1. The Value of Good Examples

2. Heb 11:1-6 1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh

3. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

4. Examples: The Bible speaks of Examples We are taught by: Direct Command Matt.28:18-20 Approved apostolic examples Acts 20:7 Necessary Inference Acts 20:7

5. Who are you following? Who is following you?

6. It Takes Faith: Heb. 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. “ Confidence in what we hope for Assurance about what we do not see (NIV)

7. Faith illustrated: Heb. 11:3 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

8. People listed in Heb. 11 of great faith Heb. 11:1-32

9. Abel, (Gen. 4:1-16) Enoch, (Gen.5:21-26) Noah,(Gen.,6:1-9.17) Abraham, (Gen. 12:1-9;17:-8; Rom. 4) Sarah,(Gen. 18:1-15;21:1-8) Isaac,(Gen.17:1-40) Jacob, (Gen. 48:1-22) Joseph, (Gen. 37-50) Moses, (Exodus 1-15; 19-34) Israel, (Heb. 11:29-30)

10. Rahab – (Joshua 2:1,3;6:21-25) Gideon,(Judges 4-16) Barak, (Judges 4-16) Samson, (Judges 4-16) Jephthah, (Judges 4-16) David,(I Sam.16:1-l Kings 2:11; esp. I Sam. 17) Samuel,(Isam. 1:1- I Sam. 25:1) the prophets (I Sam. 25 ff)

11. What did the heroes in Heb. 11 look forward to receiving? Heb. 11:13-16 The promises of God. Specifically: The heavenly country and the city prepared by God. That’s what we want,isn’t it?

12. What were some of the amazing things that these people did by faith? Heb. 11:33-35 1. Subdued kingdoms 2. Worked righteousness 3. Obtained promises 4. Stopped the mouth of lions

13. 5. Quenched the violence of fire 6. Escaped the edge of the sword 7. Became valiant in battle. 8. Women received their dead raised to life again

14. What did these people endure Heb.11:35-38 1. Torture 2. Mocking 3. Scourging 4. Chains of imprisonment. 5. Stoned 6. Sawn in two 7. Wandering destitute in mountains and caves. 8. Afflicted 9.Tormented.

15. What did these people obtain? Heb. 11:39-40 1. A good testimony 2. The promise (The promise of the Messiah!) 3. That they may be made perfect together with us. (Obtain salvation and the living in the heavenly city) Isn’t that what we all want????????????

16. We learn from God’s Word, James 2:14-26 True faith leads to action! Faith without works is dead!

17. Importance of: Imitating those who are good examples I Cor. 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Phil.3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. Heb. 13:7 7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

18. Who is my role model as a Christian?

19. #1 Who is your example? Is it the Lord Jesus Christ? I Pet. 2:21 2 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1. It was for Paul. Gal. 2:20 2. He should be our example.

20. In what should we look to Jesus as our example On how to please one another. Romans 15:1-3 On how to love one another. Eph. 5:1-2 One how to look out for one another. Phil. 2:4-5 On how to suffer patiently when mistreated. I Pet. 2:20-23

21. Whose example am I as a Christian?

22. What kind of example do I set as a Christian?

23. Paul’s Instruction to us! Phil. 3:12 To not consider themselves as having obtained perfection. Phil. 3:12b-15 To press on to maturity To live according to the level they have learned. Phil. 3:16 To enjoy a close relationship with the God of peace. Phil. 4:9

24. Whose Example among men are you following? Many Christians today are examples worthy of emulating!

25. WHOSE EXAMPLE ARE YOU? Is it not other Christians. Your brothers and sisters in the Lord? Especially those who are babes in Christ? But even older Christians? Christians should be mindful of their example on one another I Thess. 1:7 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia I Tim.4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

26. Is it not Young Children? 1. Children look up to their parents. Eph.6:1 2. Christians should be mindful of their example upon the young. Matt. 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

27. What do Young children and young folks often see today? 1. People who drink whiskey, beer, wine, etc. 2. Hear people talk trashy. 3. See people viewing filthy literature, films, etc. 4. Having parents take drugs in their presence. 5. See a display of sexual immorality. 6. Think more of the world than they do of God!.

28. Whether we want to be or not, we are examples seen by the young in years and young in the faith

29. Examples upon Unbelievers? Have others obeyed the gospel of Christ because of the example they saw in you? Do others see us ‘walk the talk”? People judge the church by its members? Christians should be mindful of their example seen by the world. I Pet. 2:12. 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation

30. What kind of example are you? I. Is it indicative of a faithful Christian..? a) Are you showing the world what it means to be a Christian? Matt. 5:16 b) Are you showing babes in Christ what maturity means as a disciple? Rom. 15:1 They that are strong should bear the infirmities of the weak… Are you helping or hindering discipleship in others??

31. Is your example conducive to church growth? 1. Is your church attendance a noble pattern of faithful church attendance? Heb. 10:25 2. Are you setting a good example of developing one’s abilities For Christ? I Pet.3:18 3. Do you get involved in setting the model of involvement in service to the Lord and His church? Acts 8:4 “Therefore, they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the Word. “ Is your example helping or hindering the progress of the church?

32. If every member of the church was just like you, what kind of church would this be? Would you want a child or new Christian to follow your example? If every member of O’Neal provide the same example as you: a) Would the church be strong? b) Would the church be growing? c) Would the church have service on Sunday and Wednesday nights? d) Would the church even exist?

33. We cannot escape being an example to others. Your only choice is what kind of example you will be. Will you be one of the many “examples worth following?”