to being an example. If we lack spiritual integrity and consistency, it undermines our witness. When trials come, we must stand firm in what we believe. Consider these ways you can set an example in steadfast, genuine faith:

Be Steadfast

Don’t vacillate in your beliefs or compromise under pressure. Hold firmly to Biblical truth with conviction. Be firmly grounded in the Word of God. Titus 1:9 (NKJV) says church leaders must “hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” Stay anchored in the Gospel.

Be Prayerful

Cultivate a vibrant prayer life that undergirds everything you do. Pray consistently, fervently, and with faith. Model for others complete dependence on God. James 5:16 reminds us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Don’t neglect regular time in prayer and intercession.

Be in Community

Commit to a local church body where you can grow spiritually. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) exhorts, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Isolating yourself starves your faith. Thrive in fellowship with other believers.

Be Evangelistic

Look for opportunities to have spiritual conversations and share your faith story. Peter instructs, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15 NKJV). Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel. Share it!

Be Generous

Imitate the sacrificial generosity of Christ through stewarding your finances wisely. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NKJV) says, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Give freely of your time and resources.

Make your faith real. When others observe your genuine love for God, it makes an impression. Let them see your trust and devotion. Set the example.

Set an Example in Purity

Maintaining moral purity is essential for followers of Christ. The world promotes a casual view of sexuality, substance abuse, honesty, and ethics. But as believers, we are called to a higher standard. When we compromise sexually or in other ways, it damages our witness and gives enemies of the Gospel a reason to accuse. We must live above reproach. Here are some principles for setting an example in purity:

Flee from Sexual Immorality

Guard your eyes, your mind, and your body from temptation. Job 31:1 (NKJV) says, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?” Don’t rationalize or flirt with sin. Don’t even entertain it. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV), “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” Take drastic measures to resist.

Avoid Excessive Drinking

While the Bible does not forbid alcohol in moderation, drunkenness always accompanies self-destruction. Don’t dull your judgment or self-control through intoxication. Set an example of restraint and sobriety. Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV) instructs, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Stay Spirit-filled, not spiraling.

Speak Truth

Lies, exaggerations, and deception should have no place in the Christ-follower’s life. God desires truth in the inner self. Psalm 51:6 (NKJV) declares, “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” Say what you mean and mean what you say with transparency.

Live Ethically

As believers, our work and business practices should exhibit impeccable ethics. Avoid corruption, dishonest gain, or cutting corners morally. Romans 12:17 (NKJV) says, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” Let integrity guide your decision making.

Purity extends beyond just our actions. Our minds, intentions, and entire lives must reflect our devotion to Christ alone. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:8 (NKJV), “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” May we keep our eyes fixed on Him.

In Closing

Being an example as a believer means dedicating every area of our lives to following Jesus faithfully and living out His teachings with authenticity. When we take these words from 1 Timothy 4:12 to heart: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” – we will leave a lasting impression of Christ on others.

The way we speak, the way we act, the way we love, the attitude we carry, the steadfastness of our beliefs, and the moral purity we walk in all communicate volumes about who we serve. As followers of Jesus, we carry the name “Christian.” May we represent Him well and set the standard high for what it means to be His disciple.

When we fall short, may we quickly repent, receive grace, and continue striving to be more like Christ. He is our ultimate example in how to live. The more we yield to Him, the more we will grow in reflecting His light to everyone we encounter. Just as Paul encouraged Timothy, I leave you with this challenge: be an example, a model, a pattern, a blueprint of what it means to be a sincere believer. Your life makes a difference. May it point people to the goodness, love and saving power of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Further Resources: