15a) Patterns of Patterns
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Today we continue in the book of 1st Timothy. A letter written from the Apostle Paul to his trusted student and Pastor Timothy. Last week we examined Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to be a good servant of Jesus. He told him to be nourished and built up by the word of faith that he had been following.
He was told to leave behind the pointless and silly myths that people in the church were spreading and instead train in godliness. For the benefits extend beyond this life into the next.
Paul reminded his friend that they labor and strive in the work because they have put their hope in the one and only living God. The God who saves. This was to be their motivation for the work that God had set before them.
After encouraging Timothy to be a good servant he then turns to one of the instrumental parts of the ministry.
His own life.
Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Don’t Be Despised
Don’t Be Despised
Don’t let anyone despise your youth. In the Greek culture there were no specific lines on when a person went from a youth to young adult to middle aged to old age. In general a man would be seen as an adult around his twenties and would continue learning into his thirties. Old age was more seen more as a physical bound than a time bound thing.
It would be usually in a man’s late fifties and early sixties when he would start to show the inability to continue to perform physical labor that he would be considered to be of old age. It was at this time that they were excused from mandatory military or civil service.
Old age was generally scorned as something bad and undesirable. Even so there was a hierarchy of by age in their culture.
It is likely that Timothy was in his mid to late thirties and he would be considered young and men older men would not look to him as an authority. Timothy may have also struggled with speaking up and commanding older men in the church. Even though the church does not follow the ways of the world those structures of authority still work there way into the church at times.
Timothy is an elder of the church and even though he is young he was appointed to the task and set apart by the elders of the church.
14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
He was to not let any one despise him because of his youth. He was to let no one look down on him with contempt. He was to have the people regard him and respect him. He was to be a leader and fulfill his calling and appointment.
But how was he to do this? How was he to get the respect of the people in the church? How does a man get respect in our culture today? Well if we look at our movies, he walks into the room find them biggest man and picks a fight with him and wins. Or he out wits his opponents with fancy words and a quick tongue or his vast amounts of knowledge to shame the other people around him. Or maybe he has the highest social status by his position of authority or by his wealth or titles.
Paul doesn’t tell him to do any of these things. He simple tells him to set an example.
12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
Paul tells Timothy that the way he is to refute those who may despise his youth is to set the example. To set or become an example in these areas. In his speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
The word for example is “typos”. It means a representation or a pattern to be imitated or replicated. Timothy was to set and example, to be a pattern. Who are the seamstresses or tailors here. Who has ever used a template or a pattern to make a dress or an outfit. Or maybe you are working on your house and the new light fixture comes with a pattern to mark our your holes.
Paul is telling Timothy that to oppose those that may despise his youth, he is to set the example to be the pattern of living that God desires and commands for his children. He is to live a life that is worthy to be replicated and imitated.
The idea of being and example would not be new to Timothy or to Jews that have heard the sacred scriptures.
Imitate God
Imitate God
The people of God have been called by God to imitate and to follow him. To see the world and interact with the world the way he does. The way that God told the Israelites what this looked like was to be holy the way he is holy.
44 For I am the Lord your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am holy. Do not defile yourselves by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. 45 For I am the Lord, who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God, so you must be holy because I am holy.
7 Consecrate yourselves and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.
26 You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be mine.
8 You are to consider him holy since he presents the food of your God. He will be holy to you because I, the Lord who sets you apart, am holy.
How does one imitate the holiness of God? By following his commands, statutes, and instructions. When you read in the scripture is is saturated with command to follow the instruction of the God. To obey all that he has commanded is to be holy. To reject the commands and disobey is to be profane, common, or in rebellion to God. But God’s people are to obey his commands.
1 “This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. 2 Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. 3 Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey. 4 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
God’s commands are to be in the heart of is people and to be part of everyday life. No just on the Sabath but in all parts of the life of a person.
We find that Paul even points back from the New Church to the example of the Israelites. He points to their poor example as a warning by pointing out bad examples to learn from.
1 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless God was not pleased with most of them, since they were struck down in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, so that we will not desire evil things as they did. 7 Don’t become idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to party. 8 Let us not commit sexual immorality as some of them did, and in a single day twenty-three thousand people died. 9 Let us not test Christ as some of them did and were destroyed by snakes. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer. 11 These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.
Paul writes to the church in Corinth and warns them to look at the examples of their ancestors. Look to the scriptures . Look at how God responds to his his people. They were given as an example of how to live and live for God. Believers are to look at the records of God to learn from them. To see those that are blessed by God from their obedience and how those that are punished, disciplined and destroyed for their rebellion and sin.
Imitate Jesus
Imitate Jesus
Christians are to be imitators of God. The people of God struggled with this as a people over and over again. God would speak through the ancestors and prophets of old but now speaks through Jesus.
1 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. 2 In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Jesus who is God empties himself and takes on a second human nature. One like men in every way. He lives a perfect life under the law and demonstrates what holiness looks like in a man. Willfully doing the will of the father and being obedient even to death on the cross.
Jesus is the perfect human example that all believers are to follow. He is the pattern for all believers. And every Christian should be looking to him as the standard of what they desire to become and to imitate.
Christians are told consider how he lived.
17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. 1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was in all God’s household.
Christians are to look to the life Jesus lived and to carefully see how he lived. In his humanity he shows believers how live out their lives even in times of suffering.
19 For it brings favor if, because of a consciousness of God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten, you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God. 21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Christians are to learn from Jesus and yoke ourselves to Him.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Believers are also to take on the same attitude as Christ. Not just mimicking his behavior.
5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus is the perfect example of humility and demonstrated that when he took on the place of a servant and washed the feet of his disciples. He states that he has given this example.
14 So if I, 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 also should do just as I have done for you.
In this physical image of washing the disciples feet was an example a pattern for them to follow. Jesus shows these men the example that they are now shared with being themselves.
The pattern of a holy life has been passed on to the apostles.
Imitate the Apostles
Imitate the Apostles
The apostles were to be examples to the new church in their leadership and lives as they lived for Christ and spread the message that he gave them. Many times in the writings to the churches the apostles will call the churches to imitate them as they imitate Jesus.
1 Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. 2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions just as I delivered them to you.
17 Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.
7 For you yourselves know how you should imitate us: We were not idle among you; 8 we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
God uses the lives of his faithful people to set the example for other believers and future believers.
16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.
The apostles witnessed the entire 3 year ministry of Jesus. They walked with him and ate with him. They were taught by him and rebuked by him. They witnessed his prayer life, his compassion, his patients, his devotion to God, and his holy life. They were there on the day he was crucified and were witnesses to his resurrection.
They would continue to be examples for the early church as the gospel messaged spread out during persecution and churches started to form in difference regions and cities. As they called the people of the church to follow their example of imitating Christ they also commanded that the leaders of the churches the elders also be and example worthy of imitation.
Imitate Church Leaders
Imitate Church Leaders
In our text today we have seen this command to Timothy.
12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
He would also say much the same to Titus who was in Crete.
7 in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. 8 Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us.
Peter would speak to his fellow elders to be examples.
1 I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: 2 Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
The author of Hebrews would encourage the church that he was writing to follow the example of their leaders.
7 Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.
The leaders here were living out the pattern of the apostles and the pattern of Jesus, otherwise the author would not have encouraged them to follow the leaders.
God also tells Christians to follow the examples of faithful believers who live out that example in their own lives.
Imitate other Believers
Imitate other Believers
17 Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.
And Jesus said
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Paul wrote to the Church in Thesselonica
2 We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. 3 We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, 6 and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. 7 As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out. Therefore, we don’t need to say anything, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
The people in this church became imitators of faithful Christians and as a result the church became and example and they made an impact in the world around them. What was it that rang out from the believers here. The word of the Lord. Repent and believe, turn from your ways believe in Jesus as your hope of salvation.
Patterns of Patterns: God is the standard of all that is good. All of his people are to be imitators of God, and Jesus becomes the perfect pattern for a Christian’s life. The apostles were to continue the pattern then the elders and then each and every believer.
All the way down to the family.
7 A righteous person acts with integrity; his children who come after him will be happy.
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. 4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Imitation and obedience are to be critical for the life of a Christian. We see over and over the instruction and commands to be examples and to imitate the faithful. Timothy was to just that, for him to resist those that would look down on him due to his young age, he was to live spiritually mature and be and example and a pattern for those in his church to follow. He cannot lead them where he is not himself.
Every believer is to imitate Jesus and the faithful leaders that God has appointed to their fellowship. The question may arise, “does one have to be perfect to be an example” A couple verses later Paul will tell Timothy this.
15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all.
He is to be an example in progressing in them. By practicing them and committing to them. His speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity must be something that those in the church see lived out in his life. That though he may not be perfect in them today, he is growing in them and committed to following Jesus’ example of them.
Because he is to be an example of the continual work of God as He is working in believers making them like Jesus.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.
1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Jesus life is to be displayed in our own lives
10 We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.
It was always the plan for God’s people to be conformed to the image of Jesus.
29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Conclusion
Conclusion
We are all called to be examples and to be imitators of our savior and his life. We are to look to other faithful believers and to follow their example. We are to look to leaders and imitate them as they imitate Christ. This has been passed from one generation to the next.
But we must be careful. We are not to follow the example of anyone. Each and every person who calls themselves a believer is to ultimately to be a pattern of Jesus. We must be careful the we are not following a person. We are to follow their pattern of faith.
One of the issues that can creep into messages like this is that I must just do more and more. That I must just be better and better. That I must just act like a christian and I can never mess up. This can become a works based religion and not a faith based relationship.
8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—9 not from works, so that no one can boast.
9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
We are to love God and want to follow in his ways because we know they are good for us. We read his work because it gives life and peace, hope. We repent of sin because it brings death, chaos, and pain. We imitate Jesus to be holy as God is holy so that we can walk in the light and not in the darkness. We become example to our kids so that the will see Jesus through all aspects of our lives.
So to turn this onto ourselves, what example are you to the believers. Does your example pattern after Jesus or is it something different. Do you change your example based on the environment that you are in. One example at home, one at church, one at work.
Have you ever considered that you are an example. If you profess to be a child of God you are and example, does that make you encouraged or uncomfortable? We want to be in a place that we are encouraged to be an example for others.
To practice these things. Next week we will start going through the specific area that Paul lists for Timothy so that we can see what God desires for our lives in these areas.
Let us be individuals and a church that can be confident in our example.
Let us pray.
Let us pray.
Prayer
Communion
Warning
Children, Lost, Sin
19 And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Prayer
Song
Closing
Blessing/Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
