What is Paul’s advice to young Timothy about how to be a successful young disciple and pastor? Previously I discussed a passage about men who would be elders and deacons. Paul’s first letter to Timothy provides a similar list (3:2-14), then provides a list for older widows, for younger women, and even for slaves. Finally Paul provides a single sentence for the young. It is a well-known, beloved verse:
“Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” 1 Timothy 4:12.
Seems clear enough, huh? If they look at you and curl their lip, arguing—as one young man did to me when I became his youth director at 20— “taking orders from you is like taking orders from my older brother,” Paul says give them NO REASON to look down on your youth. Instead, SET AN EXAMPLE IN EVERY WAY: through your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Is that possible? YES! (*I told him, “I’m not here to give you orders.”)
Paul has more advice for the young:
“You, man of God, run from greed and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith: take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” I Timothy 6:11-12.
Dear God, inspire us and move us, encourage us to set the example through speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Remind us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Help us FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF THE FAITH. Make us more like you with each passing day.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 