'How To' Instructions in Righteousness

Lesson 33: Be thou an example of the believers

Key verse:  1 Tim 4:12-13
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Paul is writing to a young minister and encouraging him to not allow anyone to make fun of his youth nor to dismiss him because of his age. Paul states that this is overcome by being a product of the gospel...of righteousness.  He breaks this concept of being an example down into six parts.  Here we will study the overall concept of being an example and each of its six parts.

Even though Paul is giving encouragement and admonition to a minister, they apply to all firstfruits.
 

Be an example

One of the constant duties of a minister of the gospel, no matter what his age. A minister should so live, that if all his people should closely follow his example, their salvation would be secure, and they would make the highest possible attainments in piety [religious devotion and reverence to God.]. On the meaning of the word rendered "example," see the notes on Phil 3:17; 1 Thess 1:7.  ~Barnes

Note:  In reference to the two verses quoted, here are the meanings of “example” given:

 –We should set before our minds the best examples, and endeavor to imitate the most holy people. ~Barnes

 –Examples in reference to the firmness with which you embraced the gospel, the fidelity with which you adhered to it in trials. ~Barnes

 

Be thou an example, [tupos (NT:5179) ginou (NT:1096)] - 'become a pattern' (Titus 2:7): the true way of making men not to despise thy youth. ~ Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. -- Titus 2:7-8
 
...in word
In "speech," that is, your manner of conversation. ~Barnes

In doctrine; teach nothing but the truth of God, because nothing but that will save souls. ~Clarke
 
...in conversation

In general deportment.  See this word explained in the notes on Phil 1:27  ~Barnes

Note: in the commentary for Phil 1:27, it says, “The word "conversation" we now apply almost exclusively to oral discourse, or to talking. But it was not formerly confined to that and is never so used in the Scriptures. It means conduct in general-including, of course, our manner of speaking, but not limited to that-and should be so understood in every place where it occurs in the Bible.” ~Barnes

In the whole of thy conduct in every department which thou fillest in all thy domestic as well as public relations, behave thyself well. ~Clarke
 

'behavior:' the Old English sense.  ~ Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
 
...in love
Love to the brethren. ~Barnes

In love to God and man; show that this is the principle and motive of all thy conduct. ~Clarke
 
...in spirit
In the government of your passions, and in a mild, meek, forgiving disposition. ~Barnes

In the manner and disposition in which thou dost all things. How often is a holy or charitable work done in an unholy, uncharitable, and peevish spirit! To the doer, such work is unfruitful. ~Clarke

In the exercise of spiritual gifts; in spiritual talk and conversation; and in fervency of spirit, or true zeal for the honour of God, the glory of the Redeemer, the spread of his Gospel, truths, and ordinances, and the support of the same. ~John Gill

Note: The words "in spirit" may have been added later as extrapolated from other verses.  Despite this, we have much biblical support for the concept based on the definitions and meanings here.
 
...in faith
At all times, and in all trials show to believers by your example, how they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in God. ~Barnes

This word pistis (NT:4102) is probably taken here for fidelity, a sense which it often bears in the New Testament. Be faithful to thy trust, to thy flock, to thy domestics, to the public, to thy God. Fidelity consists in honestly keeping, preserving, and delivering up when required, Whatever is entrusted to our care; as also in improving whatever is delivered in trust for that purpose. Lose nothing that God gives, and improve every gift that he bestows. ~Clarke

See sermon, "Tell It to the Mountain"
 
...in purity

In chasteness of life.  There should be nothing in your contact with the other sex that would give rise to scandal. ~Barnes

Chastity of body and mind. ~Clarke
 

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. -- 1 Tim 5:22

 

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. -- James 4:8

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. --1 Peter 1:22

Lesson 33: Instructions – Be thou an example of the believers
 
 1] Understand that biblical admonition to ministers apply in spirit to any firstfruit.
 2] Be an example of believers, of your faith, of the gospel and of righteousness.
 3] Show yourself a pattern of good works, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit.
 4] Let your speech [conversation] be truthful and righteous.
 5] Invoke righteousness in your behavior.  Act as Christ would.
 6] Love the brethren.  Be spring-loaded to forgiveness.
 7] Have a mild, meek, forgiving disposition.
 8] Control your passions.  Be balanced.
 9] Have fervency and zeal in balance and control.
10] Have unshaken confidence in God,  Have the same faith He has.
11] Keep yourself pure in mind and body.
12] Verse 13: immerse yourself into the Word of God.

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