Today, Roger Starnes, Sr. presented his first lesson at the Waynesville congregation since he began attending several years ago. As his son, I can confirm my dad has been granted great study skills and the ability to present God’s word in such a way that it can be easily understood and retained.
The recording for his lesson is below, followed by an outline of his lesson…
Our Example Outline
I Timothy Chapter one begins with:
“Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ which is our hope, unto Timothy, my own son in the Faith.”
In 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul calls Timothy “our brother.”
In Romans 16:21 Paul calls Timothy “my workfellow.”
In 1st Thessalonians 3:2, Paul says Timothy is “our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the Gospel of Christ.”
And 2 Timothy 1:2 Paul says To Timothy, “my dearly beloved son.”
And beginning in verse 3, Paul continues,
“I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day. Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy. When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, and am persuaded that in thee also.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God.”
In 2 Timothy 4 beginning at verse 1 Paul tells Timothy:
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
It is important to note that Paul was thankful to God for the unfeigned faith in Timothy that was instilled in him by his Grandmother and his Mother when he was young. This shows the importance in Training up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 2:6. We must teach our children about God starting at a very early age before they are under the influence of the world and the ungodly ways thereof.
Paul and Timothy had a very close relationship in Christ is very obvious from the text we have examined today as well as many more that we could discuss if time permitted.
But the main topic I want to spend time on is Our Christian Example.
In 1 Timothy 4, beginning at verse 12, the text reads:
“Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in WORD, IN CONVERSATION (MANNER OF LIFE), IN LOVE, IN SPIRIT, IN FAITH, IN PURITY. Till I come give attendance to: READING, TO EXHORTATION, TO DOCTRINE. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting (Progress) may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine, continue in them, for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.
Wow, is that all Timothy was charged to do? Timothy, be thou an EXAMPLE of the believers.”
Let’s look at the 9 things that Paul charged Timothy to be an example in and give attendance to:
Be an example in WORD
John 1:1, In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Acts 8:4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
John 6:65-68
65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it was given unto him of my Father.
66 From that time many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
Col 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Be an example in CONVERSATION ( OR MANNER OF LIFE)
Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Phil 3:20-21
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Be an example in LOVE
Matt 22:34-39
34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.
35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Luke 6:27-31
27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
28 Bless them that curse you and pray for them which despitefully use you.
29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
30 Give to every man that asketh of thee, and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Romans 8:35
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Romans 13:10
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Be an example in SPIRIT
Romans 8:1-11
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Gal 5:16-18
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Gal 5:22-24
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Be an example in FAITH
Romans 1:16-18
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 16:13
13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Ephesians 6:16
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Col 1:23
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Be an example in PURITY
Phil 4:8
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1 Tim 5:22
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
2 Tim 2:22
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
James 1:27
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
And to give attendance to: READING
Acts 8:27-28
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 Was returning and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
2 Tim 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
And if we do not continue to read and study, Hosea in 4:6 says:
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
And in addition to reading and study, James 1:5 says:
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Give attendance to EXHORTATION
1 Thess 5:14
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
1 Tim 2:1-5
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another
1 Peter 5:12
12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
Titus 1:9
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Give attendance to DOCTRINE
1 Tim 4:6
6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
2 Tim 3:10
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 John 9-10
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
And to repeat what we read at the start of the lesson,
1 Timothy 4 continues in vs 14-16
neglect not the gift that is in thee.
And to Meditate upon these things
Give himself wholly to them
That his profiting (or progress) may appear to all
Take heed unto thyself
And unto the doctrine
Continue in them
For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.
1 Corinthians 11:28 Says let a man examine himself.
(I know the context was partaking of the Lord’s Supper) but let’s look at a few questions that we need to honestly answer.
WHAT IS OUR EXAMPLE?
Are we living as a Christian 24/7?
Do our friends, family, and co-workers know that we are a Christian?
Does anyone take knowledge that we have been with Christ as it says in Acts 4:13?
Does anyone know that we worship God every Sunday?
Do we look forward to gathering with the Saints for worship and bible study?
Are we a peculiar person? Titus 2:14 and 1 Peter 2:9
When we speak is it the oracles of God? 1 Peter 4:11
Are we doers of the word and not hearers only? James 1:22-25
IS OUR EXAMPLE WHAT WE MAKE IT?
Is what we do, say, think, and act in accordance with the will of God?
Are we part time Christians, that is on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening only?
Do we invite people to worship with us or to have a bible study with us?
Do we serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear? Heb 12:28
IS OUR EXAMPLE WHAT WE WANT IT TO BE?
Be honest with yourself!
Are we true Christians?
Do we strive to do God’s will?
Do we have on the whole armor of God? Eph 6:11-18
Do we possess the 9 fruits of the Spirit? Gal 5:22-23
Do we fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man? ECCL 12:13
Do we love our neighbor as ourself? Gal 5:14
IS OUR EXAMPLE WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO BE?
Can we say I can do all things thru Christ which strengtheneth me? Phil 4:13
Do we count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord? Phil 3:8
Are we like Moses , when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
5 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Heb 11:24-26
Are we crucified with Christ as Paul says in Gal 2:20?
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR EXAMPLE PLEASING TO GOD?
Phil 1:9-11
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
And vs 8 which we read earlier,
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
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.
Colossians 3:1-2
3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 1:9-11
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 3:12-17
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-11
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-24
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Hebrews 12:1-3
12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
There is so much information available in the Bible that to glean a small potion for a Sunday Sermon should leave us thirsting for more.
I hope that maybe 1 passage that I have noted today will spark your interest in further study,
Thank you for your time.
- If anyone has the desire to obey the Gospel today by:
- Hearing the word of God Romans 10:17
- By Believing Hebrews 11:6
- By Repenting Luke 13:3
- By Confessing Christ Romans 10:10
- By being baptized in water for the remission of your sins Mark 16:16 and then by being faithful until death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life Revelation 2:10
- Or if you have need of prayers we can pray with you and for you.
Please let your needs be known as we stand and sing the song of invitation to encourage you.
*Photo by Ricardo Frantz on Unsplash.