Scripture 1

Matthew 23:1-11 Matthew is recounting his eye witness story of Jesus speaking to the a crowd and his disciples.

Observe/Interpret

1. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat and must be obeyed

a. Pharisee is derived from an Aramaic Word meaning separated. They were spiritual leader that focused on the Law of Moses.

b. Moses Seat was the most prominent seat in some ancient synagogues.

c. Here it identifies them as being in a place of spiritual power and therefore should be obeyed.

2. They were hypocrites and told people to obey the laws of Moses but did not obey them themselves.

3. They burdened the people with laws and rules and told them what to do but were not willing to help others.

a. This is reflective of Matthew and Mark describing how the leaders lorded their power over people.

d. (all of v 5 -7) They are show offs and looking for attention and praise

a. PHYLACTERIES See Photo

b. They were hypocrites but looked to receive praise for how they acted in front of people but not who they really were when no one is looking.

c. Integrity: they had none

d. Liars who's lies were used to control people for their own benefit and glory

e. V 8-10 BUT we should not wish to take Christ's place as spiritual leaders, teachers and fathers because we should all be looking to Christ to be our spiritual leader, teacher and father.

a. We should not want people to look to us but for us to point people to Jesus.

b. Luke 6:40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

f. Again Christ reminds us that that those who serve are the greatest among us

Scripture 2

1 Timothy 4:12 Paul is talking to Timothy who had joined Paul on his second missionary journey.

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Observe/Interpret

1. People are wrong to discount your relationship with God because you are young. But you are just as capable of being a good example of Christ and a good witness to people as any adult.

2. Your relationship with God is no less real or relevant just because you are young.

3. BUT this only applies if you are an example of Christ and not of the world.

Apply

1. How much have you learned spiritually by seeing examples you don’t want to follow and how much by seeing the proper example?

2. In what area of growth are you now struggling where you need a good example to follow.

3. Paul gives Timothy a list of ways to be an example. How can you use these in your life?

4. Who are the people whose lives might be affected by your example?

5. What do you think are the strongest areas you can lead or teach by example?

03 Jesus Style: Example