Living a life of Holiness, living life as an example

by Pastor Phil Collins

Living a holy life, a life of holiness is tough, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. No one is perfect. The world constantly tries to change our beliefs. We are called to higher spiritual and biblical standards, and people are watching us, especially the younger generation.

The enemy of our soul, and the world seeks to trip us up, and compromise our faith and belief system. What does it mean to compromise?

Compromise: (definition)

· To reach a settlement by making concessions.

· To reduce the quality, value, or degree of something.

A strong witness is shown when we stand firm against cultural pressures. The younger generation faces many challenges, and the church must encourage them to persevere and not give in. This includes the older generations as well.

Young and old alike has the potential to change the world they live in. Remember, God has a purpose for our life; don't let anyone say otherwise.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

We should strive to live our lives purposefully each day, serving as role models within our communities, society, and contemporary culture.

Jeremiah 29:5–7 NLT

5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

Many individuals await divine revelation regarding their life's purpose before taking action; however, this is not the intended divine plan. Even during periods of waiting for clarity on God's plan, we are expected to conduct our lives exemplarily/live by example.

Example: (definition)

One that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated. One that stands up for wehat they believe and will not be swayed.

Here’s the deal, our lives are example’s. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is.

Who ‘s your Examples?

· God

· Family

· Friends

· Co-workers

Who is the biggest influencer in your life? Are you an influencer?

Influencer: (definition)

· A power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort.

· A Power to sway or affect based on prestige, wealth, ability, or position.

I want to encourage everyone reading this, to live your life as example of Christ. If you claim to be a Christian you are saying, “I am Christ-like”, I will not do what the world, or someone else says I will listen to the voice of the Lord.

Let’s take a look at what that looks like.

1 Timothy 4:12–16 NLT

12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

We should be example in our development as believer’s verses 13-14.

Let’s look closely at verses 15-16

​1 Timothy 4:15–16 NLT

15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

What do those verses mean and what is Paul saying to Timothy?

Live a life of Holiness, one that pleases God, and be an example to other believers and the world.

The King James Version says, “be thou an example of the believers.” Some believe this is a more accurate translation, with the idea being that Timothy was to be the best representation possible of the Christian community.

This meant that Timothy, and every godly servant of God, should be an example:

• In what they say (word).

• In what they do (their conduct, actions, dealings, and attitudes).

• In their love. (for one another and the lost)

• In their Christian attitude (walking in the spirit of truth).

• In their faith (in the sense of faithfulness).

• In their purity. (how they dress, what they watch, who they associate with, partake of etc)

These are the things that Timothy needed to give attention to. Each of these things are centered on God’s Word.

Meditate on these things: Paul called Timothy to meditation on God’s Word and the work of God in his life. This is not emptying our minds (the goal of Eastern meditation) but filling our minds with God’s Word and truth.

Timothy was encouraged to give it his all, to put forth a maximum effort, and by doing so, his progress would be evident to all. At times when we are moving forward, it is because we do not give ourselves entirely to the pursuit of God and His will.

If fall short of all we can be for God, it's because we have become passive in our Christian life; we have failed to give ourselves entirely to the things we have been called to do and to the life we have been called to live. Jesus warned against this passive attitude in the parable of the talents, where the servant who did nothing was severely rebuked.

In closing, who are we serving? Are we truly sold out to Jesus? Whose voice(s) are we listening to, is it the worlds, our family, friends, or others? It is clear over and over in the bible, when we listen to the voice of the Lord, HE will bless, keep, secure, and reveal Himself to us.

Are we focused on God, are we living a godly life and are we an example of holiness to others?

Comments from readers

"Pastor Phil's insights through the Word of the Week have truly transformed my perspective on life's challenges. His simple yet profound words of encouragement help me make it through the day."

Emily Johnson

Springfield

"I find new strength and motivation through Pastor Phil's Word of the Week post. They resonate deeply and guide me in my daily life."

Michael Lee

Atlanta

"Recently I read pastor Phils word for the week on not being alone. Pastor Phils word, impacted me at a time when I felt like ending my life. After losing my wife to cancer, I did not want to live anymore, but now I know God is with me no matter what I face, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I am never alone."

William

Greensboro NC

"Recently while going through a touch situation in my life, I was devastated at the impact it had on my life emotionally. I was at my "wits end". I read books, talked with people, sought counseling, but nothing worked. After reading the Words for the week the past few weeks, I sense a change in my life attitude and decision making processing. It is amazing what a few words can do to change your life."

Barbara

Greensboro NC

"Thank you pastor Phil for your word of the week. I have been reading them since I found your website while searching for a church. Although you are in North Carolina, the past two months have been a blessing because the word you have been posting on your website is something have looked forward to. It means. a lot and I wanted to say thank you."

Harold R.

Fort Worth Texas