Three Minute Bible

May 27, 2026May 26, 2026

1 Timothy 4:12b – Word Power

[but set an example for the believers] … in speech…

Summary: Paul provides a list of ways believers should be an example to others. The first item on his list is “speech.”

In our meditation on 1 Timothy 4:11, we took a close look at the context of Paul’s words, “Command and teach these things.” Authority in the Body of Christ is not universal. We each have authority over our own bodies, but when it comes to the Body of Christ, we submit to a higher authority — that of Jesus Christ.

The problem with that plan — submitting to a ‘higher authority’ — is the abuse of speech. The proper use of speech, from God’s perspective, is speech that glorifies God and enriches all who hear it (Matthew 22:37-40). When people claim authority that they do not have, innocents can be drawn into false teachings.

What has Paul been warning us about?

“[I]n later times* some will … follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). The people who teach such things are “hypocritical liars” (v 2). Such people also spread “godless myths and old wives’ tales” (v 7).

Regardless of our status or authority in the Body of Christ, we all fall under Paul’s admonition to “set an example for the believers in speech” (v 12). Overseers and deacons are not the only ones who have influence over others.

The speech of husbands influences their wives. What mothers say has a strong influence on their children. Older children influence their younger siblings, and we all have influence on our peers.

When it comes to setting an example, no one is exempt.

When it comes to speech, God’s warnings and instructions apply to everyone.

Application: Be mindful of what comes out of the mouth (Matthew 7:3-5).

Food for Thought: Does God’s concern for how we express ourselves in speech apply to comments and conversations online? If so, how?

*Please note that we are now in those “later times.”

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May 26, 2026May 25, 2026

1 Timothy 4:12a – Leading by Example

Picture of a bowl of chocolate pudding (Grok)

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers …

Summary: Paul’s instruction to Timothy is something that is still true today. Everyone needs a good role model to follow.

1 Timothy 4:12 is another passage rich in content. In this sentence, Paul instructs and encourages Timothy because he is “young.” (“Young” in this context meant that Timothy didn’t have grey hair yet.)

Timothy was probably in his mid-thirties when Paul’s first letter to him arrived. People tended to equate authority with old age. The idea that someone of Timothy’s age could be in charge was new. It wouldn’t be a surprise to either Paul or Timothy if people looked twice at someone Timothy’s age in his role as a church leader.

One thing that Timothy could do without being questioned is to set an example for other believers.

As a believer in Christ, others look at us and want to know, “Do you really believe what you say?” The proof, as they say, is “in the pudding.”

When we say the “proof is in the pudding,” what we mean is that we don’t know whether it is good or not until we taste it. The same is true for people. People can say anything they want, but the “proof” is in what they do.

“But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” (James 2:18)

Paul wants Timothy to set an example for believers. Believers who follow Timothy’s example will live as Timothy does.

Why?

Is it to impress Timothy or Paul?

I hope not!

Believers believe that God knows all things (1 John 3:20). Believers believe that God knows our hearts (Luke 16:15).

Do we really believe in Jesus? Does it matter what we do or say? Do our love, faith, and purity matter?

If what we do didn’t matter, the Bible would be a lot shorter! Instead, it includes words like these from Jesus:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:5-6)

If belief is trusting in Jesus, faith is acting on that belief. Paul and Timothy have set the example. Are we willing to follow?

Application: Be the example.

Food for Thought: How does our example affect the Body of Christ?

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May 25, 2026May 24, 2026

1 Timothy 4:11 – Context Matters

Picture of a quiz on a student's desk. The question is "List 10 things Paul instructed Timothy to "command and teach" (Grok)

Command and teach these things.

Summary: Understanding Paul’s words in this passage involves humble self-reflection and an honest assessment of what our role is in the Body of Christ.

This verse has to be one of the shortest and most direct sentences that Paul has ever written!

Wow!

“Command and teach these things.” Direct, concise, and easy to understand. The problem is that if we don’t understand the context of this sentence, it could be easy to misunderstand and misapply Paul’s words.

So, before we go off commanding and teaching “these things” to everyone we meet, let’s examine Paul’s words within the larger context of his whole letter and the rest of God’s Word.

First, let’s look at the context of God’s command structure.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18, John 3:35). Jesus, in turn, gave certain authority to those he designated as Apostles.

It is important to understand what kind of authority was given to the Apostles and what was not. Jesus gave his disciples authority over demons and the authority to cure diseases (Luke 9:1). Later, he gave them authority to “bind” and “loose” (Matthew 18:18).*

What is important to remember is that Jesus is not issuing authority in a worldly sense (John 14:27). This is not God’s permission to boss people around. The authority God gives is more like a responsibility to serve than anything else (John 13:12-17).

While God provides all believers with authority to become children of God, victory over the power of the enemy, and to do the work Jesus did,† he also structured authority so that the church was guided by the Holy Spirit through those designated as overseers.

Paul’s letter to Timothy is written specifically to someone who is an “overseer” of God’s people. In a sense, Timothy is actually an “overseer” of “overseers.” Part of his work for the Lord is identifying and training overseers (1 Timothy 3).

As we read Paul’s instruction to “command and teach these things,” it is important to be mindful of our place in the Body of Christ.

Application: Humility is a key requirement for serving God’s people.

Food for Thought: What “things” would you expect an overseer to “command” others to do?

*The terms “bind” and “loose” are likely Jewish rabbinical terms related to community discipline. Understandings of these terms vary within the church body.

†John 1:12, Luke 10:19, Mark 16:17, John 14:12–14, John 16:23–24, Matthew 28:18–20, 2 Corinthians 5:20, James 4:7, Ephesians 6:10–18, 1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Peter 4:10–11, Romans 8:16–17, Revelation 1:5–6

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May 23, 2026May 25, 2026

1 Timothy 4:10 – Why We Train

A picture of a man digging a deep hole. (Grok)

That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

Summary: This passage is a hum-dinger. Paul’s words leave us with a paradox wrapped up in a controversy.

This verse, like so many others in this letter to Timothy, is difficult. It can be analyzed from several different angles, but for the sake of this meditation, we are going to use a very simple analysis. Paul’s sentence can be divided into two parts. One is paradoxical, and the other is controversial.

May 22, 2026May 23, 2026

1 Timothy 4:9 – Focus on the Truth

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.

Summary: Looking back at Paul’s ‘trustworthy sayings’ helps us gain perspective on his strategy for the Lord’s churches.

The words in this passage represent the third time Paul has pointed to a “trustworthy saying.”

May 21, 2026May 23, 2026

1 Timothy 4:8 – The Life to Come

A man works out with two angels watching. (Grok)

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Summary: Does godliness have a value? It turns out that it does.

Perhaps you have heard it said that this is a “dog eat dog” world?

As gruesome as that saying is, the reality of a world without Christ is much worse. When it comes to “getting your way” in the world, the shortest distance between you and what you want is probably at the end of a good, stout club.

May 20, 2026May 24, 2026

1 Timothy 4:7b – Training For Jesus

A fighter is working out with a punching bag. The bag has the word "SIN" on it in large letters -- perhaps drawn as if they were sewn into the bag. With each punch words fly out from the impact. These words include love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. "Grok"

… rather, train yourself to be godly.

Summary: Learning to train ourselves to be godly requires thinking about spiritual training in a whole new way.

I would love to sit down with Paul and talk about the history of the church so far. It would be interesting to hear his take on what he would categorize as “godless myths and old wives’ tales.”

May 19, 2026May 20, 2026

1 Timothy 4:7a – The Line

The picture illustrates the line that runs between Calvary and the Lake of Fire. We call it "Choice." — The picture illustrates the line that runs between Calvary and the Lake of Fire. We call it “Choice.”

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales…

Summary: Paul’s challenge to avoid “godless myths and old wives’ tales” makes us wonder how we tell the difference between truth and fiction.

What is the difference between the truth and a “godless myth”?

May 18, 2026May 19, 2026

1 Timothy 4:6b – Spiritual Food

… nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

Summary: Nourishment is essential for healthy living. This is true for our faith as well as our bodies.

Good nourishment is essential for growth. This is true for house plants, garden vegetables, and people. People who don’t get proper nourishment struggle to survive, let alone grow.