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Refocus Church

Series 3

14. I am a Model of His Character
   

Underlying Theme:    How specific things help me be fulfilled as a part of the Church

   

Focal Idea No.2:  God gives me the ability to model His character to other people, as I allow His Holy Spirit to change me and reveal me to the world as a disciple of Jesus, becoming more and more like him.

   

A. Me a Model?

Being a model is a common idea in life:

•   parents try (hopefully) to be a model for their children,
•   teachers try to be a model of enthusiasm about learning
•   we talk about footballers being role-models for young people,
•   we worry about skinny models being models of how not to eat!

•   so don't be afraid to be a GOOD model or example.

 

B. N.T. Teaching on me being a ‘model'

 

1. Be an example of Christ that others can follow

1 Cor 11:1 “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”

•  Paul was able to say, follow me as I follow Christ.
•  This is our starting point – aim to be like Jesus! Model Jesus!
•  Express his character in your life.

 

2. Be servant-hearted as Jesus was

Jn 13:14,15   “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

•   Jesus said, I do it as an example for you to follow.

 

Jn 13:16,17   “I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

•   Jesus is actually saying, be like me – have a servant attitude
•   he also adds, if we do that we will be blessed
•   God blesses us when we follow in Jesus' footsteps.
•   i.e. Jesus reveals a means of fulfilment as a Christian - be a servant example.

 

3. Be an example of action not just belief

Phil 3:17  “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.”

•  Again Paul calls the church to follow his example
•  His life – and theirs – was to match his teaching, i.e. DOING what he had been SAYING, so BELIEF needs to be accompanied by ACTION.
•   Jesus did a lot of DOING, not just talking.

 

4. Be an industrious example

2 Thess 3:6-9  “we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example . We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.”

•  Avoid laziness, be a good worker, be industrious, be challenge to others by how well you work.

 

5. Be an example to show others Christ's work

1 Tim 1:1   “I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”

•  Paul says that Jesus saved him to be an example to show others Christ and Christ's work in him.
•  He, Paul, will reveal how Jesus works and loves.
•  So my life can show how Jesus accepts, loves & changes us.

 

6. Be an example in every area to show others Christ

1 Tim 4:12  “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

•  Paul tells Timothy that doesn't matter – you can be young and be an example!
•  Be an example, he says, in the way you speak / live / love others / hold to your faith / are pure in an impure generation.
•  Be an example to other generations!

 

7. Be an example to avoid criticism

Titus 2:6-8   “encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

•   Paul similarly exhorted Titus – set an example – be good!
•   Set an example in the way you teach.
•   Don't give anyone room to criticise you.
•   Don't detract from God's love that He wants to show

 

C. How ‘Being an Example' works

 

1. Give people something to think about!

1 Pet 3:15   “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

•  Note this is be prepared to given an answer – when others ask you about your life. Peter expects our lives to stand out so people ask about us.
•   My life can shine and make people think.

 

2. Do good – love people!

Mt 5:16   “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

•  When you do good as a Christian it will turn people to God.
•  My love can melt their hearts.

 

3. Let God use your behaviour

1 Pet 3:1   “Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives”

•  Peter says that we can win over unbelieving partners simply by our actions.
•  Our behaviour can be an example that opens others' hearts.
•  What I DO can win people.

 

Summary-Conclusions

As we allow God to give us His grace, we can live out good lives that will model Jesus character and:

•  make us feel good about ourselves
•  make others question us about our faith
•  melt hard hearts

This is all about

•  pleasing God by revealing the nature of Jesus
•  being fulfilled being the person He's designed us to be
•  being attractive to others
•  giving others something to aim for.