By PASTOR DR. GEORGE CHERIAN – 8th OCTOBER 2017
– Everyone of us are modelling every day in our lives
– A good example is always more valuable than a good advice.
– Somebody is always watching us and learning from us.
– 1 Thessalonians 1:6 -8 – You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a models to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.
– The people of Thessalonica were modelling an exemplary life of faith by becoming good imitators.
– God is calling each one of us to be an excellent model.
– In the first book of Corinthians chapter 4 verse 16 Paul says, “Therefore I exhort you, become imitators of me.” Paul had modelled a good life for Timothy to follow.
– Titus 2:7-8 says “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” We’ve got to set an example. That is a call we have as a church.
– In the 2nd book of Timothy chapter 1 verse 5, Paul write “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” We can see that Grandmother Lois and mother Eunice set an example for the third generation Timothy. They modelled a life of faith and this faith has been carried to the next generations.
– A spiritual father sets an example for His children. As a spiritual parent to our children as well as to the young ones, we are all called to live out the scripture to them.
– Jesus said come follow me. 1 John 2:6 says “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” God wants each one of us to follow and imitate Jesus.
– Christ suffered for you leaving you an example to follow according to 1 Peter 2:21 which says “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
– In the book of John chapter 13, Jesus modelled servant leadership to His disciples by washing their feet.
– The 3rd book of John chapter 1 verse 11 says “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”
– Let us all not be deceived because “Bad company corrupts good morals” That’s what is written in the book of Proverbs chapter 13 verse 20 “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” So be careful whom we are modelling
– In the 1st book of Peter chapter 5 verse 1-3, Peter exhorts the elders as follows; “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” God wants us to be role models and not boss over the people who are in our care. God wants us to set an example for other people to live.
– Leading by example – Matthew 5:13-16 says “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
– Hebrews 13:7-8 “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.
– It is not a parent’s responsibility to have godly children, it is a parent’s responsibility to make sure their children have godly parents.
– Parents are the ultimate role model for children. Every word, movement and every action matters in the upbringing of the child.
– Model the kind of marriage you want your kids to have. What you sow, you will reap.
– In future, the child will develop the same kind of relationships they say.
– Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.
– The Pharisees had been a role modelling failure. In the book of Matthew chapter 23 verses 1 to 5, Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others.”
– Are you a role model in your house, to your wife/husband, to your children, to your neighbour, in your workplace, in your family or in your city?
– JC Ryle said, “Let your Christianity be so unmistakable and your walk so straightforward, that all who see you may have no doubt whose you are and whom you serve.”
– Your words may go to deaf ears but your action will never, so be a role model.
