“BE THOU AN EXAMPLE OF BELIEVERS”

{All scripture quotations unless otherwise indicated are from the King James Version of the Bible}

1Timothy 4v12, “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of believers IN WORD, IN CONVERSATION, IN CHARITY (love), IN SPIRIT, IN FAITH, IN PURITY.”

Let us first look at what Jesus said in Matthew 5v13-16, particularly verse 16, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is heaven.” The Lord said we are the light of the world and our light should SHINE, hence we must live lives that are above reproach in the world – lives that profess godliness, (1Timothy 2v10) lives that are exemplary to everybody. Philippians 3v17, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (or pattern)” Paul is saying here, “Follow my example” and “you have us for an example”. So, a believer must live by example. Peter urged pastors / elders to “be examples to the flock”. 1Peter 5v3, “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” If you are a leader, you must be an example of/to your followers. A believer must be an example to fellow believers and the world. Paul says, “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example…”, this clearly shows us that it is up to us to let people despise or honour us. The way we present ourselves or the example we set before people will determine whether they will despise us or not.

In our text (1Timothy 4v12) we are told to be examples in six ways (according to the KJV):
1. In word
2. In conversation (way of life)
3. In charity (love)
4. In spirit
5. In faith
6. In purity

[1] IN WORD

“Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of believers, IN WORD…”
· Genesis 2 v19, “…God …brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.” We see the word of Adam being final / authoritative. Know that what you speak whether good or bad will come to pass like what God did in the creation process, He spoke and it was so. Your word has authority to make things happen and to the perception that people have about you. God in the creation process said, “Let there be…” and things came into existence. Words are creative. So, your words “create things” in your life whether positive or negative, whether for you or against you. They determine your destiny. Job 22v28 says, “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee…”
·Joshua 9v15-20, “And the man took of their victuals, and ASKED NOT COUNSEL AT THE MOUTH OF THE LORD. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. …And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel …This we will do unto them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them”. 2Samuel 21v1says, “Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.” The princes of Israel made haste to swear or make a league with strangers, the Gibeonites. They vowed to them hence they could not change and destroy them. Proverbs 6v2 says, “Thou art snared … thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.” Proverbs 20v25, “It is a snare … after vows to make enquiry.” Ecclesiastes 5v2, 4-7, “Be not rashy with thy mouth … suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin…” What you speak rules you – watch your words! Many a times people stay within the boundaries of their words. You might not go beyond the boundaries of your words. What you say is legally binding in the realm of the spirit. We see in Joshua 9, the princes of Israel making vows, many years later Saul went against those vows and killed those people but justice could not allow. By so doing, he (Saul) invoked a curse upon the children of Israel. You words may be binding to generations after you, so, be exemplary in your speech, do not just speak anything, it may affect other people. If people really understood the significance of their words, they would not say the things that they speak. We should not be loose in our words, vows or promises. God, people and the devil hold you responsible for your words! I think your words witness for or against you. They open and or close certain doors in your life. So, be careful about what witness your words make and what doors they close or open. Many a times people talk themselves out of God’s blessings and into curses by their words!
·Psalms 15v1, 4, “Lord who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? …he that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” A man of integrity swears to his own hurt and changes not. Stand by your words. We should stand by our words. Do you have confidence to stand by your words? God says, “… for I watch over My Word to confirm it…”, Jeremiah 1v12. When God says something, He makes sure He performs it, He does not just speak. God identifies Himself with His Word. What He says is what He is. If you want to know God, look at His Word or listen to what He says. Are you able to identify yourself with your words? If not, then there is something wrong with your words. A man of integrity stands by his words. If he says something, like God, he makes sure he fulfills it. It is far much better not to say anything than to speak or say out things and not fulfill them. False promises tarnish your image. The bible says “Let your yea (yes) be yea (yes) and your nay (no) be nay (no)”, Matthew 5v37 & James 5v12. You are not a good example when you always make promises or say things, which you never fulfil. Are you an example of believers in word? Some people are known, if they say anything, you never bother to remember it or follow it up, they always make false promises! On the other end, some people are known also, if they say something, you know they will fulfil it! That is the group that I want to identify with myself!
·Psalms 37v30, “The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgement (justice)” People should find wisdom and justice from our words. Many a times what people profess to be and their words do not match or correspond. They profess Christ but Christ is not in their words! That is very ridiculous and amazing. What they profess and their words are totally incompatible. Such people should first try and mix water with oil before they try to convince us to accept that nonsense! The bible says Christ is our wisdom (1Corinthians 1v30), if Christ then is our wisdom, if He is in us, His presence should be evident in our word. Is there wisdom and justice in your words or there is just foolishness and corruption? If people want to hear wisdom and justice, they should run to us. Why? Because those two should be found in our mouths / words. Let us endeavor to preserve wisdom and justice in our words.
·Proverbs 10v19-21, “In a multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” Limit your words; let your tongue be as choice silver (expensive & scarce, not simple or common – speak when necessary). Let your lips feed others and not curse, discourage or disappoint them. Somebody said “show me somebody who is always talking and I will show you somebody who is always sinning.” I believe this statement is true. Proverbs says where there are many words; sin is guaranteed to be present. All it means is that when you talk too much, you increase your chances of sinning. Actually most of the volumes of words that are spoken are useless if not harmful. There is nothing wrong with being quiet, and there is everything wrong with talking too much and unnecessarily. Do you know choice silver? Have you ever handled or owned some? But who has never handled soil? Let people look for your words as they would choice silver. But other people’s words are just like dust, which we do not need and sweep away every day! The Word (and not me) says the sign of wisdom is to refrain one’s lips and what is the sign of foolishness if not talkativeness? Be careful of this “yep yep” business!
·Proverbs 18 v20-21, “A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth: and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” The living bible says, “Those who love to talk will suffer consequences, MAN HAVE DIED FOR SAYING WRONG THINGS.” This is more “blunt” and sobering, isn’t it? I believe the bible means what it says, do you? Discipline yourself to speak life with your lips. (Let your words give healthy to yourself and to others.) Your own belly or life will be filled with what you speak, whether sweet or bitter. Many people push the blame on others for the things that happen in their lives but little did they know that their words are their first enemy and culprit! Do you want to be full of life, healthy and blessings? Then let that be what your lips will speak.
·Proverbs 21v23, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 14v3, “In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” There is great need to keep your tongue/mouth; it will preserve you from a lot of troubles. Many troubles and intricacies that people find themselves in are a direct result of failure to keep their tongues. Your lips can preserve you either by your keeping quiet when and where necessary or by speaking the right things that are healthy. Some people’s words are a reproach to themselves much more to others! Do you want to stay out of trouble? Then keep or bridle your tongue. It’s the little tongue and the little words that get many into trouble. Ecclesiastes 10v1 says, “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor (smell): so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.” Let us also look at Songs of Solomon 2v15, “Take us the little foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” Many a times it’s the little things that seem insignificant that put many in troubles.
·Proverbs 13v3, “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” To keep your tongue is to keep your life and to let loose your tongue is to invite destruction. Your words and life (or death) are inseparable.
·Proverbs 12v17, 19, 22, “He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight.” Speak the truth and no lies. Truth shows righteousness, it is God’s delight and it shall be established. Ephesians 4v25, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.” We need to speak the truth strictly. It is an abomination before the Lord to speak lies but it delights Him when we speak the truth. I do not know about you but I want to be a delight to the Lord, and one of the ways is to speak the truth!
·Proverbs 12v18, 25, “There is that speaketh like the pearcings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” A good word is health and maketh glad the heart. There is great need to speak health words both for ourselves and for others.
·Proverbs 23v16, “Yea, My reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.” Speaking right things is not only good for our reputations but it also pleases God our Father. So, how valuable it is to speak right, if it pleases my heavenly Father, I will endeavor to pursue it!
·Proverbs 14v23, “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury (poverty).” Do not be a talker only, learn to labour or work. It is far much better to do work than be just an idle (vain) talker! There are those who spend their time “idling around” they won’t reap anything. When a car is idling it does not move, the engine will be on, but it won’t move, same with idle talkers they don’t move to anywhere in life!
·Ecclesiastes 9v17, “The words of the wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.”
·Proverbs 18v13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” The simple translation of this scripture will be “He that answers or responds to a matter or issue before he hears it is a fool.” I wonder how many fools we have!
·Proverbs 17v27-28, “He that hath wisdom spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace (keeps quiet) is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” If this verse said, “…and he that openeth his lips and speaketh a lot is esteemed a man of understanding”, we were going to have many people who would be esteemed man of understanding! But unfortunacle the opposite is true. It is amazing that the Word says even if one were a fool, if he/she learns to keep quiet and not speak unnecessarily, he would be acting wisely and would be esteemed or rated with the wise. The wise speaks only when it’s necessary.
·Isaiah 50v4-5, “The Lord hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.” We need to speak as the learned, and to speak as the learned; we have to hear from God. We need to speak words in season to encourage the weary. Ours is to encourage and not to discourage or dishearten the beloved. If we are to be of help and our words of value to others, we need to take time to hear from God directly and through the Word.
·Matthew 12v33-37, “Either make the tree good, and his fruit (will be also) good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit (will be also) corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” These words of our Lord are very sobering. He says every loose or idle word people speak will have to be accounted for. It is our words that justifieth or condemneth us, both in this life and in the judgement day! I think Jesus meant exactly what He said when He said “…That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” We would rather be careful and mind our tongues or words. You see, what you speak is what you think or what is in your heart, when you are full of filthiness, that is what you will speak – filthiness! When you are full of the Word of God, that is what you will speak. James in his letter in chapter 2v12 echoes almost the same statement, “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” When we speak, we should not forget that there is judgement.
·Mark 11v23, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shalt not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he sayeth shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he sayeth.” You will have what you say. Words that you speak build some things in your life whether good or bad. If you believe and speak negative things, that is what you will have – negative things. Things that you do not want do not speak or confess them, say out only those things that you want. For instance if you do not want fever, do not say, “I believe I will catch fever, actual it is a family disease everybody in our family has it.” If you speak like that, fever is what you will get. Say, “I do not care everybody in my family has been sick of fever but it will not come near me for I was healed by the stripes of Jesus and the Word of God is health to all my flesh and bones.” (1Peter 2v24, Proverbs 2v20-22)
·Roman 10v10, “…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” We know and use this scripture when leading people unto salvation or to accept Christ. We say confess the Lord Jesus, when they do that we say, “now you are saved”. The same principle applies everywhere. Confession is made unto everything we say, if it is salvation, it is made unto salvation, if it is healing, confession is made unto healing.
·Ephesians 4v15, 29, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” We need to speak not only the truth but the truth in love. Our motive when we speak is very important. We also need to speak things that are good for edifying others, if it won’t edify your brother, then you mighty as well not say it.
· Colossians 4v6, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer every man.” Ephesians 5v4, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting (joking), which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” We need to speak words that are seasoned (skilled, knowledgeable), with grace. We need to ask ourselves, “Is this the best word to speak, what impact does it have on the next person and on my life or image?” Paul says we shouldn’t have foolish talking in the church and jesting / joking. I do not want to be dogmatic, but I hope we all agree that according to Ephesians 5v4, joking is not convenient in the house of God.
·Titus 2v7-8, “In all things showing thyself a PATTERN of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” We need to show ourselves a good pattern in our speech. Our speech should not be condemned, it should be above condemnation. Even those who oppose us should not have anything in our speech to condemn us on. Mark 12v13, “And they sent Him certain of the Pharisees and Herodians, TO CATCH HIM IN HIS WORD” The devil want our words, people want our words, so let us be on guard. They tried to pin Jesus on His words but they failed because His speech was beyond reproach or condemnation.
·James 1v19, “Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” You see, many times people practice this scripture in reverse order, they are slow to hear and swift to speak! Somebody said, “The reason we have two ears and one mouth is that we should hear twice and speak once.” All this means is that our ratio of speaking should be half our ratio of listening. We should do more listening than talking.
·James 3v2, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and also able to bridle the whole body.” James says there are many chances or many things in which we offend but if we know how to control our words, we can control our whole body. Ability to control your words, is a sign for maturity. Test for maturity is not in many words, it is not in how we are used of God to manifest Spiritual Gifts, but it is in our ability to control our words not to offend. How many times in a day do you offend others by your words? But if you would control your tongue you would minimize your chances of offending.
·1Timothy 5v13, “And withal they learn to idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busy bodies, speaking things which they ought not.” Jude 8-10, “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves." We should be careful not to speak things that we ought not. Jude says, sometimes people speak evil of things that they don’t even know about. It is said that Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil didn’t speak many things against the devil, he just, “The Lord rebuke thee Satan.” Sometimes we bail the devil out by our words! Do not speak a lot of words against the devil just speak the Word.
·Isaiah 33v15-17, “He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; …He shall dwell on high …thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty…” For us to be able to fellowship with God, we need to speak uprightly. We will dwell on high, our defence will be certain, our bread and water will be sure.
·1Peter 3v10, “For him that will love life and, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” Do you want to have a good life and see good days? I want to! The way there is to refrain your tongue.
·1Thessalonians 4v11, “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.” Many a times people spend time talking about other people’s businesses, criticising this or that and you wonder when will they attend to their own things! They like complaining and criticising other people’s businesses but they are not doing anything themselves. Learn to mind your own business, if you do not have any to attend to then sleep and not spoil other people’s! Study to be quiet!
·Proverbs 6v16-19, “These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” God hate a lying tongue and false witness that telleth lies. Actually, these things are an abomination to Him. I don’t know of anything that causes discord among the brethren more that words.
·Isaiah 58v13, “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy own pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord, hounorable; and shall hounor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.” We are instructed here to delight ourselves in the Lord and not to speak our own words. There is a benefit or promise for that, Isaiah 58v14, “…and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee …for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”
·James 1v26, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but decieveth his own heart, this man’s religion is in vain.” We definitely need to bridle our tongues. James says if anybody seems religious, the way to test him is to see whether he is able to bridle his tongue, if not, then know that his religion is in vain or he is a hypocrite.
·James 4v11, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.” We do not need to speak evil one of another and judge one another. If there is nothing good to talk about in a brother, then shut up!
·2Timothy 2v23-26, 14, “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender (cause) strives. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words (which leads) to no profit, but to the subverting the hearers.” We should not strive, quarrel or be involved in foolish, stupid or unlearned discussions but in turn we should be gentle and instruct in meekness. Are you a servant of the Lord? If so, then you should not strive.
·Colossians 3v16-17, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” We need the Word to dwell in us richly in order for us to be able to teach and admonish one another in wisdom. Whatever we speak must be “fit” to be in the Name of the Lord.
·1Timothy 4v6, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, where unto thou art also attained.” We need to speak words of faith.
·Isaiah 58v9, “Then shat thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shall cry, and the Lord shall say here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting of the finger, and speaking vanity.” Stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors, don’t talk idly, stop judging and accusing others.
· Psalms 106v32-33, “They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: because they proved his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.” Numbers 20v10, “And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch ye water out of this rock?” God told Moses to gather the children of Israel and speak unto the rock, but he spoke unto the people and hit the rock! Why? He was angry and spoke unadvisedly or foolishly – he did not think or plan his words and that costed him entrance to Canaan! It is best not to speak when you are angry, you might say things you shouldn’t.
·Psalms 145v5-11, “I will speak of the glorious honour of Thy Majesty, and of Thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of Thy terrible acts: and I will declare Thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy goodness, and shall sing of Thy righteousness. The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord; and Thy saints shall bless Thee. They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, and talk of Thy power.” Ours is to declare the greatness of our God, speak of His goodness, the glory of His kingdom and of His mighty power. We are to continually magnify our God, for that is our full time and eternal call! Hallelujah!

Remember we are still talking about being exemplary in our speech. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of believers, in word…’ As I said before, it is you who determines whether people will honour you or not, by the way you present yourself, and one of the ways is through your words or speech.

[2] IN CONVERSATION (WAY OF) LIFE OR CONDUCT

“Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of believers, …IN CONVERSATION…”

·Psalms 37v14, “The wicked have drown out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.” We need to be of an upright conversation or simple put, we need to live or walk uprightly. This grieves the wicked (the devil and his agencies – people or devils) and in turn they will fight against us but God will preserve us. We need to be exemplary in our way of life and uphold uprightness. It does not necessarily mean that when we live uprightly, we will sail and be in good books with everybody - no! We might even suffer for being upright.
·Psalms 50v23, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God.” We need to order our conversation aright, God assures us of His salvation if we do so. Our ways should be right or straight.
·Philippians 3v20, “For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our conversation or citizenship is in heaven, hence we need to live and conduct ourselves as heavenly citizens.
·1Peter 1v15-16, “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy for I am holy.” The Word does not say, “Be ye holy in part or some of your conversation.” No! It says be ye holy in all manner of your conversation. We need to pursue holiness in all our dealings and way of life.
·Galatians 1v13, “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the Church of God, and wasted it.” There has to be clear cut or distinct change and difference between your old way of life and the new after you accept Christ. Paul before being born again was persecuting the church and wasting or destroying it, after his conversion he could look back and say, “You know my old way of life”. Some people continue with their old way of life, I wonder why and how. Ephesians 2v3, “Among whom also we all had our conversation in the times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Before were we born again, we went about fulfilling the desires and lusts of the flesh, but we should leave that behind the cross. Our conversation, way of life or conduct should change.
·Ephesians 4v1, 17, 22, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation (call) wherewith ye are called, This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” There is an old man and a new man. We need to mortify and put off the old man and walk after the new man that is created after (the image of) Christ. Our former way of life was corrupt because our old man was corrupt, now we need to put on the new man. If we continue following the old man, our ways wills continue being corrupt, that is where comes the so-called “carnal Christians”. Walk worthy of our call.
·Philippians 1v27, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come to see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” We need to live worthy of the gospel of Christ. Some people’s lives are completely opposite with what they preach. And that is ridiculous. “Do what I tell you and not what I do”, they say. That’s rubbish! If you can’t do what you teach then sit down or keep quiet. They try and misquote the Word and say Jesus said that. Jesus was speaking about the Pharisees, He said the Pharisees teach the law but they do not practice it, therefore you might do what they teach (for they teach the law) but they themselves do not do it. He never said we should go around saying, “Do what I teach and not what I do.” No, practice what you teach. These are the hypocrites that bring reproach to the gospel, for they are holy in the pulpit, but when they come down from there (pulpit) they are something else!
·Hebrews 13v5, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Do you know what covetousness means? It means, excessive desire for more than one needs or deserves, resentful or painful desire for another’s advantages. Our way of life should be free of such. If we really know and understand that God will take care of us and our needs will be met then there is nor need to envy other people.
·Hebrews 13v7, “Remember them that have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” We need to follow the faith and way of life of our leaders after considering the end of their way of life or the outcome of their way of life. On the other hand, we need to realise that there are people who are following our way of life and should we not set a good example before them, we will destroy innocent lives that are following us.
·James 3v13, “Who is a wise man and endured with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” Our conversation has to be coupled with meekness and wisdom.
·1Peter 1v18, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers.” Our old way of life was vain and empty, but after being redeemed by the blood of Christ, our way of life should show the difference. Evil way of life or conversation can also be inherited from fore fathers. We should always remember that our redemption was costly, it costed the blood of Jesus!
·1Peter 2v12, “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak evil against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."” We need to lead a honest life that is above reproach before unbelievers. Our way of life will determine whether those who see us as Christians will glorify God or not.
·1Peter 3v1, 2, 16, “Likewise, ye wives, be in submission to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”
·2Peter 3v11, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness.” We are awaiting the coming of the Lord of which we are warned that it will be “unexpectedly”, then, we need to maintain a holy conversation or way of life. We should live in holiness and godliness and be a manner of people that when the Lord comes at time, we will be ready and worthy to meet Him in the air!
·1Thessalonians 2v12, “That ye would walk worthy of God, Who hath called you unto His Kingdom and glory.” We need to live and walk in a way that is worthy of God or we can say God should be able to identify with our way life. We should walk by His standard. Worthy means “satisfying the requirements”, so, in our walk we need to satisfy the required standard of our God. He has called us unto His kingdom and glory hence we should walk worthy of that call.
·1Thessalonians 4v12,”That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” We need to walk honestly towards them that are without the Kingdom or simple put; we need to show ourselves honest towards unbelievers. It would hard in not impossible to convince unbelievers to accept the gospel in those who profess Christianity are not being honest.
·Ephesians 5v15-17, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” We need to order our conversation wisely. We need to be wise, redeem the time and understand what the will of the Lord is. The only way to walk wisely is to walk in the will of the Lord, and to walk in the will of the Lord, we have to understand that will!
·2Peter 2v7-8, “And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;” If you see yourself comfortable with the conversation and or company of the wicked, then know certainly that there is something wrong with you if you are a Christian! Lot dwelling in the midst of the Sodomites, was always troubled and grieved when he saw and heard their wickedness, he was never comfortable. That is the reason why it makes me wonder for those who have infidel friends, they are always with them, and they go with them to beer gardens. “When they buy castle, I buy coke”! They say. But when they speak all that filthy language how will one be feeling? But the righteous of old could not afford to be comfortable in such a conversation. Today’s Christian are civilized and more advanced maybe!
·Ephesians 5v8, “For you were sometimes darkness, but now you are light in the Lord: walk as children of the light.” We need to live and walk as the children of the light. All our doings and or dealings should be done in the light. Jesus had this to say, in John 3v20-21, “For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. If you like to operate in the dark, check your deeds!
·Colossians 2v6-7, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” We need to walk in Christ; our way of life or walk should be worthy to be “walk in the Lord”. If one is to walk in Christ, then one has to be rooted and built up in Him.
· 1Timothy 5v6, “But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.” 1John 2v15-17, Love not the world neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” James 4v4, “… know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” Love not the world and its pleasures; know that you are not of this world. We do not need to have any fellowship with this world (and its woks of darkness) Be not in harmony with the spirit of the world lest you wound up being in enmity with God! Jesus said, “I have given them thy Word; and the world hateth them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.” John 17v14,16
· Genesis 17v1, “And … the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect.” Other translations say “… and be blameless” God requires us to walk before Him, He instructs us to be blameless if we are to walk before Him.

[3] IN CHARITY (LOVE)

· 1Corinthians 8v1, “… we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up but charity edifieth.” Love edifies you and other people. If you walk in the love, the results will be edification.
· 1Corinthians 14v1, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” The Revised Standard Version says, “Make love your aim…” while the N.I.V. says, “Follow the way of love…” We need to make love our wall mark or standard. Pursue love.
· 1Corinthians 16v14 “Let all your things be done with charity.” We need to do all things in or with love. Love should motivate all that we do. We should do all things the love way. Paul in 2Corinthians 5v14 says, “For the love of Christ constraineth us…” Even preaching should be out of love constraining or pushing us!
· Colossians 3v14 “And above all things, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”

[4] IN FAITH

·Rom 14:23 But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions {and} he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate {and} proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful]. You cannot have an impact as a believer without faith
·James 2:14-17 What is the use (profit), my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no [good] works [to show for it]? Can [such] faith save [his soul]? If a brother or sister is poorly clad and lacks food for each day, And one of you says to him, Good-bye! Keep [yourself] warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do? So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).

[5] IN SPIRITY

·Num 14:24 But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.
·Deut 34:9 And Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him; so the Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.
·Dan 5:12 Because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, clarify riddles, and solve knotty problems were found in this same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.
·Luke 9:55 But He turned and rebuked {and} severely censured them. {He said, You do not know of what sort of spirit you are,} What spirit are you of, Forgiving or avenging?
·2 Cor 4:13 Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe, and therefore we speak,
·1 Pet 3:4 But let it be the inward adorning {and} beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible {and} unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.
·Prov 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.

[6] IN PURITY

·Matt 5:8 Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous--possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!
·Job 1:1 THERE WAS a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who [reverently] feared God and abstained from {and} shunned evil [because it was wrong].
·We need to be holy in all our being. We are to be holy:
1.In our conduct or way of life, 1Peter 1v15
2.In our speech, Ephesians 4v19
3.In our thinking, Romans 12v1

These are just some of the ways we can have an impact as believers, it is up to you and me to choose whether we want to live as Christ expects or command. I believe we will be accountable on the judgment day pertaining to the example that we have set before people in days on earth. Some people might go or have gone to hell because of our failure to set a right example before them.