Living as an Example - 10/19/25 - Worship Service

In 1 Timothy 4:11-16, Paul urges Timothy to lead the church not by suggestion, but by command—by living out the imperatives of the Christian life with conviction and clarity. The Christian journey is not a matter of passive suggestion, but of active obedience to the commands of Christ, not to earn salvation, but as the fruit of a life transformed by grace. Paul’s words to Timothy are a call to all believers to take responsibility for their spiritual growth and the health of their community, especially in the face of false teaching and cultural drift.

Paul instructs Timothy to “be real”—to live as an authentic example for others. This means boldly teaching the truth without apology, letting the authority of God’s Word shape both message and method. It means exemplifying godliness, so that character and doctrine are aligned; leadership is not about age or experience, but about integrity and consistency. The call is to be a visible, living sermon—one whose life speaks as loudly as their words.

Central to this is a devotion to Scripture: reading it publicly, exhorting others to transformation, and teaching with clarity. The authority of the church and its leaders comes not from personal wisdom, but from the Word of God. Every believer is also called to exercise their spiritual gifts, not for personal benefit, but to build up the body of Christ. These gifts require cultivation, practice, and engagement—they are not meant to atrophy through neglect.

Growth in the Christian life is intentional and visible. Progress, not perfection, is the goal; others should be able to see the evidence of God’s work in us. This requires immersion, practice, and a willingness to encourage and be encouraged by others. Finally, Paul calls for vigilance: to keep watch over both life and doctrine. The health of the church depends on the integrity of its leaders and members, whose lives and teaching must be in harmony. The world is watching, and people are more compelled by a life well-lived than by words alone. The invitation is to let our lives preach the gospel, to be transformed by the authority of God’s Word, and to invite others into the family of God through both our message and our example.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Obedience to Christ’s commands is not about earning salvation, but about living out the reality of our transformation. The Christian life is marked by active, immediate responses to God’s imperatives, not passive consideration of suggestions. This posture of obedience is rooted in love and trust, and it shapes the way we lead, serve, and grow. [36:11]
• 2. Authentic leadership is measured by the alignment of character and doctrine. It is not age, experience, or charisma that qualifies someone to lead, but a life that consistently reflects the truth they proclaim. When our lives and our teaching are in harmony, we become credible witnesses to the world and to the church. [40:28]
• 3. The centrality of Scripture is non-negotiable for spiritual health. Public reading, exhortation, and teaching of the Word are essential practices that keep the church anchored in truth and resistant to the drift of false teaching or cultural trends. Our authority and transformation come from God’s Word, not from our own ideas or preferences. [57:52]
• 4. Every believer is entrusted with spiritual gifts meant for the edification of the body. These gifts require intentional cultivation, practice, and engagement within the community. Neglecting our gifts not only stunts our own growth but also deprives others of the grace God intends to give through us. [60:38]
• 5. Spiritual growth is a visible, communal journey marked by progress, not perfection. We are called to immerse ourselves in the practices of faith, to encourage one another, and to celebrate the evidence of God’s work in each other’s lives. Lifelong learning and vigilance over both life and doctrine preserve the health of the church and its witness to the world. [65:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [28:18] - Life Stage Community Spotlight: Ben’s Story
• [31:08] - The Power of Community and Groups
• [31:52] - Suggestions vs. Commands in the Christian Life
• [34:14] - Paul’s Urgent Imperatives to Timothy
• [36:46] - Reading 1 Timothy 4:11-16
• [41:45] - “Be Real”: Living as an Example
• [43:25] - Boldly Teaching the Truth
• [46:46] - Exemplifying Godliness Regardless of Age
• [52:09] - Devotion to Scripture: Reading, Exhortation, Teaching
• [58:33] - Exercising and Cultivating Spiritual Gifts
• [62:28] - Advancing in Growth: Progress Over Perfection
• [66:15] - Watching Your Life and Doctrine
• [70:58] - The Transforming Power of a Life Well-Lived
• [72:22] - Communion and Invitation to Respond

Bible Reading

1 Timothy 4:11-16 (ESV) — 11 Command and teach these things.
12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Observation Questions

1. What are the specific commands Paul gives Timothy in verses 11-16?
2. According to verse 12, in what areas does Paul tell Timothy to set an example for other believers?
3. What three practices does Paul tell Timothy to devote himself to in verse 13?
4. What does Paul say will be the result if Timothy keeps a close watch on his life and doctrine? (v.16)

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes “command and teach” rather than just suggesting or encouraging? What difference does this make for Timothy’s leadership? [[34:14]]
2. Paul tells Timothy to “set an example” in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Why do you think these particular areas are highlighted? How might these be especially important in a church community? [[46:46]]
3. The sermon said, “Leadership is not about age or experience, but about integrity and consistency.” How does this challenge common ideas about who is qualified to lead? [[50:05]]
4. Paul urges Timothy not to neglect his spiritual gift. What are some reasons people might neglect their gifts, and what are the consequences for the church when this happens? [[59:13]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “The Christian life is not a life of suggestion. The Lord gives us commands to follow.” Are there any commands of Jesus you tend to treat as suggestions? What would it look like to respond with immediate obedience this week? [[36:11]]
2. Paul tells Timothy to “be real”—to let his life be a visible sermon. If someone watched your life for a week, what message would they hear? Is there an area where your words and actions don’t match? [[52:09]]
3. The centrality of Scripture is emphasized: “Public reading, exhortation, and teaching of the Word are essential practices.” How can you make Scripture more central in your daily or weekly routine? Is there a specific way you could encourage others with God’s Word this week? [[57:52]]
4. The sermon challenged us not to neglect our spiritual gifts. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? If so, how are you currently using them to build up the church? If not, what is one step you could take to discover and develop your gifts? [[01:00:38]]
5. Paul says, “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” Who in your life can help you see and celebrate your spiritual growth? How can you encourage someone else in their progress this week? [[01:05:08]]
6. The health of the church depends on the integrity of its members and leaders. What is one practical way you can “keep watch” over your life and doctrine this month? [[01:06:15]]
7. The sermon said, “People would rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” What is one area of your life where you want your actions to speak more clearly about your faith? What’s a first step you can take? [[52:09]]