Be an Example (1 Tim. 4)

Be an Example

1 Timothy 4:12-13: "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. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching."

Timothy faced two major challenges as a pastor in the Ephesian church:

First were the false teachings. Paul describes those who spread these false teachings as people who had abandoned the faith to follow deceiving spirits and demonic teachings. They were hypocrites whose consciences had been seared, spreading lies while masquerading behind ascetic practices. Regarding such asceticism, Paul notes that "physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things." This warns us to be wary of the allure of extreme ascetic lifestyles.

Second was overcoming his youth. Timothy appears to have been considerably younger than the elders leading the Ephesian church. In a culture that strongly valued the authority of elders, he had to overcome the challenge of being a young teaching minister (deacon).

In this context, Paul offers Timothy two key pieces of advice:

"Be sanctified through the Word and prayer"

This is the first step in confronting those who spread false gospels. Timothy needed to stand firmly on the true gospel himself, which required daily dedication to reading Scripture and building himself up through prayer.

"Be an example to believers"

Earlier, Paul listed various qualifications for overseers and deacons. All these requirements aimed to naturally draw respect and obedience from the congregation through exemplary living. These conditions applied to Timothy as well, guiding him in properly building up the Ephesian church despite his youth.

Youth itself is not a disqualification for church leadership. More important than age is leading by example. Can one effectively teach and guide believers in right faith? Does one demonstrate mature character that sets an example? Even someone young who meets these criteria can be a capable church leader and fellow worker for God.

Church workers, God's workers – in other words, Christians – must be exemplary. They should set an example not only for everyone in the church but also for unbelievers outside the church.

I earnestly hope that we can become Christians who set an example in all things through the discipline of godliness rather than mere physical discipline.

Prayer: Gracious God, we are humbled before you. Have mercy on us. Enrich us in the mystery of faith and grant us wisdom and power to teach. Train us in godliness to become examples. Holy Spirit, guide us in truth. Amen.