Student Devotion Session 1: Teaching By Example

Key Verses: 1 Timothy 4:11-16, "¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. ⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

A band leader plays a measure of music, demonstrating the timing of the piece to the class.

A teacher works out an algebra problem on the board while the class follows along.

A dad teaches his teenager the ins-and-outs of carpentry by helping the teen measure, cut, and build.

A coach walks the offense through the play so his or her players can see where they need to go.

A mom shows her teenager how to make a special dish using an old family recipe.

What do these instance have in common? In each one someone is teaching someone else by example. Teaching by example is highly effective. It allows the learner to see exactly what he or she needs to do to be successful.

Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16. First Timothy is a letter from Paul to Timothy. If you remember your Bible stories, Timothy was a young guy that Paul ran into while on one of his missionary journeys. Timothy had a lot of potential as a spiritual leader. Paul was the wise, experienced, grandfather-type who took Timothy under his wing and helped him grow spiritually. In many ways, Paul set the example for Timothy, modeling what it means to live life on mission. But in this passage, Paul turned the tables a little on Timothy.

Paul was nearing the end of his life, so he took the chance to impart some wisdom to Timothy. Paul, who had long set an example for Timothy, urged the young leader to now make sure that he set an example for his followers. Paul basically said, "Look, kid, it doesn't matter how young you are; people are watching. You are expected to show them the right way." The same can be said for you.

You are to live a life that sets an example for all who watch you. How do you accomplish this? First, you need to know what is expected of you. You need to know the standards. This can only happen if you read and apply the Bible. Next, you must make sure you are a vocal and active communicator of what you read in the Bible. Quite simply, you need to make sure you take the opportunity to talk about God's Word and to live it out.

You are called to be an example. You are called to be a disciple-maker. If you live an speak the truth of the Bible, God will do the rest. The Spirit will work through you to reach others for Christ. Which, if you think about it, is really pretty cool.