Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
[Whose example are you following? You are imitating either Christ or some other Christian (either
living or dead). Does your life suggest that the example you are following is less than exemplary (e.g.,
the Laodiceans - Re 3:14-16)? Closely related to this is another question...]
II. WHOSE EXAMPLE ARE YOU?
A. IS IT NOT OTHER CHRISTIANS...?
1. Your brothers and sisters in the Lord?
2. Especially those who are babes in Christ?
3. But even older Christians?
-- Christians should be mindful of their example on one another - cf. 1 Th 1:7; 1 Ti
4:12; Ti 2:7
B. IS IT NOT YOUNG CHILDREN...?
1. Who naturally look up to their parents?
2. Who are also influenced by others?
a. Adults like their parents
b. Older children as well
-- Christians should be mindful of their example upon the young - cf. Mt 18:6
C. IS IT NOT UNBELIEVERS...?
1. Who see if we “walk the talk”?
2. Who often gauge the value of following Christ by our example?
3. Who judge the church by its members?
-- Christians should be mindful of their example seen by the world - cf. 1 Pe 2:12
[Whether we want to be or not, we are examples to others, especially the young in years and young in
faith. So let me ask...]
III. WHAT KIND OF EXAMPLE ARE YOU?
A. IS IT INDICATIVE OF A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN...?
1. Showing the world what it means to be a Christian?
2. Showing babes in Christ what maturity means as a disciple?
-- Is your example helping or hindering discipleship in others?
B. IS IT CONDUCIVE TO CHURCH GROWTH...?
1. Offering a noble pattern of faithful church attendance?
2. Setting a good example of developing one's abilities for Christ?
3. Providing a worthy model of involvement in service to the Lord and His Church?
-- Is your example helping or hindering the progress of the church?
C. IS IT WORTHY OF EMULATION...?
1. Would you want a child or new Christian to follow your example?
2. If every member provided the same example as you...
a. Would the church be strong?
b. Would the church be growing?
c. Would the church have service on Sunday and Wednesday nights?
Topical Sermons 119