L.I.F.E - Living in our Father's Expectation

In April 20th 1999, two young men entered Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado and embarked on a massacre, killing 12 students and one teacher. During the last shooting before killing themselves, they reached a 17-year-old girl named Cassie Bernall. Putting a gun to her head, they asked "Do you believe in God?" She paused for a second, and then she said, "Yes." Staring at her, the gunman asked, "Why?" Before she could answer, one of the killers pulled the trigger and shot her, killing her instantly. Her death has sparked a spiritual revival among youth all over America. Four days after her death 73,000 teenagers met in Michigan and remembered her. As a result of this tragedy, many young people have come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. She has become an example, a role model for many young people.

Paul instructed Timothy to be an example to others. In 1st Timothy 4:12 Paul says “1Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Paul tells Timothy how to get others to respect his authority. It can all be summed up in the word "example." Paul tells Timothy things he can do that will manifest his godly character and authority to others in such a way that will make them respect the position in which God has placed him.

The word “example” mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:12 refers to the Greek word “Tupos” that means “to become a pattern”. Being an example here refers to be a pattern for others to emulate us. In a nutshell, we are called to be a role model.

Paul specifically mention to Timothy five areas where need to set example. They are in – Speech, Life, Love, Faith and Purity. Today, I would like to zoom into the one of are that is LIFE. How can we be an example to others through our LIFE? I believe on of the key area where we can be a example is through living a life that is after our Heavenly Father’s desire and will – Living in Father’s Expectation – L.I.F.E

The original Greek word for life in the context of 1 Timothy is 4:12 is “Anastrophe”. It means manner of life, or conduct or behaviour. Godly living that earns respect has to be more than words. It must include the things we say backed up by consistent actions. I strongly believe a man is what he lives, not what he says. And when a man lives what he says, there is power and authority in his message. Our conduct or behavior or the way we live must be consistent with what we say.

How can we live a life that is in line with our Father’s expectation? Well the same Paul who gave instruction to Timothy also gives some guidelines to us in the last three chapters of the book of Ephesians. Do spend some time to read the Ephesians Chapter 4 till Chapter 6. Paul starts Ephesians Chapter 4 with the statement “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called ...” The word walk in Greek is translated as “daily conduct”. It is amazing how the word Life in 1 Timothy 4:12 is connected with the word walk in Ephesians 4:1. Paul is giving us the guidelines how we can be an example through our life.

Here are 7 principles that we can derive from the last 3 chapters of Ephesians. Since this article is inclined for young readers, the points derived are aligned for the need of young people.

1. We are to walk in Unity (Ephesians 4:1-16)

2. We are to walk in Distinctness (Ephesians 4:17-32)

3. We are to walk in Love and Purity (Ephesians 5:1-7)

4. We are to walk in Light (Ephesians 5:8-14)

5. We are to walk in Wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-17)

6. We are to walk in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

7. We are to walk in Obedience (Ephesians 6:1-3)

There is a outcome/result when we walk in our Father’s Expectation. Hebrew 13:7 says “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” The result of our good conduct will lead others to follow us and follow our God.

In a nutshell, we need to guard our way of life. Watch what we do that it mirrors Christ; because I can guarantee others will notice when it doesn't. If we are going to mould others to the image of Christ than our general conduct had best be of godliness – that is Living in our Father’s Expectation.

Be Blessed.