Sunday, February 24, 2019 am
LIGHTS IN A DARK WORLD
(7)
Examples of Example (2)
Examples of Good Examples
As
we continue to examine the importance of shining as lights in this dark
world, we have considered
what the Bible says about being an example.
We have noted several descriptions of examples and last week we
looked at our ultimate example, Jesus Christ.
In this lesson, we want to notice some other examples in
scripture and the influence they had (and have) as a result of it.
A.
Much like Jesus, the NT
writers appealed to various examples for us to learn from them.
B.
The prophets
– James 5:10 –
examples of suffering and patience – a study of the prophets describe
some of the suffering they endured as they taught the truth.
They were threatened, ignored, persecuted and some were even put
to death. Yet in all these
things, they continued to present the word of God without compromise.
Reading what they endured could be a tremendous encouragement to us.
C.
Job
- James 5:11 – Job is a
specific example of perseverance.
In the book of Job, we find a man who lost virtually everything –
his family, wealth and even his health.
He didn’t understand why, but in all that he endured, he never
cursed the Lord or denied Him.
He did express a desire to question him, but he never denied Him.
When we are facing difficult situations, we can look to his example for
strength to not give up.
A REASON is also given in the text – Job saw the end intended by the
Lord – that He is compassionate and merciful.
Job was taken care of.
D.
Paul –
Philippians 3:17 – join
in following my example, and note those who so walk…
2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Paul notes how he conducted himself properly among
them and sought to not be a burden to them.
His example was true and demonstrated his genuine character.
1 Corinthians 11:1, 4:16 – Paul directly says, “imitate me”.
There were so many qualities of his life that are worthy of
imitation.
E.
Joseph, an example of
forgiveness –
Genesis 45:5-15, 50:18-21 – Joseph was hated and sold by his brothers.
They had done egregiously against him, but in the end he rejoiced
to see them and did forgive them.
In Genesis 50 he is clear that he is not in the place of God and
would take care of them.
F.
Esau, brother of Jacob –
another example of forgiveness.
Genesis 33 records Jacob returning to Canaan to receive his
inheritance. He is fearful
of Esau, but he was glad to see Jacob and embraced him.
Even though Esau had been mistreated, he forgave Jacob and
accepted what was right.
We see in Esau (and Joseph) that we cannot harbor grudges and refuse to
forgive others, even years later.
G.
Hebrews 11
– “By faith” –
examples of faith and endurance in every type of circumstance imaginable
– God’s people as examples.
A great chapter that teaches us to trust God and not give up.
Every example has his own story and example for us to follow –
Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab,
Gideon and Barak, Samson, Jephthah (4 judges),
David, Samuel, the prophets, etc.
When you are struggling with your belief and faith, read this
chapter. Notice their
confidence, even many not having received the promises themselves, but
they accepted that knowing what God had in store (Hebrews 11:13-16).
A.
Throughout the ministry
of Jesus, we read of numerous individuals that He interacted with.
Many showed great faith and other godly qualities.
Jesus was quick to recognize them.
B.
Mark 12:41-45
– the widow with two mites.
We often quote this to observe that God doesn’t view giving the same way
that man does. But consider
also that Jesus noticed this widow and commended her conduct.
Jesus appealed to her example of the heart of proper giving.
She helps us to better understand that God loves a cheerful giver
(2 Corinthians 9:7).
C.
Matthew 15:22-28
– Jesus casts the demon out of the daughter of a Syro-Phonecian woman.
In this brief account, we find a conversation and at the end,
Jesus commends her for her faith.
He recognized the good in people, and often pointed it out.
D.
Mark 14:3-9
– when Mary anoints Jesus feet with a very costly oil.
The disciples are critical of the
action, observing the oil could have been sold and helped the poor.
But Jesus commends her for her example and act of honor to Him.
Further He notes that “she has done what she could.”
There is something to learn from that expression alone – we need to do
what we are able to do.
Consider especially vs. 9,
Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole
world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
Her EXAMPLE is recorded for
all of history to learn from it.
E.
Luke 7:36-39
– Jesus is visiting with Simon, a Pharisee for a meal.
A woman from the city came in and stood at His feet weeping.
She began to wash His feet with her tears and to wipe them with
her hair. Simon was
indignant, and observed that if Jesus were a prophet he would know that
this woman was a sinner. But
Jesus used the occasion to teach about forgiveness, gratitude and
hospitality. In 7:44ff He
said, “Do you see this woman?”
He then proceeded to contrast her humble act and his failures.
Jesus, ON THE SPOT, observes her example.
AND then He forgives her sins and commends her faith.
F.
Matthew 8:10
– The context – Matthew 8:5-13 describes Jesus entering Capernaum, where
a centurion (likely, a Gentile soldier) pleads with him to come and heal
his servant who was at home paralyzed and dreadfully tormented (possibly
demon possessed). Jesus
agrees to come, but the centurion notes that he is not worthy and
doesn’t need to come to his house.
In fact he tells Jesus to just say the word and the healing would
take place. Notice how Jesus
responds in vs. 10, I have not
found such great faith, not even in Israel.
Jesus points to this great example of faith.
G.
We can learn much from
the example of Jesus, as we noted last week. But we can also
learn from those He recognized for THEIR examples.
LIGHTS IN A DARK WORLD
(8)
Examples of Example (3)
Examples of Good Examples
A.
In our final section, we
want to notice some examples of individuals whose conduct had an impact
on others for good.
B.
Joseph in prison
– Genesis 39,
after being sold by his brothers, he ends us in Egypt.
While there he demonstrates great integrity.
First in the house of Potiphar (39:1-6).
Even after being falsely accused and cast into prison, he again
is of highest character (39:20-23).
Chapter 40 – Joseph tells dreams and has an impact on the baker
and butler predicting their future. When
the butler is restored (and the baker executed), eventually, Joseph is
brought before Pharaoh to interpret dreams that he had.
The point - Joseph influenced those around him by his honorable
behavior. It resulted in him
being recognized and eventually he becomes second in command in Egypt
(41:40).
By simply being honorable and doing the best we can, we can be an
influence on others. That is
really what letting our light shine is about (1 Peter 2:12 – having your
conduct honorable among the Gentiles…).
C.
Daniel
– another servant, very
similar to Joseph as his influence is concerned.
Daniel acts with complete integrity and as a result, he too rises
in prominence and is greatly respected by the kings of Babylon and then
Medo/Persia. His godly
conduct is so prevalent that others are jealous and seek to discredit
him, but they fail. Note
that Daniel is so faithful, they know the only way to find fault in him
is to change the law so that Daniel could not serve God as he had done.
Daniel 6 records this event that results in him being cast into
the lion’s den. But Daniel
prevails because God is with him.
As a result of his faithfulness, Darius honors God, and even
makes a Decree that the God of Daniel was to be reverenced throughout
the empire (Daniel 6:24-28).
We NEVER KNOW when our Godly example might cause one to honor God.
D.
Shadrach, Meshach and
Abed-Nego
– by their refusal to compromise, influence King Nebuchadnezzar to
praise God (Daniel 3:26-30).
E.
Paul directly influenced
others –
this is seen throughout his letters and in Acts.
§
The palace guard –
Philippians 1:12-13, by his conduct we know that “the whole palace
guard, and to all the rest” realized that he was a prisoner for Christ.
§
Acts 27, Paul’s
influence with Julius, the centurion (27:1), caused him to later spare
his life and those of the other prisoners (Acts 27:42-44).
Then when he finally arrives in Rome, Paul is given liberties,
and permitted to dwell in a home and receive friends (house arrest –
Acts 28:16, 30-31). The
soldiers knew Paul was not a flight risk and trusted him.
Again, godly behavior might cause such respect.
§
Philippians 1:14,
because of Paul’s boldness and confidence even in chains, “most of the
brethren in the Lord, having become confident in my chains, are much
more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Paul’s example emboldened others.
§
Finally, consider
Timothy – Paul’s “son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2).
Consider the influence that Paul had on Timothy, as found in the
letters to him. 2 Timothy
1:6 – Paul had laid hands on him.
2 Timothy 1:13-14 – hold fast the pattern of sound words which
you have heard from me… That good thing which was committed to you…
2 Timothy 2:2 – you share it with others.
2 Timothy 3:10,
But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose,
faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,…
Also 1 Corinthians 4:17 –
Timothy will “remind you of my ways”…, 16:10 –
he does the work of the Lord, as I also do…
F.
The Thessalonians
– here we find
churches as examples.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 – these brethren were examples throughout the
regions of Macedonia and Achaia.
2:14 – they also followed the example of others, having imitated
the example of the churches of Judea in Christ Jesus, suffering as they
did.
Churches that faithful stand for the truth can be a source of strength
to other congregations.
G.
Lois and Eunice
– influenced
Timothy. 2 Timothy 1:5 – Timothy’s faith was first in his mother and
grandmother. The simple
lesson here is that parents are an influence to their children.
And the greatest teaching tool you have is your example.
H.
Dorcas
– Acts 9:36-40, esp. 39.
At Joppa, this woman became sick, so disciples sent for Peter who
was in Lydda nearby. Dorcas
had died but they request that Peter come.
He arrives and the widows show Peter the tunics and garments she
had made for them (she was benevolent and it was remembered).
As we have stated on numerous occasions, People observe what you do and
the way to treat them and others.
Good works cause others to glorify God (cf. Matthew 5:16).
These are some examples that we might consider as worthy of imitation,
both in what they did, but also in HOW to be a godly example.
Our impact upon the world is going to be best manifested by the
example we set. Let us learn
from God’s word what that example is to be like.
I commend these examples to your thought.