-October 26, 2021-
Good morning, happy Tuesday,
“Let no one look despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
(1 Timothy 4:12).
Paul, the older, mature, servant of the Lord wrote two letters to Timothy instructing him how to conduct himself in the the church, as a leader and pastor in Ephesus. At this time, Timothy was still quite young, somewhere between 30-35 years old. He had already learned so much from Paul’s teaching and example. He was so loyal, faithful, trustworthy, godly, and devoted to Christ.
Paul was an encourager and helped many young men to serve the Lord, including Silas, Titus, John Mark, Demus, Luke, as well as Timothy. But there was something special about Timothy’s godly upbringing, unbridled zeal, and unquestioned dedication. In Philippians 2:19-22, “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.”
Paul considered Timothy his son in the faith and loved him very much. He tells Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, (or as it can be rendered, look down on your youthfulness).” As a young man he would be working with elders and deacons, and others, many of whom were much older than he was. He was telling Timothy, you are ready for this moment, this ministry. Paul of course wanted him to be confident, not arrogant, humble, yet strong in the faith, able to handle people’s problems in a loving, caring, and empathetic way. Youth has many privileges and advantages, but experience and maturity are not usually part of the equation. Timothy, however was mature beyond his years by spending so much time serving the Lord with Paul.
Paul’s advice to him in today’s verse covers the gamete of Christian life and ministry. The qualities that Paul espouses is shows that Timothy should “be an example to the believers.” All of us need to be examples before others, young and old in the church. He gives Timothy six specific things to show his example before others: in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. These fall into three main areas of character, conduct, and conversation.
1. In word – Our tongues can get us into more trouble than any other part of us. We usually say the wrong thing at the wrong time in the wrong way; or we say the right thing in the wrong way. Paul wrote in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
2. In conduct – The way we live out our lives toward others will either demonstrate our identification of Christ or will misrepresent Him. We need to practice our Christianity so that others will believe in Him and follow Him. Paul said in Philippians 1:27, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” Actions are stronger than words, and our actions must back up our words.
3. In love – We can do many good noble things, but unless we do them in love, it is all for naught. 1 Corinthians 16:14 tells us, “Let all that you do be done with love.” We must love each person, friend or foe, returning good for evil, and praying for those who wrong us.
4. In spirit – Some versions do not mention this one, though the best Greek manuscripts do have it. The word is not meaning the Holy Spirit, but our spirit, our character. It has to with our attitudes, motives, and desires. These show on our faces and come across in our actions.
5. In faith – We must have a practical faith that steadfast in Christ. We need to know what we believe, why we believe it, and how it affects our daily lives. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Faith sees us through difficulties, and helps overcome obstacles. Faith must be proven in how we handle life’s challenges.
6. In purity – Purity or personal holiness is sorely lacking today, whether in our relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, fellow saints, or anyone else. Peter wrote, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).
May the Lord help us as believers to be examples in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. We may stumble at times, but let us strive for them passionately, and practice them doggedly.
Have a blessed day being an example to the believers and others we come into conduct with. Stay safe and healthy.
In His grace,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 