Examples Worth Following
Matthew 6:2,5,16

Today’s message is “Examples Worth Following.” Our Scripture is from the 6th chapter of the book of Matthew. We will be looking at verses 2, 5, and 16.

The Bible speaks of examples..., The Bible speaks of good examples and the Bible speaks of bad examples. The Bible also speaks about imitating those who are bad examples.

(Mat 6:2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

(Mat 6:5) And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

(Mat 6:16) Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

The one thing these 3 verses have in common is the phrase “thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:” Jesus is speaking here to His disciples and to the multitudes of people who gathered on the Mount of Olives about not imitating the Pharisees, or the hypocrites, who practiced the law outwardly, but not inwardly,… a bad example to imitate.

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17, and Hebrews 13:6 the Bible speaks about imitating those who are good examples. (1 Corinthians 11:1) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

(Philippians 3:17) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.

(Hebrews 13:6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

In 1 Timothy 4:12 the Bible speaks about being a good example to others.

(1 Timothy 4:12) Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Such scriptures should cause us to wonder...Who is my example, my role model as a Christian? Whose example am I as a Christian? What kind of example do I set as a Christian?

Today as we look at “Examples Worth Following”, let’s consider these questions a little more carefully...

WHO IS YOUR EXAMPLE?

IS IT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST...YOUR EXAMPLE?

In 1st Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul writes, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am Christ.” What the Apostle Paul is saying, is the Lord Jesus Christ is my example.

Jesus Christ should be our example as well on how to please one another

(Romans 15:1) We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

(Romans 15:2) Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.

(Romans 15:3) For even Christ pleased not himself: but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Jesus Christ should be our example on how to love one another

(Ephesians 5:1) Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children: (Ephesians 5:2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor. Jesus Christ should be our example on how to look out for one another

(Philippians 2:4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

(Philippians 2:5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Jesus Christ should be our example on how to suffer patiently when mistreated

(1 Peter 2:20) For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

(1 Peter 2:21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

(1 Peter 2:22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

(1 Peter 2:23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

Jesus certainly serves as our prime example

IS IT THE APOSTLE PAUL...YOUR EXAMPLE?

As he urged the Corinthians

(1 Corinthians 4:6) And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

(1 Corinthians 11:1) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

To give no offense

(1 Corinthians 10:32) Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: To seek the benefit of others

(1 Corinthians 10:33) Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

As he urged the Philippians

(Philippians 3:17) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. To not consider themselves as having attained perfection

To press on to maturity

(Philippians 3:12) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 3:13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

(Philippians 3:14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 3:15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

To live according to the level they have learned

(Philippians 3:16) Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

To enjoy a close relationship with the God of peace

(Philippians 4:9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

As he praised and encouraged the Thessalonians

For receiving the Word despite affliction

(1 Thessalonians 1:6) And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

To avoid being a burden to others

(1 Thessalonians 3:7) Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

(1 Thessalonians 3:8) For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

(1 Thessalonians 3:9) For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

(1 Thessalonians 3:10) Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Paul and other New Testament Christians provide wonderful examples

IS IT OTHER FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS... YOUR EXAMPLE?

As Paul exhorted the Philippians

To note those walking like Paul

To consider them a pattern to follow

(Philippians 3:17) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. As exhorted by the writer to the Hebrews

To imitate the faith and patience of those who inherit the promises

(Hebrews 6:12) That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

To follow the faith of those who rule over us - He 13:7

(Hebrews 13:7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Many Christians today provide examples worthy of emulation

Whose example are you following? You are imitating either Christ or some other Christian (either living or dead). Does your life suggest that the example you are following is less than exemplary (e.g., the Laodiceans - Re 3:14-16)?

(Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

(Revelation 3:15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

(Revelation 3:16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

WHOSE EXAMPLE ARE YOU?

IS IT NOT OTHER CHRISTIANS...?

Your brothers and sisters in the Lord? Especially those who are babes in Christ? But even older Christians?

Christians should be mindful of their example on one another

(1 Timothy 1:7) Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

(1 Timothy 4:12) Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

(1 Timothy 2:7) Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

IS IT NOT YOUNG CHILDREN...?

Who naturally look up to their parents?

Who are also influenced by others?

Adults like their parents

Older children as well

Christians should be mindful of their example upon the young

(Matthew 18:6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

IS IT NOT UNBELIEVERS...?

Who see if we “walk the talk”?

Who often gauge the value of following Christ by our example?

Who judge the church by its members?

Christians should be mindful of their example seen by the world

(1 Peter 2:12) Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Whether we want to be or not, we are examples to others, especially the young in years and young in faith. So let me ask...

WHAT KIND OF EXAMPLE ARE YOU?

IS IT INDICATIVE OF A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN...?

Showing the world what it means to be a Christian?

Showing babes in Christ what maturity means as a disciple?

Is your example helping or hindering discipleship in others?

IS IT CONDUCIVE TO CHURCH GROWTH...?

Offering a noble pattern of faithful church attendance?

Setting a good example of developing one’s abilities for Christ?

Providing a worthy model of involvement in service to the Lord and His Church?

Is your example helping or hindering the progress of the church?

IS IT WORTHY OF EMULATION...?

Would you want a child or new Christian to follow your example?

If every member provided the same example as you...

Would the church be strong?

Would the church be growing?

Would the church have service on Sunday and Wednesday nights?

Would the church even exist?

Is your example helping or hindering the cause of Christ?

CONCLUSION

I hope this questions have prompted serious introspection on your part...

As to who is your example or role model as a Christian

As to the sort of example or role model you are setting for others

Though written to a young preacher, I encourage you to apply Paul’s words to yourself...

Be an example to the believers

Be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity

(1 Timothy 4:12) Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

You cannot escape being an example to others. Your only choice is what kind of example you will be. Will you be one of the many “Examples Worth Following”...?