2. Be an Example
1 Timothy 4:12

3. “be an example to the believers in…”
Word
Matthew 12:33-37 – What we say matters.
James 3:2-5; Colossians 3:17 – We must control our speech.
Avoid blasphemy, filthy language, lying, and coarse jesting (cf. Col. 3:8-9; Eph. 5:4).
Pursue edifying speech – Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29
Exhortation – Hebrews 3:12-14; Comfort – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

4. “be an example to the believers in…”
Word, Conduct
Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:17 – not according to the world, but God’s word.
Our dress – modesty (cf. 1 Timothy 2:9-10)
Cover nakedness – Genesis 3:21 (tunic – neck to knees); Exodus 28:42-43 (trousers – waist to thigh); Isaiah 47:2-3 (uncovered thigh = nakedness)
Sobriety – 1 Peter 1:13-16; Ephesians 5:18; Peter 4:3-4 (“drinking parties” – potos – a drinking)

5. “be an example to the believers in…”
Word, Conduct, Love
For God:
John 14:15, 21, 23 – loving Him by doing His will.
2 Timothy 2:15 – requires diligence to know His will.
For our brethren:
1 John 4:11; John 13:35 – doing what is right, and needful regardless.
EX: James 5:19-20; Galatians 6:1-2

6. “be an example to the believers in…”
Word, Conduct, Love, Spirit
Spirit – disposition; attitude.
Colossians 3:17 – in doing God’s will.
Romans 8:15-17 – spirit of adoption.
1 John 5:3 – commandments not burdensome.
Assembling – Psalm 122:1; cf. Revelation 14:3-5; Hebrews 10:24-25
Trial and Tribulation – cf. 1 Corinthians 10:6, 9-11; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5

7. “be an example to the believers in…”
Word, Conduct, Love, Spirit, Faith
That God Is – in a skeptical world:
Hebrews 11:6 – necessary.
Faith is reasonable – Psalm 14:1; Acts 26:24-25; Hebrews 11:1; 1 Peter 3:15
Trusting in God’s Will:
Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12 – God knows what’s best.
Desire and do His will no matter what – Matthew 26:39, 42; Hebrews 11:32-40

8. “be an example to the believers in…”
Word, Conduct, Love, Spirit, Faith, Purity
Purity – akin to holiness.
1 Peter 1:15-16 – holy like God (cf. 1 John 1:5).
1 John 3:4-9 – separate from sin (cf. Romans 13:14 – making no provision).
Associations – 1 Corinthians 15:33; Corinthians 6:14-7:1.
Entertainment – Ecclesiastes 5:18-20; Philippians 4:8-9; Matthew 6:22-23

9. Be an Example
1 Timothy 4:12