Be An Example: The Power of Influence

Be An Example

Sub-topic: The Power of Influence

1 Timothy 4:12

Introduction

Every one of earth has influence. Paul says in Romans 14:7, “For none of us lives to himself and no one dies to himself.”

I’d just like to encourage you all today to use your influence for good and “Be An Example.”

Influence is more powerful than you think. Because ultimately, Influence by definition is “the power to affect others.” Influence is the power to affect the actions, behaviors and opinions of others.

Influence lives on long after you’re gone.

Exposition of the Text:

In this one verse of Scripture, Paul is teaching young Pastor Timothy some lessons on leadership. He says, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers..” And he goes on to give him six areas that not only Pastors and Preachers and Deacons should be examples, but that all believers should be examples to others.

1. In Word [Gk: logos] (Speech)—Be an example by How we talk

The Greek word used here is “logos” which has 3 meanings: (1) a word, or our speech;

(2) the sayings of God; (3) the moral precepts given by God. We must be an example, by making sure that we speak the word of God.

2. In Conversation [anastrophe]- Be an example by How we live

The Greek word used here is “anastrophe” which means: “manner of life, conduct, behavior, deportment.”

Our everyday lifestyle must be worthy of the gospel. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” Therefore: you should flavor your environment.

3. In Charity (Love) [Gk: agape] -Be an example by How we love

Love is a powerful thing. As a matter of fact love is the strongest power in the world. In love speaks to the motivation of our life. Everything should be done in love

4. In spirit [Gk: pneuma-Be an example ]

When we see the word spirit with a small “s”, it is speaking of our spirit. This describes the inner enthusiasm and excitement of the child of God. Your zeal and excitement for God will stir up others.

5. In Faith [Gk: pistis] Be an example in Faith.

The Bible declares that “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom.1:17; Gal.3:11; Heb.10:38)

James 2:17, Says, “Faith without works is dead, being alone.” So we must be an example—we must exercise our faith.

6. In Purity.[Gk. Hagneia]-

Be an example of how to live a clean life. This word used here speaks to moral and sexual purity. In purity is important as we live in this present world. Ephesus was a center for sexual impurity and the young men were faced with many temptations. Paul was letting Timothy know, that he was not exempt from this, that he needed to make sure that he kept himself pure and be an example to those who were under his “influence.”

Conclusion:

All of us are called to be examples. I don’t care who you are, there is somebody around you that is watching your life. They may not even tell you, but you are their example. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Cor. 3 that we are living epistles. We are like open books, being read by the world around us everyday. And the world is watching. And what I’ve discovered today is that people watching has become one of America’s favorite pasttimes. And as quiet as it’s kept, people love being watched. You don’t believe it?

In 2015, a young man by the name of Silento made a video entitled “Watch Me”. It was downloaded almost 2 million times. And essentially he was inviting people to watch him do a dance. He repeats “Watch me whip, watch me Nae Nae”. Then he goes on to say “ooh ooh watch me…”

Millions of people today, are saying, “ooh , ooh watch me!” They’re recording Tik Tok and You Tube videos everyday, so people can watch them. They take 1000’s of pictures so people can watch them eat, watch them sleep, watch them ….

But I believe that we as Christians, ought to make our own video. We ought to be able to say like the Apostle Paul said in 1 Cor. 11:1, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

IOW, we ought to be examples in our homes, on our jobs, in our schools.”

We ought to tell those around us, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” You see I heard it said that its alright to be a copy cat as long as you’re copying the right cat!

We ought to tell our neighbors, tell our friends, tell of family, “oooh ooh watch me!”

You want to learn--- how to follow Jesus—watch me!

You want to learn--- how to love everybody, as you do yourself—watch me!

You want to learn--- how to put the devil under your feet---watch me!

You want to learn---how to treat folks right---watch me!

You want to learn how to pray without ceasing--—watch me!

You want to learn how to be doers of the word and not hearers only—watch me!

You want to learn how to keep yourself clean and unspotted from the world---watch me!

You want to learn how to overcome hard trials and tribulations—watch me!

You want to learn how to be a great husband or a great wife—watch me!

You want to learn how to really be blessed---watch me!

You want to learn how to give God praise—ooh watch me!