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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