Worthy Examples! (part 5 of 9)

WORTHY EXAMPLES! (part 5 of 9)
In Faith!

Paul encouraged Timothy:
“. . . BUT SET THE BELIEVERS AN EXAMPLE . . . in FAITH, . . . ” ( 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV)
What marks our faith? Does our trust in God show? Do others see we really believe what God says and we trust in His promises? Do we have a surprising peace about us because we trust God? Do we have a faith accompanied by works? That is a worthy faith. That is a valid faith.
The Hebrew writer gave a long list of men and women who were to be viewed as heroes of faith ( Hebrews 11). These were listed to encourage Christians going through very trying times. These models of faith were (and are) worthy of being imitated. Therefore, throughout the Hebrew letter the encouragement toward steadfast faith was done through statements such as . . .
“(11) And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, (12) so that you may not be sluggish, but IMITATORS OF THOSE WHO THROUGH FAITH AND PATIENCE INHERIT THE PROMISES.” ( Hebrews 6:11-12 ESV)
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“(7) Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and IMITATE THEIR FAITH. (8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” ( Hebrews 13:7-8 ESV)
We need faith. But notice that patience goes with that faith as well. A faith that enables us to persevere. A faith that trusts enough in God to give us the courage to hang in there through the varying circumstances of life. A faith that is steadfast, remembering Christ is the same now as He was and will be and therefore the promises based on Him are a sure thing! Let us develop the type of faith that others may consider the outcome of our life and also see that it is a faith worthy of being imitated.
Have a great day FAITHFULLY MODELING A STEADFAST FAITH!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 11/03/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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