Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Six Examples Of Faith

The power of a godly example in a world of darkness is how the glory of God is revealed to lost souls. People of faith have always lived separately from the world’s influences because they have followed the divine pattern of righteousness. Enoch was a man who pleased God and was spared death as the Lord took him. Abraham was chosen as the father of the faithful through his devotion to the word of God. Moses was separated by the will of the Lord to lead God’s people to the promised land. David showed great faith in defeating Goliath and became known as a man after God’s own heart. Daniel and his three friends are examples of courage in the face of danger because they trusted in the power of God.

Faith is manifested in the lives of the faithful through devotion to the will of God and a desire to show the glory of God to the world. Paul encouraged Timothy to present himself as an example of faith. There were six things the apostle wanted Timothy to consider in his life that would make him a proper example of godliness and faith. These attributes serve well to anyone who desires to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Each one has its own strength that fortifies the other to complete a man as the perfection of maturity in Christ. When a man follows the advice of Paul to Timothy, they will not only save themselves but help others come to know the power of God’s grace.

The first example of faith is found in the word of God. Faith comes from the word. Without growing in a knowledge of the divine will of the Father, faith will perish. Paul wanted Timothy to be an example of a man knowledgeable of God’s word. This requires time and effort to study and meditate on the word. The Bible is the fully revealed word of God. Its contents cannot be exhausted in a lifetime, but the more a man knows, the greater his faith is in fighting against the wiles of the devil. A man’s manner of life will change through a knowledge of the word. To be an example in conduct is to allow the word to change the spirit of the human heart to be like Christ. Forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and a host of godly characteristics become the nature of man as the word dwells in him.

A third example of having a godly heart is to show love. The world is lacking in love. Paul reminds Timothy of the power of an example of love towards others and God. Love is the bond of peace holding together all the elements of godliness. When a man loves God, he will know how to love others; even enemies. This is contrary to the world’s philosophy. In the body of Christ, love reigns in the heart, which is an example of the spirit of God. The word of God measures the passions of the heart. Pride and arrogance are displaced by humility and meekness. The spirit of the Christian is an example to the world.

Finally, an example of faith is found in those who spend time in the word, showing in their manner of life how much they love God and one another, proving their passions are for the Lord and not the flesh. Faith is a beacon whose light shines according to what is in the heart. Through the measure of faith, the heart purifies itself of the dross of sin, seeking righteousness over unrighteousness. To be an example of purity can only come from growing faith. Purity dampens the passions of the heart to show the love of God. When the world speaks against Christians, they see God glorified by the good works of righteousness and the examples of faith. Six examples of faith can change the hearts of all those who want to see God.