Be Thou an Example

Required of the servants of the Lord according to 1 Corinthians 4:2

That he/she be faithful

Group that is Selected to be the example in 1 Corinthians 4:9-17 are the apostles.

However today it is not just the apostles but any person that choose to follow Christ. It’s the people who see the warning signals but choose to follow good instead of bad.

There are many times when one knows what’s right and understands it but doesn’t act upon it. It is not enough to simply know what is right. One has to chose it and be it. If he/she decides to be examples they have to genuinely let their light shine and they can othey get that shine only if the act upon what is right. (Alma 39:11–12)

There is an additional power that comes to those who live what they know. If what they know is good and right, then they will have the power of Christ. They will have the Holy Ghost testify to others that it is all good J

Counsel for Missionaries

Paul Missionary Attributes

Paul was a missionary and a good one in fact. He was a prime example of Jesus Christ. Here are some attributes that he had for teaching others of the Gospel:

1 Thessalonians 1:1–6

Grateful for the investigators (2)

Prayed personally for each of their investigators (2)

Saw everyone as a descendent of God (4)

Inviting of the Holy Ghost (5)

1 Thessalonians 2:1–13

Made humble by difficult experiences (2)

Used simple and clear words (4&5)

Were gentle with people (7)

Lost themselves & cared for others (8)

Preached the gospel, not anything else (9)

Let investigator know they have responsibility (10)

Gave glory to God (13)

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12

Prayed that they would accept the gospel

2 Thessalonians 3:7–9

Was a prime example

What Missionaries Can Do to Act and Teach in a Godly Manner

Missionaries today might look at Paul’s attributes as an example to model their missions. First and foremost, missionaries should lose themselves and only be worried for the children of God. If they emerge themselves in the work, they will be greatly blessed and successful. In 1 Thessalonians 2:8, it states, “willing to have imparted unto, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” Another important attribute is seeing everyone as a daughter/son of Heavenly Father, no matter his or her appearance or habits. Heavenly Father loves his children no matter what, so why can’t we either? It is important to understand that everyone deserves the gospel of Christ. Take every opportunity to reach out to someone a share this glorious truth. Once you have people to teach, teach as Christ and Paul would, in simple clear words. It is important that the investigator understands what the missionary is sharing. Sometimes it is hard, but if you try your best, the Holy Ghost will fill in the rest. Let them know that they are witnesses and they should ask God if what they learn is true. And Last but not Least, always pray for the people you teach and be an example, be as Christ was, humble and caring.

Apply these principles better in your life

As President David O. McKay once stated, “Every Member a Missionary,” we as member of the church have the responsibilities to do as Paul and missionaries do. However, we do it differently. We do it in our everyday lives. A key thing we must follow is seeing everyone as a daughter/son of God. We must treat others as our brothers and sisters, no matter how different they are. In the pre-existence, we all knew each other and loved each other, let us do the same on earth. Love each other.

Paul’s First Ministry

1. Paul started his ministry Antioch. He that went trough Salamis, Paphos, Antioch in Pisidia, Inconium, and Lycaonia.

2. Many people persecuted Paul and Banabas because of their beliefs. I bet they were a little bit discouraged but they never gave up! Missionaries today might even feel discouraged but they should read the outcomes of doing the work of the Lord:

• If you minister unto the Lord and pair it up with fasting and praying the Holy Ghost will prompt you.
• Once you receive that prompting you act, go forth and bear testimony, doing this will eventually bring people to Christ!
• Doing so will not only get others closer to Christ, but also bring you closer.

3. Some people may ask why do missionaries worry so much about going 2 by 2? However, its a ancient way. Barnabas was Paul companion. He was one of the first disciplines that taught in the regions listed above. He was a Levite from Cyprus. When he heard about the gospel, he dropped all he had and served the Lord. He was a great man who did everything and anything to build up the kingdom. He was considered an apostle, although not one of the twelve.

When the Lord is sending two missionaries, he is offering two testimonies to enter into the investigators heart. Having two is a great advantage because it is two bearing witness of the Lord. The spirit will be much stronger if the two are in tune with it themselves.

4.Paul healed a man, whom was crippled. When the people heard of this "miracle" they praised both Paul and Barnabas and declared them Gods. One thing lead to another and they started bring them animal sacrifices. When this occurred they both went into the city and explained that they were wrong and they should preach the Lord God!

5. There was vast contrast between Acts 14:8-13 and Acts 14:19-22. In the latter verses, some Jews from Antiock and Iconium persuaded the same people that in previous verses praised him, to persecute him by stoning him and dragging him out of the city and leaving him for dead. After he woke up Barnabas and him left the land.

After a while they both returned to that land to preach. They explained that one has to go through much tribulation to enter the Kingdom of God. Both experiences were examples of tribulation. At first, they received praise and they had to understand that glory is something that destroys. The other one was obvious physical tribulation. Sometime tribulation are going to be sneaky and other time they are going to obvious, but one must understand that they have to fight through it nonetheless to receive the Kingdom.

Questions. Acts 13-14

1. Using the map “Paul’s 1st Journey” found in the map section of the institute student manual (p. 218), list the name of the place Paul started this mission and four other cities he taught in.

2. Review Acts 13:1–5 and outline in writing three points that could help a missionary who is discouraged

3. Read the Bible Dictionary entry for “Barnabas” and the institute student manual commentary for Acts 9:27, “Who Was Barnabas?” (p. 259). Write a paragraph describing Barnabas. What blessings and advantages do you see for the Lord sending missionaries out two by two.

4. Review Acts 14:8–18. Explain in writing what happened to Paul and Barnabas. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to this praise and attention

5. Review Acts 14:19–22 and compare in writing the way the people treated Paul in these verses with how he and Barnabas were treated in Acts 14:8–13. How did Paul say we would enter the kingdom of God? How are both these experiences examples of the principle Paul taught in verse 22?