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Set an Example, by Tim Challies (a Cruciform Quick booklet)
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…
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
Author
Tim Challies is a Christian, husband to Aileen and the father of three children aged 11 to 17. He is a co-founder of Cruciform Press and has written several books including The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment and Sexual Detox. He worships and serves as a pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario and writes daily at http://www.challies.com.
Sample External Reviews
As of this writing all Amazon reviews are 5-star. For example:
- “This books is short and to the point. Serious and set with high and practical expectations for all believers. I highly recommend it.”
- “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.”
- 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….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.”
Andrew (verified owner) –
Book is really well written, simple to read and to the point. There is a study guide for the book that is not sold here, but sold on the Visual Theology website. Not sure why it’s not mentioned here, but the study guide helps a lot.
Aaron Lee –
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.