CENTRAL THOUGHT
The believer’s utterance should glorify God and edify men at all times.
HYMN: TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE
TEXT: Prov. 10:11-21, 12:13-19, James 1:19, 26, 3:2-12, 1 Tim. 4:11-14
INTRODUCTION
Being an example of believers is to ensure that the lifestyle of such a one totally reflects the person and character of our Lord Jesus Christ. To be an example is to carefully order one’s steps so that he becomes a reference point and a worthy model that represents the ideal. Jesus Christ is our perfect example (1 Peter 2:21). He devoted His life to doing the will of God, was well versed in the holy scriptures and was victorious over all temptations. Furthermore, He was prayerful, compassionate, and focused on His mission to “seek and save the lost”. With Him God was well pleased!
Paul in his advice to the youthful minister, Timothy, instructed him to be an example to the believers in speech (word), faith, and in love (charity), amongst other qualities. He was not only to display it, he was asked to propagate it to other leaders and members of the flock. The word of God is to be received by those who hear it, applied in their lives, and disseminated for the good of others.
At every point in time the spoken word is very potent and influential. The heavens and the earth were brought into existence and order by the spoken word. Prayers, praises, worship, and exhortations are all products of the lips. There is an unusual power deposit in the spoken word. Management of this resource is expected of every believer.
This study will focus on how the believer can be an ideal example in the use of words and how the body of Christ (the church) may derive maximum benefits from it.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
1.) Explain the term “an example of the believer”
2.) Discuss how one can be an example of believers in the use of the tongue. 3.) Identify some wrong uses of the tongue and the implications.
4.) List the guiding principles for a Christian in the use of the tongue.
5.) Discuss the positive impact a proper use of the tongue by a believer can make.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “AN EXAMPLE OF BELIEVERS?
1 Tim. 4:12, Mat. 5:13-16
An example is someone who is worthy of emulation, regarded as a good model for others to copy. It is to display qualities that have compelling attractions to those who observe it, and to display a lifestyle that influences others. “An example of believers” is someone whose life is totally consecrated to the Lord, set apart for His use, dedicated to His course on earth and whose lifestyle directs others to the Lord. He is conscious of his humanity, and he is not carried away by the admiration and compliments of others. In humility, he gives all glory to God and makes continuous effort to be more and more like Jesus. He is a hearer and a doer of the word and encourages others to follow his example as he follows Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). “An example of believers” is not an angel in human flesh, not a supernatural being and definitely not an object of human praise. Rather, he is conscious of heaven, vigilant in spirit, yielded to the Holy Ghost; his words will glorify God and edify man. He is at peace with God and with the church of God.
Q2.) HOW CAN ONE BE “AN EXAMPLE OF BELIEVERS” IN THE USE OF THE TONGUE (SPEECH)?
Prov. 15:1-4, Matt. 18:18-19
To be “an example of the believers” in speech, one must be genuinely converted to Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, know a good measure of the word of God, and is available for stewardship in the house of God. Conversion is the beginning of the Christian race. To surrender to the will of God and allow Him access to every unit of our affairs will mark the beginning of a fruitful and an enduring relationship. A good knowledge and understanding of God’s word is very necessary for the believer to develop absolute faith in God. Armed with the word of God, a believer can prayerfully be used of God as “an example of believers” in disseminating His word through witnessing, teaching, preaching, exhortation, singing and counseling. The effectiveness of these depends largely on how much the believer has yielded himself to Christ. His major goal must always be to glorify God and introduce people to the Lord Jesus Christ. He will not just be a preacher/teacher but also a doer of the word. A believer that is to serve as a role-model will yield his tongue to the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit. Obscene and foul language will be far from his expressions, negative utterances and statements of defeat will be rare.
Q3.) IN WHAT WAYS DO WE OFFEND IN THE USE OF OUR TONGUE?
There are offences against God, and offences against men emanating from the tongues of many. Blasphemy, swearing and the mockery of holy things are some of the ills, believers do commit without notice. All expressions against God’s name, character, works, and glory should be avoided. Even when we disagree with the methods of some other believers, especially leaders, let us not use words that will not entangle us in God’s sight. It is evil to pervert the scripture or to use it in a jesting manner. The awesomeness and majesty associated with the name and word of God should become real to us as believers.
The sins of slander, gossip, evil speaking, rumor mongering and tale-bearing are all abominations in the sight of God and ought not to be found among believers. Words that stir up contentions and strife are not healthy examples for the body of Christ. Similarly, foul language attracts satan and tampers with the believers perfection.
Q4.) WHAT SHOULD BE THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF OUR TONGUE?
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught His disciples to say “Yes for yes and no for no” (Mat. 5:37). A believer must be careful not to promise what he cannot execute. God expects us to keep our words to everyone (Ecc. 5:5). It is better not to promise, than to fail to deliver on a promise. Furthermore, being rash with words must be avoided. We should be careful in our assessment of the intention of others. Let us no take pleasure in jumping to conclusions. A little extra patience is advisable and could prove very valuable.
Another guiding principle is to rid our hearts and minds of evil thoughts. While we may not be able to control the entry of thoughts into our faculties, however, we have the capacity to determine their residence status. Words are to a great extent, reflections of the state of one’s heart (Prov. 4:23); this is the fountain source that must be kept clean and sweet. Our level of Christian maturity is easily made by the quality of our words and the rate of such words. Ability to govern the tongue is a spiritual skill needed by all believers. This skill only comes into proper perspective by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the moderating influence of the word of God.
Q5.) WHAT POSITIVE IMPACT CAN THE WORDS OF A BELIEVER MAKE?
Prov. 18:21, 15:1, 16:24, Eph. 4:29
Words from a believer properly and discreetly spoken, can be a source of great blessings to the hearers. Our words have the potential of changing human lives and altering the course of nature.
With heaven backing up the words of a believer, a lot can be accomplished to the glory of God. Among them we have the following results:
a.) Words spoken by a witness sow the seed of eventual salvation for the hearer.
b.) Appropriate words can bring peace to bear in a situation that was otherwise crisis infested.
c.) Words are medicinal, bringing healing to the body, soul, and spirit of the wounded.
d.) To the confused, appropriate word and counsel can restore focus and direction, and perhaps a rescue for a fading dream.
e.) In times of setback, words of hope from a believer of integrity are priceless, dissolving fears and doubts and reviving zeal.
f.) Edifying and loving words are the ornaments of unity in the body of Christ and in any group of persons with a positive aspiration.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
On a daily basis, the believer is faced with many temptations to say the wrong word. We are confronted with situations such as:
a.) A case of error in the life of another believer.
b.) An insult on our person by another.
c.) Provocation by a child under our care.
d.) Disenchantment with political or ecclesiastical leadership.
e.) An unbecoming language from the pulpit.
f.) Other situations that agitate our emotions and seem to call for immediate verbal reaction.
In all these, the first reaction should be: “ If it were to be Jesus in my position, what will He say?” By this, we will be transforming ourselves into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus, and be leaving a worthy example for others to follow.
MEMORY VERSE
Psalm 19:14
“ Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Speech seasoned with grace
Col. 4:6
Tuesday: A soft answer
Prov. 15:1, 16:24
Wednesday: A perfect man indeed.
James 3:2, 13
Thursday: Words of agreement.
Matt. 18:18-19
Friday: Words of comfort.
1 Thess. 4:13-18
Saturday: Let your yes be yes.
Matt 5:37