Example

September 12, 2020

Introcuction

 

            On the back of a program for a wedding, I found these words:

 

We want to give special honor to our parents for instilling their strong faith and values in each of us, and for modeling what a Godly marriage should look like.  Thanks to our family and friends for taking the time to come and share this special day with us.  We love and appreciate you for the way you have supported each of us and molded us into the people we are ztoday.  We hope that y ou will stand with us as we strive to creeate a marriage that glorifies God.

 

            What is the message?   Maybe I should say, what are the messages?  This morning, I want to begin with their statement, “for modeling what a Godly marriage should look like.”  Doesn’t that mean being a good example?  And, may we add, being a good example for a lifetime.  What does the Bible say about being an example?

 

Body

 

I.            Jesus put it this way.

 

(Mat 5:13-16 NKJV)  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. {14} "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. {15} "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. {16} "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

A.     Jesus was our example.

(John 13:12-15 NKJV)  So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? {13} "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. {14} "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. {15} "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

B.      Jesus was an example by what He suffered.

(1 Pet 2:21-22 NKJV)  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: {22} "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth";

II.             In s poem, Edgar Guest put it this way:

A.      I'D RATHER SEE A SERMON

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day,
I'd rather one walk with me than merely show the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see the good in action is what everyone needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done,
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true;
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give.
But there's no misunderstanding by how you act and how you live.

Edgar A. Guest
from the book "The Light of Faith"

B.     It is a daily challenge.

C.    DAILY CREED

Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me;
Let me praise a little more;
Let me be, when I am weary,
Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for.
Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver,
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be;
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me.

 ~ Edgar Guest ~

II   Peter said women were to be great examples to their husbands.

(1 Pet 3:1-4 NKJV)  Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, {2} when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. {3} Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel; {4} rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

A.     The Challenge of living as we should, calls for prayer

MY DAILY PRAYER

If I can do some good today,
If I can serve along life's way,
If I can something helpful say,
Lord, show me how.

If I can right a human wrong,
If I can help to make one strong,
If I can cheer with smile or song,
Lord, show me how.

If I can aid one in distress,
If I can make a burden less,
If I can spread more happiness,
Lord, show me how.

Grenville Kleiser

B.      As fathers, we are to be good examples and guides.

(Eph 6:4 NKJV)  And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

A.     Discipline yes,

B.     But love and support them.

Conclusion

I  What we are is vital to our being what God would have us to be

II.            What we say is also vital as to our influence, and who we are.

 

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