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?
How does our example affect the Body of Christ?
Our speech, our conduct, and the manner in which we treat each other affects the unity and harmony within the Body of Christ. We are united under the Lord’s Kingdom and should reflect His character. This not only enriches our own lives, but serves to bring light to the world.
In Speech: Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
In Conduct: Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
In Love: John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
When people do not follow the example that Christ has set for us, we foster confusion and doubt.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
We are to speak the truth in love, grow in grace and knowledge, become the functional Body together under Christ, and build each other up, so that the efficacy of Christ can be seen by others.
Ephesians 4:15-16 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Thank you, Chris!
I like your point about how reflecting our Lord’s character brings Light into the world. So true and so badly needed!
Great Verses CH!,
How does our example affect the Body of Christ?
John 13:15, I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Colossians 3:17, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Like 14:27, And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
After receiving Christ, we are left on earth with a purpose, which is to begin the process dying to self and allowing Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be seen in all we say and do. Giving our lives to Jesus is the greatest calling of God to all mankind.
Choosing to serve God over ourselves, requires we die to our desires, become unaffected by all the powers at work in this world, and begin our new life in Jesus Christ, as He ministers outwardly through us, to the world around us.
We remain in this world but separate from the influences of this world as we exist to serve by the power of our creator God. As time passes, we are asked. How can I be like you, and we tell them.
Thank you, Ron!
Our best example is to be like Christ. Amen!