Number 05
Be a Good Example
Many people take delight in being models for others to admire or follow, based on their achievements, skills, or possessions. Can you name some models in your community or country? Some are footballers, musicians, actors, athletes, Olympian medallists, Nobel laureates, religious reformers, and so on. They generally had something to contribute to their societies and the world.
However, as we all seek to do our best to be good, admirable, kind, and support others, we also face difficulties that discourage or hinder us from making progress with our quest for goodness. The Bible in 2 Timothy chapter 3 reminds us of a time when many people do not seek good virtues; rather, they are selfish and unkind. Let us read 2 Timothy chapter 3 from verse 1 to 9.
- List the negative vibes/behaviours you have heard recently in some societies or news.
- Discuss how a community with five of the selected vibes will look like within six months. Choose the five behaviours or attitudes you want to discuss. You can take turns in the discussion, giving others the chance to make their own presentations too (not to be selfish or unkind to others in your use of time).
- What are the names of the two people mentioned in this passage of the Bible who were not good examples of their community?
Discuss the following Bible passages in your small group under the title: Person of good character.
Let us read 2 Timothy chapter three verses 10 to 15 and then divide ourselves into two or more groups with about five in each group for the following discussion time.
- What does it mean to carefully follow an evangelical biblical doctrine (biblical teaching)?
- Why is this Bible verse requesting readers not only to follow the teachings but also the way of life of the teacher?
- What is persecution, and why are good people sometimes persecuted?
- Someone to interpret verse 14. What does that mean?
- What benefits do children gain from the godly community and remain with them until adulthood? (verse 15).
Read the following Bible passages and discuss what you think about them.
| 1 Timothy 4:12 | Ephesians 4:32 |
| Matthew 5:16 | Hebrews 10:24-25 |
| John 13:34 | Philippians 3:17 |
| Proverbs 27:17 | 1 John 3:18 |
| Titus 2:7 | John 10:10 |
John 10:10 states that Jesus came to give life in abundant to those who believe in Him. He can save to the utmost as He lives to intercede for them. Believing Jesus, demonstrated by following His guidance will grant you eternal life and provide the strength to live according to God’s will, be a good example of Christian people, the children of God. Hebrews 7: 25. “Therefore He (Jesus Christ) is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them”
Memory verse: 2 Timothy 3: 16-17.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Summarise what you have gained from this study: ___________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Prayer session/commitment: Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing to us a long time ago that there will be a time like this, when people will choose wayward life instead of godly life. LORD Jesus, help me to choose the right path through Your inspired word (the Bible), and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Remind me always that human beings shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Remind me constantly to ask Satan to get away from me (get behind me Satan) and not to bow down for him during the hour of temptation. Make me a good example of a believer in Jesus’ Christ’s name. Amen.