1 Timothy 4
Scripture
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:15-16 NIV
Observation-What does it say?
Paul continues to train his apprentice and young Pastor Timothy (commentary says he was probably in his mid 30s), in matters pertaining to the church. I also observed that Paul not only addressed matters of sound doctrine and preaching, but also the way Timothy should be living in his personal life.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Our personal lives solidify what we teach. We cannot be living one way, while teaching something else.
Paul told Timothy to live his life as an example to other believers. He must practice what he preaches in "speech, in conduct, in love and in purity" and that was how he would gain respect from other believers, especially those he was called to serve.
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” 1 Peter 2:15-16 NIV
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 NIV
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” Ephesians 5:3 NIV
Life Application
Respect and influence are earned through how we live our personal lives for Jesus Christ, and holds more weight than mere words with no deeds.
As James said, “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 NIV
The most effective way of leading someone is by being one or two steps ahead of them. Basically, live a life that reflects what you want them to follow. No one wants to be led by a blind guide. We cannot guide someone else along the path of purity if we ourselves are living a life contrary to that. We cannot promote love, peace and restoration if we are angry or unforgiving towards a brother or sister who wronged us and continue to hold a grudge against them. We cannot walk someone through how to be joyful amidst the circumstances if we are depressed all the time. We cannot draw others to Jesus if we ourselves are not being filled with Him daily through prayer, worship and His Word.
Dear Jesus, I pray that we would all be an example to others in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity and that men and women would be drawn to You as a result. Amen.