The Power of Example

Full Gospel Fellowship Church

Christians are to be the “Light of the World” Matthew 5:14-46

 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Timothy – Timid Turnaround

Timothy stands out in Scripture as a stereotypical misfit for a leadership position. From what we know about him, he was timid, a bit sickly and perhaps reticent (not revealing ones thoughts and feelings readily) to do the work he’d been called to do. But when Paul wrote to this young man, his letters reflected the heart of a mentor who perceived his protégé’s leadership potential despite the younger man’s naturally timid disposition.

1 Timothy 4:12

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.

Areas Christians are to be examples Word – Be careful what you say and how you say it Manner of Life – People are watching you Love – For God, Christ, and your fellow man Spirit – How is your attitude? Optimist / Pessimist Faith – Weak or Strong / Little or Great Purity – Do you engage in worldly things or Godly things

2 Timothy 1:7

 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”

(Heb. 11:1)

Abraham – Example of Faith

Abraham – Example of Faith

Degrees of Faith Great (Matt 8:10) When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say

unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Strong (Rom 4:20) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Little (Matt 14:30) But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink,

he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Weak (Rom 14:1) Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Dead (James 2:17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Abraham – Example of Faith

Abraham offered his son Isaac, the son of promise (Gen 22:1-19)

This act was the greatest most vivid example of Abraham’s great faith

Abraham realized even the most precious thing he had must be given up for God

He was obedient and swift to carry out the command of God

This act was something that had to be done to prove his faith

Victory! Having been put to the test, he emerged victorious and was thus able to receive the blessings God had in store for him.

Moses – Example of Leadership The Greatness of Moses: His faith and leadership qualities are most

probably unsurpassed in history He was one of the greatest men to ever

live His true greatness is seen in his

willingness to serve God and others

Moses – Example of Leadership Hebrews 11:24-29, while describing Moses’ faith, also

describes his qualities for leadership as well.

7 reasons Moses was a leader:• Independent yet humble• Good moral character• Not greedy• Fearless• Stamina• Religiously minded• Adventurous

Moses ability as a leader included both positive and negative aspects.Positive• He chose to associate with the people of God (Heb 11:25)• He kept the Passover (Heb 11:28)

Negative

• He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Heb 11:24)

• He forsook Egypt (Heb 11:27)

Hebrews 11:24-28 24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a

season; 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto

the recompense of the reward. 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is

invisible. 28Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn

should touch them.

Moses – Example of Leadership

Jesus – Our Perfect Example

The necessity of following the example of Jesus He was perfect

There was never:

A situation where He didn’t have an answer

Problem for which He did not have the right solution

Circumstance which He could not recommend the best advice

He is the standard by which we are to mold our lives

His life as well as His will for us, forms the basis of all that we are to think and do in this life

• Being subject unto parents (Luke 2:51) And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

• Being about His Father’s business at an early age (Luke 2:49) And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

• Living for others (Mark 10:45) For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

• Accomplishing God’s will in one’s life (John 6:38) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

• His attitude is declared and enjoined upon us (Phil 2:5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus

• He was constantly teaching (Matt 4:23) And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people

Jesus – Our Perfect ExampleSome areas in which Jesus is our example