The Life of Jesus

Episode 43: Lead By Example

Release Date: March 29, 2026
Host: Fox Audio Network with Ainsley Earhardt
Featured Actors: Sean Astin, Kristen Bell, Neal McDonough, Blair Underwood, Malcolm McDowell, Stacy Keach, Hill Harper, Julia Ormond, Michael York, Brian Cox, John Rhys-Davies

Episode Overview

This episode, "Lead By Example," focuses on the Apostle Paul's mentorship of Timothy, as chronicled in Paul's first and second letters to Timothy. Through dramatic readings and narration, the episode delves into Paul's exhortations about leadership, practical guidance for early Christian communities, personal encouragement, and the spiritual responsibilities of those serving in the church. The episode highlights how Paul's message—rooted in humility, faith, and selfless service—contrasts with worldly notions of authority and power.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Background of Timothy

[00:17–01:04]

• Ainsley Earhardt introduces Timothy as a young believer raised by a Jewish mother and Gentile father.
• Timothy is commended for his early faith and is seen by Paul as a promising leader, unimpeded by his youth or background.

2. Paul's First Letter to Timothy

[01:47–Throughout]

• Warning Against False Teachings:
  Paul urges Timothy to confront those teaching "different doctrine" and to avoid "myths and endless genealogies." The goal of faith is "love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith."

  "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith." — Paul [03:00]

• Purpose of the Law:
  The law is for the "lawless and disobedient," not the just, underscoring the need for understanding and mercy.
• Paul's Own Example of Mercy:
  Paul recounts his past as "the foremost of sinners," yet chosen as an example of Christ’s "perfect patience."

  "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the foremost of sinners. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me as the foremost Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience." — Paul [04:45]

3. Instructions for Church Leadership

• On Bishops and Deacons:
  Detailed criteria for those aspiring to leadership: above reproach, self-controlled, experienced, respectable in their households, not motivated by greed or violence.

  "If a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for God's church?" — Paul [10:40]

• On Women in the Church:
  Paul urges modesty and good deeds, proposing a countercultural view on gender roles in worship, reflecting 1st-century norms.
• Qualities of Service:
  Emphasizes sincerity, tested faith, and a pure conscience for all leaders and servants within the church community.

4. Perseverance, Teaching, and Leading by Example

• Sustaining Faith under Challenge:
  Advice to hold fast, avoid "godless and silly myths," and to train oneself in godliness, which "holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

  "While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way." — Paul [15:10]

• Exhortation for Young Leaders:
  Encouragement not to be discouraged by youth:

  "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." — Paul [16:54]

• Public Reading and Use of Spiritual Gifts:
  Timothy is reminded to "attend to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, to teaching," and not to neglect the spiritual gift given to him by the elders' laying on of hands.

5. Community Living and Care

• Respect Across Generations:
  Instruction to treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, and women as mothers or sisters, always in purity.
• Provision for Widows:
  Paul details responsibilities for caring for widows, with an emphasis on family obligation and church discernment in providing for those truly in need.

6. Warnings Against Materialism and Quarrels

• Dangers of Wealth:
  A strong admonition not to seek riches, warning that "the love of money is the root of all evils."

  "For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world... the love of money is the root of all evils." — Paul [23:20]

• Faithfulness and Generosity:
  The rich are urged to be humble, generous, and "rich in good deeds."

7. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy (Opening)

• Personal Encouragement:
  Paul affirms Timothy's sincere faith, “that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice"—a touching generational testimony.
• Spirit of Boldness:
  Timothy is reminded:

  "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love and self control." — Paul [24:20]

• Unashamed Suffering:
  Paul shares his own suffering for the Gospel as an example of enduring faith and trust in God.
• Guarding the Truth:
  Paul instructs Timothy to "guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit."

8. Reflection on Leadership in God’s Kingdom

[25:58–27:23]

• Leadership is redefined as selfless service rather than authority or prestige.
• A godly leader seeks to equip and lift up others.

  "Done God's way, [leadership] is nothing more or less than a call to serve to a higher degree." — Ainsley Earhardt [26:30]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Leadership:

  "This is not the way in God's Kingdom... Leading others in the way God desires means to give unselfishly of time, resources and abilities." — Ainsley Earhardt [25:58]

• On Example-Setting:

  "Set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." — Paul [16:54]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:17–01:04]: Intro to Timothy and his background
• [01:47–24:00]: Dramatic reading of 1 Timothy
  • [03:00]: Charge to teach in love, avoid false doctrines
  • [10:40]: Qualities required of church leaders
  • [15:10]: Physical versus spiritual training
  • [16:54]: Encouragement for young leaders
  • [23:20]: Teaching on wealth and contentment
• [24:00–25:14]: Start of 2 Timothy; personal encouragement from Paul
  • [24:20]: “God did not give us a spirit of timidity…”
• [25:58–27:23]: Modern reflection on godly leadership and its true purpose

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive look at Paul's guidance on Christian leadership, personal integrity, and spiritual endurance, blending powerful readings with reflective narration. The message emphasizes selfless service, consistent example-setting, and steadfastness in faith—principles that remain strikingly relevant for listeners seeking to live and lead by Christ’s example.