Example in Faith, Life, and Love 1 Timothy 4:12 | Bible Study Notes

I. Example in love

Standard set by God
1 John 4:9-11: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
“What do you do more than others?”
Love for enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
When they say/text bad things about you—you need to confront them but don’t avenge
Find things to show that as bad as they may treat you, you will pray for them, bless them…
It is extremely difficult but you will be better for it and they will learn and may repent

A. Love for those who cannot repay you (Luke 14:12-14)

C. Never choose your friends based on how they would make you look or reject someone as a friend because it might make you look like a loser

D. Selfless love does not need nor expects repayment—it is sacrificial

E. True love starts in the heart (1 John 3:17-18)

F. Describes one who sees a brother or sister and need and has the means to help them but shuts up his heart and does not thing to help them

G. If we have proper love, we will open our hearts to others and help them when they need us

H. What if they need your comfort, friendship… (picture old person alone on bench)

I. Proper example of love in your relationships

J. 1 Timothy 5:1-2: treating younger men as brothers and younger women as sisters in all purity

K. Proper behavior when dating—looking out for their reputation and treating like brother/sister

L. Love for God and future spouse by keeping yourself pure

M. Love for God

N. You put God above all of your loves, relationships, desires, and passions

O. You have such love for God that you become a living sacrifice for Him and yield to His will

II. Faith and Love together

Faith and love combine to create a life of strength, purpose, and service
Paul uses the words “faith” and “love” together in 24 verses
1 Corinthians 13:2 – If I have great faith but no love, it is worth nothing
Galatians 5:6 – Circumcision is not important but faith working through love
1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Those of the day should put on the breastplate of faith and love
2 Timothy 1:13 – Paul urged Timothy to hold fast to sound teaching through faith and love
Most often Paul praises those who have faith in God that is expressed through love towards God and others
Young people, the Christian life of faith working through love is a life worth living
A life that is devoted to God and is led by faith and love is the best possible life to lead
You will know who you are, why you are here, and where you are going
You will avoid so much heartache, guilt, shame, and the emotional and physical consequences that accompany an unholy life
Last year an 80 year-old man was talking with me and with moist eyes and cracking voice he told how much he regretted the foolish sins of his youth especially when he was in the Navy over 40 years ago! He knew God forgave him but still carried the regrets of sin.
Some suffer the consequences of knowing they involved others in sin, may have shared responsibility in someone being harmed, maimed, paralyzed, or killed by their sinful actions, some have been victimized and traumatized by involvement with sinful practices and people
Proverbs 13:15 – “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.”
I know many who have failed marriages, addictions, and other problems in adulthood that began with behaviors and thoughts that were developed in their youth—and they are miserable
You will never regret living a faithful and holy life in youth even if it costs you friends or experiences in the short term—I’ve yet to meet a righteous person who regretted not living an unholy life

III. When you are example in faith and love you will be an example to others in life

It is an example that inspires older believers because they know that all young people haven’t given into the culture of selfishness, filthiness, and ungodliness
It is an example that inspires other young believers and those who have yet to dedicate their lives to God because they see that a young person can live a holy life in a wicked world
Dedication in faith and love will be evident in a life that makes good choices regarding entertainment, friends, language, clothing, etc.
If you have a My Space, Facebook, Pleonast, or other social networking site, use it to show your good character and enthusiasm for a holy life with God that it may inspire others

IV. The world is hungry for your example

Recently I met a high school student who is so on fire for God, is studying with some other friends to build their mutual faith, and trying to teach others. That was inspiring to me—I was uplifted.
When I was at F.C., one of my fellow students had written an encouraging article about why she chose not to go to the prom which was turned into a tract that is still being used today.
Many years ago, two girls that I knew of were killed in separate car accidents and, because of their holy lives and enthusiasm for God, some of their friends became Christians having been moved by their godly example and life of hope and purpose.
I don’t want you to have to die in order to lead others to God but you should live a life that if it is cut short that you have the confidence of an eternal life with God and leave an example that might lead others to desire a relationship with God
1 Timothy 4:15-16 – Paul urged Timothy to immerse himself in God’s teachings, practice these things, and, in doing so, he would save himself and others

V. The challenge of living this example in the modern world

When Paul wrote to Timothy the world was filled with idolatry, immorality, false religions, and, at times, was willing to kill believers.
In the world today there are Muslim and Hindu extremists killing those who claim to serve Christ
Our society is filled with such immorality that even “family friendly” shows and commercials are sexually charged and irreverent
In the midst of this filth, Christ needs young people who will stand for Him despite ridicule, reviling, and oppression.
The Embarrassed Believer, written by journalist Hugh Hewitt, noted that “It is the challenge that sneer presents that is the challenge that every Embarrassed Believer must confront.” P. xiv
When arguing for what is right, he notes that “Mockery followed by avoidance of the argument is the standard response” of the “prestige media [that is] populated by professionals who by and large share a sense of their own significance and their own wisdom,” an “opinion class” that “simply doesn’t believe in much at all,” and a “cult of non-belief.” Ppg. Xiv, 1, 2 and 4.
The church needs examples of young people who are enthusiastic for their faith, active in good works, and have the mind of Christ
Jesus’ view of being a good example
Matthew 8:38 – Being ashamed of Jesus in an adulterous and sinful generation
Romans 1:16 – “I am not ashamed”
Paul to Timothy – “Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord…”
Jesus needs us to be out and open with our faith not timid and quiet while the noise and screaming of immoral, violent, lustful, and anti-God voices echoes all around.
Jesus needs us to speak up and defend Him and the truth when it is challenged and maligned in conversations with friends and in the classroom—we must risk looking foolish and accept ridicule as being ignorant, backward, holding to myths, or close-minded.
Jesus needs you, young people, to be an example in life, love, and faith