Introduction

John Bunyan said of Christians, “When all their garments are white the world will count them His,” and the skeptical German poet Heinrich Heine said to Christians, “You show me your redeemed life and I might be inclined to believe in your Redeemer.”

Paul enjoined Timothy to “show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Tim.4:12). Timothy was to present the proper image of the Christian and he was to be a pattern for others to follow.

In this lesson, I want to encourage you to maintain your commitment to Jesus in the midst of those who may not share your values. I don't want to demonize our schools or workplaces. But often you will be tried, tempted, and put to the test.

You have a responsibility to “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.” (Col.4:5)

What parts of your life will people look at to see the example of a believer?

I. You set an example with your speech

Colossians 4:6 6Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

            A. A believer's speech must be kind.

Proverbs 3:3 3Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.

B. A believer's speech must be encouraging.

Isaiah 35:3 3Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.

C. A believer's speech must be truthful.

Zechariah 8:16 16‘These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates.

D. A believer's speech must be pure.

Leviticus 22:32 32”You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be sanctified among the sons of Israel; I am the Lord who sanctifies you,

II. You set an example with your conduct

            A. A believer's conduct must be honorable. This excludes cheating on your work.

Hebrews 13:18 18Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.

            B. A believer's conduct must be wise. He or she is aware that others are watching.

Colossians 4:5 5Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

            C. A believer's conduct will be shown in the decisions he makes.

Proverbs 20:11 11It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right.

III. You set an example with your love

The believer must display a love that is much different from what the world normally sees.

            A. A believer's love is not determined by how he is treated.

Matthew 7:12 12”In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

            B. A believer's love goes out of its way to express kindness to the unloved and unlovable. Read Luke 10:25-37. A believer's love doesn't just run the risk of physical danger; it also runs the risk of being thought “uncool”.

            C. A believer's love is biblical love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 4Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

            To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers of love—is hell. C.S. Lewis

IV. You set an example with your faith

            A. A believer's faith is the what and the how of his life. It is what he lives by.

Romans 1:16-17 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

            B. A believer's faith comes from regular study of God's word and putting it into practice.

Romans 10:17 17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Hebrews 5:14 14But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

            C. A believer's faith is sincere. True Christians are characterized by a genuine, sincere, simple trusting faith.

2 Timothy 1:5 5For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.

V. You set an example with your purity

            A. A believer flees the wrong and pursues the right.

2 Timothy 2:22 22Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 33Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 34Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

            B. A believer constantly seeks purity because of who he is (1 Jn.3:1-4).

Psalm 119:9 9How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.

Conclusion

Paul Harvey said it right, “If you don’t live it, you don’t believe it.”

If you know your Redeemer lives, talk like you know it, love like you know it, and live like you know it.