(Authors Note: This is the second part of a series of posts looking at the 4th Chapter of I Timothy, verses 12-16. While I try to typically make posts devotional in nature, this one seems like it is turning more into a study. Fault my inexperience at writing…but don’t despise my youth!)
I Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
You! Yeah you! Are you that example? Let’s look at what he says here a little closer.
“..an example in word, in conversation.” How’s your conversations been lately? Are they full of triviality and idleness, or are they filled with Godly edifying? This is not to say that you never should speak out of fun, or laugh, or joke, but have you considered if your speech and conversations could be considered an example to other believers? Have you noticed that you use a little vulgarity or “slang” or taking the name of the Lord in vain? Paul has told this young brother in the Lord, to be an example in word. There are so many scriptures on speaking the right things, and “bridling our tongues”, Paul tells us to be an example of this type of behavior not vulgarity or slang.
“…in charity…” Have you shown love to others? Sure maybe to your brothers and sisters but how about the bum on the street? Have you been an example of Godly charity? Young sisters, are you fighting and bickering with each other? Are there other young sisters that are “rude” and hence you don’t have anything to do with them? Are there others that don’t fit your “class” or “social status”? Or, as Paul has commanded, are you an example of Charity. You love everyone, no matter their status, or what they have “done to you”.
“…in spirit…” In church, none can match your passion for worship and praising the name of Jesus. In life, you seem to make the right decisions based on prayer and God’s will. You are an example “in spirit”. Romans 8:12 tells us “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Are you an example “in spirit”??
“…in faith…” Do you find that you are up and down sometimes… “Well, yesterday I really believed God…but today, I don’t know…it’s all so jumbled…I don’t know what I believe.” You would be well advised to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” if so. Yes, you are called to be an example “in faith”, resting upon the Word of God in full assurance that what He said, is nothing but the TRUTH. When He says you are healed, you believe you are healed. When He says you are a child of the King, you say “Amen, That’s ME!”
“…in purity…” This one, I believe, is very critical for us. We MUST be that example of purity. Not only for the good of those seeing us, but for ourselves as well. Brothers, Sisters…are you an EXAMPLE of purity. Are you one that sets the standard? I remember a young couple in my church growing up that did not even hold hands until they were engaged. What an example! Extreme you say? Which would you rather be…an “example…in purity” or wondering how you let the bar down so far, and are now wishing you would have never started things down that path. Be the example…show yourself, the young believers around you, and the world, that you will NOT let down the standard when it comes to purity. YOU are to be the example of purity in this day.
EXAMPLES! Paul tells us to be EXAMPLES. Not just your, average, run of the mill, ho-hum believer…but an example! One that is looked towards as the standard!
Next Post: “giving attendance” coming soon!