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Set an Example
God means for your life to be a canvas, the setting for a beautiful work of art. And he also expects this work of art to be seen, admired, and imitated…
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I want to speak to you if you are 16 or 18 or in your 20s, if you are in high school or college or just moving into marriage and career. I want to speak to you and want to speak with you.
There are many ways to invest your time at this stage of your life, but the Bible has convinced me that none is better than the pursuit of godliness. In Paul’s letter to young Timothy, you (yes, you!) are called to be an example to your peers and even to older Christians. He calls you to set an example of maturity and godliness in your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Join me as together we explore these areas and see how they apply to what you think, what you say, what is hidden in your heart, and what is broadcast in your life.
–Tim Challies
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I want to speak to you if you are 16 or 18 or in your 20s, if you are in high school or college or just moving into marriage and career. I want to speak to you and want to speak with you.
There are many ways to invest your time at this stage of your life, but the Bible has convinced me that none is better than the pursuit of godliness. In Paul’s letter to young Timothy, you (yes, you!) are called to be an example to your peers and even to older Christians. He calls you to set an example of maturity and godliness in your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Join me as together we explore these areas and see how they apply to what you think, what you say, what is hidden in your heart, and what is broadcast in your life.
–Tim Challies
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
12 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Tim Challies
61 books1,565 followersTim Challies is a leading evangelical blogger. A self-employed web designer, Tim lives in the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 27, 2021
Pequeno livro, voltado mais para jovens e adolescentes, onde Tim Challies trabalha as cinco características que o apóstolo Paulo orienta o jovem Timóteo a ser exemplo: palavra, procedimento, amor, fé e pureza. Cada capítulo o autor aborda uma das características e ao final deixa algumas perguntas para reflexão.
December 8, 2017
Tim Challies has established himself as a faithful Christian and writer who seeks to serve and encourage the church. For several years, Challies has made many significant contributions on his popular blog encouraged many through his writing ministry. His latest project features a series of booklets which address foundational matters of Christian living.
Set An Example is a short but powerful exposition of 1 Timothy 4:12 - “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” What makes this book especially meaningful is that the author targets Christian young people in particular.
Challies compares the Christian life to a canvas: “God means for your life to be a canvas, the setting for a beautiful work of art. And he also expects this work of art will be seen, admired, imitated.”
The booklet is arranged in six chapters that follow the basic pattern in 1 Timothy 4:12. As such, readers are encouraged to set an example in:
Speech
Conduct
Love
Faith
Purity
Challies admonishes young believers, “The biggest way, the best way, the primary way to serve your church is to pursue godliness, to grow in wisdom and knowledge, in character and obedience. Set an example, be an example. Make your life a beautiful work of art.” Each of the external and internal qualities that Paul refers to in 1 Timothy 4:12 are explored, explained, and illustrated in a way that young people can understand.
It is difficult in such a short review to articulate how powerful this little booklet really is. The writing is direct and challenges readers without being overbearing. A major benefit of this work is Challies’ emphasis on the local church. Young readers will quickly see the importance and benefit of plugging into their respective churches and serving with zeal and faithfulness. Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter which challenges readers to apply what they have learned.
“This is your challenge as a young person in the church today. You are to have faith, faith that is rooted and grounded in God as he reveals himself through the Word … Be a man or woman of the Word. Devote yourself to Scripture. As you do this, your faith will grow, and as your faith grows, so will your faithfulness,” writes Tim Challies. Set An Example is the kind of material that should be absorbed by youth groups and utilized by fathers who seek to disciple their children. I recommend it highly!
Set An Example is a short but powerful exposition of 1 Timothy 4:12 - “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” What makes this book especially meaningful is that the author targets Christian young people in particular.
Challies compares the Christian life to a canvas: “God means for your life to be a canvas, the setting for a beautiful work of art. And he also expects this work of art will be seen, admired, imitated.”
The booklet is arranged in six chapters that follow the basic pattern in 1 Timothy 4:12. As such, readers are encouraged to set an example in:
Speech
Conduct
Love
Faith
Purity
Challies admonishes young believers, “The biggest way, the best way, the primary way to serve your church is to pursue godliness, to grow in wisdom and knowledge, in character and obedience. Set an example, be an example. Make your life a beautiful work of art.” Each of the external and internal qualities that Paul refers to in 1 Timothy 4:12 are explored, explained, and illustrated in a way that young people can understand.
It is difficult in such a short review to articulate how powerful this little booklet really is. The writing is direct and challenges readers without being overbearing. A major benefit of this work is Challies’ emphasis on the local church. Young readers will quickly see the importance and benefit of plugging into their respective churches and serving with zeal and faithfulness. Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter which challenges readers to apply what they have learned.
“This is your challenge as a young person in the church today. You are to have faith, faith that is rooted and grounded in God as he reveals himself through the Word … Be a man or woman of the Word. Devote yourself to Scripture. As you do this, your faith will grow, and as your faith grows, so will your faithfulness,” writes Tim Challies. Set An Example is the kind of material that should be absorbed by youth groups and utilized by fathers who seek to disciple their children. I recommend it highly!
June 15, 2020
In this book, Tim Challies examines 1 Timothy 4:12: Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Paul is speaking to Timothy, and he calls him to set an example with his life. This book is memorably framed around the concept of our life as a work of art. Our life is the canvas.
Practical Suggestions
In less than 50 pages and over 6 chapters, Challies gives us practical suggestions for setting an example. Displaying correct conduct includes attending church, being all-in, being a servant, and being visible.
Challies challenges us to set an example in our love by making friends. Older people, younger people, those of a different ethnicity, and those with disabilities are all potential friends.
High Expectations
When speaking about faith, Challies suggests that we are to display faith and faithfulness. It is a strong inner faith in God as well as an evidence of the outward working of that faith. Of course, it all goes back to studying Scripture and living out what it says.
Challies does not pull any punches when it comes to demonstrating purity. We are to have high expectations, encompassing the areas of pure hands, a pure heart, and a pure mind. This book is brief but filled with wisdom.
Masterpieces
I would not necessarily consider myself a younger man, but I still have many areas in my life where I can set an example for older believers. And I hope to instill these traits in the character of my children, the younger men I disciple and serve with, as well as my youth Sunday School students. May God make our lives into the masterpieces they were meant to be.
I received a media copy of Set an Example and this is my honest review.
Paul is speaking to Timothy, and he calls him to set an example with his life. This book is memorably framed around the concept of our life as a work of art. Our life is the canvas.
Practical Suggestions
In less than 50 pages and over 6 chapters, Challies gives us practical suggestions for setting an example. Displaying correct conduct includes attending church, being all-in, being a servant, and being visible.
Challies challenges us to set an example in our love by making friends. Older people, younger people, those of a different ethnicity, and those with disabilities are all potential friends.
High Expectations
When speaking about faith, Challies suggests that we are to display faith and faithfulness. It is a strong inner faith in God as well as an evidence of the outward working of that faith. Of course, it all goes back to studying Scripture and living out what it says.
Challies does not pull any punches when it comes to demonstrating purity. We are to have high expectations, encompassing the areas of pure hands, a pure heart, and a pure mind. This book is brief but filled with wisdom.
Masterpieces
I would not necessarily consider myself a younger man, but I still have many areas in my life where I can set an example for older believers. And I hope to instill these traits in the character of my children, the younger men I disciple and serve with, as well as my youth Sunday School students. May God make our lives into the masterpieces they were meant to be.
I received a media copy of Set an Example and this is my honest review.
September 26, 2019
Livreto muito interessante para abordar em grupos de adolescentes/jovens. As perguntas ao fim de cada capítulo certamente serão úteis para aplicação.
October 25, 2021
This short book is based on 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers and the example in speech in conduct, in love, in faith, inpurity.” . It Is geared toward a younger audience but it was on my bookshelf so l decided to read it.
Each chapter breaks the verse down in the following manner-
Chapter 1- An overview os setting an example
Chapter 2- Set an example in your speech
Chapter 3-Set an example in your conduct
Chapter 4-Set an example in your love
Chapter 5-Set an example in your faith
Chapter 6-Set an example in your purity
Each chapter concludes with questions to consider based on day preceding chapter. A good book with good points made geared toward the younger audience. It is well written and concise. Perhaps a good resource for an older Christian seeking a younger Christian. Leaves one wondering, though, whether or not the older Christian is older chronologically or spiritually?
Each chapter breaks the verse down in the following manner-
Chapter 1- An overview os setting an example
Chapter 2- Set an example in your speech
Chapter 3-Set an example in your conduct
Chapter 4-Set an example in your love
Chapter 5-Set an example in your faith
Chapter 6-Set an example in your purity
Each chapter concludes with questions to consider based on day preceding chapter. A good book with good points made geared toward the younger audience. It is well written and concise. Perhaps a good resource for an older Christian seeking a younger Christian. Leaves one wondering, though, whether or not the older Christian is older chronologically or spiritually?
February 29, 2024
Great booklet examining 1 Timothy 4:12.
No fluff or anecdotes. Direct and motivating. Questions at the end of each section to prompt self reflection.
Target audience is the young Christian, the author specifically mentioning teens-early 20's. The style and level of writing though makes is available to a younger audience. Listening comprehension probably 2-4th grade. Reading comprehension probably 4-5th grade.
Even though it is targeted to a younger audience, the main message is for any age, and I will personally benefit from rereading it.
Adding to homeschool curriculum every year.
No fluff or anecdotes. Direct and motivating. Questions at the end of each section to prompt self reflection.
Target audience is the young Christian, the author specifically mentioning teens-early 20's. The style and level of writing though makes is available to a younger audience. Listening comprehension probably 2-4th grade. Reading comprehension probably 4-5th grade.
Even though it is targeted to a younger audience, the main message is for any age, and I will personally benefit from rereading it.
Adding to homeschool curriculum every year.
June 27, 2022
Quick, simple, challenging, practical, all around a great read for younger adults (his target audience) to meditate on our speech, conduct, love, faith and purity as an example to believers.
“Right now, in these years, at this stage of life, train yourself for godliness. There are many things that will and must capture your attention. There are many priorities competing for your time. None of them are more important than this: train yourself to be godly.” (Pg. 45)
“Right now, in these years, at this stage of life, train yourself for godliness. There are many things that will and must capture your attention. There are many priorities competing for your time. None of them are more important than this: train yourself to be godly.” (Pg. 45)
March 2, 2018
An easy read
This booklet is a quick read, but should be read slowly. Highly recommended for anyone that is a teacher or interacts with teens. Especially recommend it to teens in leadership roles at school or church youth groups.
This booklet is a quick read, but should be read slowly. Highly recommended for anyone that is a teacher or interacts with teens. Especially recommend it to teens in leadership roles at school or church youth groups.
September 29, 2018
Sound and practical
This books is short and to the point. Serious and set with high and practical expectations for all believers. I highly recommend it.
This books is short and to the point. Serious and set with high and practical expectations for all believers. I highly recommend it.
August 16, 2021
Ótimo! Direto, bonito e prático. Descobrir que temos tanto a aprender com apenas um versículo é incrível, mostra o poder e a veracidade da Bíblia.
September 12, 2022
Se ejemplo
Un libro sencillo de leer y práctico dirigido a los jóvenes. Tim Challies desarrolla 1 Timoteo 4:12. De mucho ánimo, lo leímos juntos con mi hijo
Un libro sencillo de leer y práctico dirigido a los jóvenes. Tim Challies desarrolla 1 Timoteo 4:12. De mucho ánimo, lo leímos juntos con mi hijo
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January 9, 2022Un regalo ideal para adolescentes y jóvenes
Considero que es un regalo ideal para adolescentes y jóvenes, aunque adultos también pueden beneficiarse de su lectura obviamente. Muy bello y práctico.
Considero que es un regalo ideal para adolescentes y jóvenes, aunque adultos también pueden beneficiarse de su lectura obviamente. Muy bello y práctico.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews