Titus 2:7-8 - "In all things show yourself to be an
example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech
which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having
nothing bad to say about us."
Here in Titus and also in First Timothy Paul, writing to younger believers, instructs them to be an example. It really doesn't matter in what stage of life we find ourselves right now, we can set an example for others to follow in our steps. We are given some great examples throughout scripture that we can follow, and if we follow their examples we will be good examples ourselves. In Philippians 3:17 Paul says - "Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us." We can look back to the book of Acts and also read about Paul in his epistles and see what an example he set for us. From the time of his conversion he was constantly growing closer to the Lord, constantly telling others about Him and joyfully suffering for his faith. He set a great example for us to follow. But an even better example, the perfect example, is that of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are told in 1 Peter 2:21-23 - "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously." Jesus was completely selfless. He didn't care that what happened to Him was unjust, but He entrusted Himself completely to the Father knowing that He is the righteous Judge. And also in John 13:12-15 we read - "So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." Not only was He completely selfless, but He considered others as more important than Himself. He humbled Himself taking the form of a servant and became obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross.
So, having Christ as our perfect example we're now told to "show yourself to be an example of good deeds". There are always people watching us, saved and lost, and we need to be examples to them of what a mature and growing christian looks like.
1 Timothy 4:12 - "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."
Here in Titus and also in First Timothy Paul, writing to younger believers, instructs them to be an example. It really doesn't matter in what stage of life we find ourselves right now, we can set an example for others to follow in our steps. We are given some great examples throughout scripture that we can follow, and if we follow their examples we will be good examples ourselves. In Philippians 3:17 Paul says - "Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us." We can look back to the book of Acts and also read about Paul in his epistles and see what an example he set for us. From the time of his conversion he was constantly growing closer to the Lord, constantly telling others about Him and joyfully suffering for his faith. He set a great example for us to follow. But an even better example, the perfect example, is that of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are told in 1 Peter 2:21-23 - "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously." Jesus was completely selfless. He didn't care that what happened to Him was unjust, but He entrusted Himself completely to the Father knowing that He is the righteous Judge. And also in John 13:12-15 we read - "So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." Not only was He completely selfless, but He considered others as more important than Himself. He humbled Himself taking the form of a servant and became obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross.
So, having Christ as our perfect example we're now told to "show yourself to be an example of good deeds". There are always people watching us, saved and lost, and we need to be examples to them of what a mature and growing christian looks like.
1 Timothy 4:12 - "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."
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