Setting the Example: Conduct

The apostle Paul instructed a young pastor named Timothy “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV

This is the same instruction the apostle Peter gave. Addressing pastors he wrote “As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” 1 Peter 5:1-3 NLT

The word example here (τύπος) means “pattern,” or “model,” which is what a pastor ought to be to the flock. While none of us will be a perfect example, the people who attend our church (generally speaking) ought to be able to look at our lives and see what a godly life looks like. And according to Paul, we’re to set the example in at least five areas: speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. And in this post we’re focusing in on setting an example with our conduct (ἀναστροφῇ). 

The word conduct refers to our behavior, our everyday manner of living. 

When someone comes to faith in Christ they’re to abandon their former life, which was driven by their sinful nature, and adopt a new way of life, driven by the Holy Spirit. It’s out with the old and in with the new! 

The apostle Paul does a wonderful job of describing this change in behavior that should come with salvation, writing, “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, ²² throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. ²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. ²⁵ So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. ²⁶ And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ for anger gives a foothold to the devil. ²⁸ If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. ²⁹ Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. ³⁰ And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:21-32 NLT 

Here, with one example after another, Paul shares the change in behavior (the change in conduct) that ought to accompany salvation. 

• If you used to lie, start telling the truth. 
• If you used to steal, start being generous. Stealing is taking from others. Generosity is giving to others, which is the opposite of stealing. 
• If you used to use your mouth to spew filthy language, start using it to encourage people. 
• If you used to treat people harshly, start treating them kindly. 

You see? There’s to be a change in our behavior when we come to faith in Christ. And church leaders are supposed to model this change for those they lead. Since more is caught than taught and since people will follow what we do more than what we say, it’s vitally important that how we live reflects the change that comes with new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

May we all strive to get to the place, where like the apostle Paul, we would feel comfortable telling those we lead, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV 

DISCUSSION QUESTION: As a staff member at New Day, you lead other staff or a team of volunteers. Whatever the case may be, would you be comfortable telling those you lead to imitate your conduct? Why or why not?