The number two thing that Paul urged Timothy to set an example in was in lifestyle.
WHY DO WE NEED TO BE EXAMPLE IN LIFESTYLE?
I. Lifestyle Confirms Confession
Speech and lifestyle must walk hand in hand.
Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
Titus 2:7-8
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
II. Christian Lifestyle Serves as an Agent for Preaching
John 4:39
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’”
John 12:9-11
“Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.”
“So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.”
III. Good Conduct Glorifies God
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
HOW TO BUILD AND IMPROVE CONDUCT
We can build and improve our conduct by doing the following:
I. By Embracing Inner Transformation
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord,