Rev. Owen Wafula Sunday 23 August 2015 1 Timothy 4:11-12 Living a Christian exemplary life Teach these things and tell everyone to do what you say. Dont let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith and purity. The world knows Christians are to set standards for the world, patterns for the world to follow but most times Christians learn from the world, coping things from the world so that the world wonders if the church is taking what we have, what's the point of us going to church. In this case, the world has no business in coming to us. God in His plan calls us the light, salt of the world. The world should look upon us to find life but if it doesn't see what it wants, it will be difficult to convince the world. We copy so much in the world. A lot of characters from the world are found in church, the way we dress, talk, do things around us is like the world. The world knows what we are to do so that when we do what we are not supposed to do they will tell us. Paul tells Timothy to teach those things to ensure everybody understands. It's not about what you are, what matters is you are you a child of God, teach these things and leave and be an example to believers .And if you say you are saved, let it be so. And set a pattern for people to follow. One preacher said preach the gospel, if necessary use words. What he means is preach the gospel with your life, a life that is convicting and enlightenment to other people. If time comes when you are face to face with someone, use words otherwise preach with your life. Don't worry about your age, be an example. You are an Ambasaduer of Christ. As an ambassador you have strict instructions. The ambassador of America has been told what to do in Kenya, he knows what he's to do from his government. If he doesn't do what his sending government has sent him to do, he's recalled back and they send someone else . He is not concerned what the politicians talk about. You are an ambassador of the kingdom, do what heaven has sent you do. 1 Timothy 4:12b As Paul speaks to Timothy, he speaks to us. How can we set good patterns for fellow Christians or the world to follow? We are supposed to set examples and not to copy from the world. Preachers are copying things from films. People who act in films as actors, have an objective. At the end of it, they have several awards. They do things in a funny way to entertain people, the way he dresses, talks, words he uses, how he carries himself is to amuse people and they achieve their goals. Now as a preacher, what is my aim, do I come to entertain you, NO! As a representative of God, I want to minister to you the word from God as per your situation. The word will open your eyes for the direction to take. God needs to use me to liftt your spirit. If I come and talk like an actor, will I achieve my goal? You may go out entertained but as soon as you are out, you've forgotten about my actions, your worry comes back. The problem of knowing what to do is still there so I have not fulfilled my mandate as a representative of Jesus. We are not to imitate people but behave in a way that will fulfill our objectives. Paul tells Timothy to be an example in : 1. SPEECH: sometimes our speech cannot be differentiated from the people of the world, how can we convince them to come to church. There must be a difference in our words, phrases. Watch what you says because people know what you are supposed to say. Live as an example to that area. Proverbs 15:1,2,4. ; as a believer know how to respond to another person. Some of us speak very hard words to others which may be offending When you use good words to others, God sees you as a tree of life but when you crash someone's spirit, you are like you've killed his spirit. Proverbs 17:27 a man of wisdoms uses wisely his words on others. Restrain yourself from speaking certain words. James 3:1-12 Some words break people's spirit. That's why Paul tells Timothy not to just speak out words but be a good example to the rest of believers. This needs to be emulated . In the multitude of words, sin dwells in. If you can tame your you hue and control it, you are able to put your whole body in check. It is a lot of work and unless you surrender to Jesus that The Holy Spirit takes control, it's impossible. The tongue is fire that can light up your whole body. God bless you all