Being a model of the Model

Scripture Read: Titus 2:6–8 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.

Application: What does it mean t be an example? Can anyone be an example? How about a “good” example? My Uncle use to tell me everyone can be a “good” example. I was young so I accepted that, then as I matured I questioned whether that could be true. I asked him again and he restated – everyone can be a good example, even if it is a …. “good” example of a “bad” example! He was right! Example: This word has a wide range of meaning – but with some real fascinating thoughts

Example - τύπος túpos - to strike, smite with repeated strokes. A type, i.e., something caused by strokes or blows. (I) A mark, print, impression (John 20:25). (II) A figure, form. (A) Of an image, statue (Acts 7:43 quoted from Amos 5:26). (B) Of the form, manner, of the style of a letter (Acts 23:25); a doctrine (Rom. 6:17). (C) Figuratively of a person as bearing the form and figure of another, as having a certain resemblance in relations and circumstances (Rom. 5:14). (III) A prototype, pattern. - The NT occasionally uses τύπος in the traditional senses “mark” (Jn. 20:25), “idol” (Ac. 7:43 == Am. 5:26), “text” (formulation and contents) of a letter (Ac. 23:25). In Paul, the Pastorals and 1 Pt. it is used 6 times for the determinative “example” of the obedience of faith, also in R. 6:17 for Christian teaching as a mould and norm. ^{[1] [2]}

What I find so interesting is that the word used for scar in John 20 is this word. Here the Lord offering proof to Thomas of His resurrection shows a “mark” - His scar. How appropriate that this word is employed by Paul when encouraging Titus in his walk. Whenever anyone considers Who Christ is, What He did, a simple scar – that mark – states it all! In that mark is communicated all his love, sacrifice and pain. The total of the Passion – no comments needed. The mark states it all. So when Paul emphasizes to Titus that as Christians we need to set the standard of what Christ-likeness is. We know this is true. If anyone was ask you to describe what a Christian is everyone of us could answer it with one word – Paul. He was and is the example of what being a Christian is suppose to be. This is what Paul was encouraging in Titus, not in an egotistical way, because it was never about Paul. He told followers to follow him where he imitated Christ. This is what he is doing to Titus. Live in such a way that no one can speak a word against you due to how you live – not just talk. Too many examples have been, “do what I say, not what I do!” This should never be the model of a Christian. We lead by our life and our words back that up! We should want our life to have the mark of Christ on it in such a way that all who look will see it clearly. 

* Meditation Questions: How close is the private you from the public you? Do people know what you believe about how to live just by watching you? How do you feel when you preach what you don’t practice? Why do we do this? What steps can you take to change that?

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

^[2] Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.