SETTING AN EXAMPLE

Paul, an apostle, wrote this encouraging and challenging line to Timothy (‘his son in the Lord’)
Though Timothy was a young man (perhaps 20’s-30’s). He was not a youth or a boy…but a young man. He was a very responsible and exceptional leader at a very young age. Though young, he was a full-grown ‘man of God.’

Paul writes, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Five Exhortations:

Speech- Speak with purity, honesty and integrity. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Others will only believe what we say if we do what we say.

Conduct- The way we live is our best teacher. An example is worth a thousand words. Words are ‘a dime for a dozen’ but our modeling of self-values is priceless.

Love- is the giving of self for the good of others. Love is always a choice. Paul also wrote, “love rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13)

Faith- This is the principle of believing what the Lord says to us. Once we believe we will surely need to defend it and fight for it. The demonic enemy is ever on the prowl to discourage our faith.

Purity- This is the priority of keeping our mind, body, soul and conscience pure before the Lord. As James wrote, “unstained from the world.”

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Jesus