10 Commandments of Church Effectiveness

Set an Example for the Believers

Commandments so far…

#1 – Present yourself as one approved#2 – Lift up holy hands in prayer#3 – In doctrine show integrity#4 – Flee evil desires

Who’s Watching Us?

•Our neighbors•Our friends•Our acquaintances•Our Christian family•Our God.

•What example do others see us showing in our lifestyle?

•Commandment #5 –Set An Example for Believers

•1 Timothy 4:12 -- Don'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.

The value of a good example

1 Corinthians 11:1 -- Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Philippians 3:18-19-- For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

The tragedy of a bad example

•1 Corinthians 10:6-- Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.

Jude 1:7 -- In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

The Flawless Example Of Jesus the Christ

John 13:15 -- I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

1 Peter 2:20b-21 -- But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

In what areas should we set example?

In speech

Colossians 4:6 -- Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Ephesians 4:29 -- Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

In love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a -- Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails

John 13:35 -- By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

In Faith

2 Peter 1:5 -- For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge….

In purity

Proverbs 30:12-- …those who are pure in their own eyes        and yet are not cleansed of their filth…

Philippians 4:8 -- Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

A special note to our youth…

Let no man look down on your youthfulness.

Learn holiness and purity when you are young…

Ecclesiastes 12:1, 6 -- Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"-

6 “Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,        or the golden bowl is broken;        before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,        or the wheel broken at the well….”

Our holy example should be the same whether we are with the church or in our everyday lives.

To be an effective church we must be permeated with Christ.

To be an effective church we must live good and godly lives before others, letting them see the beauty of Jesus in each of us.