First Timothy 4:12 says, “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.
If you are new to the faith walk this will be a good place for you to start. Even if you have been walking the faith life for years, it’s a good reminder to grow in what you know about God, his ways, his thoughts, and his kingdom. So, we’re going to break down this verse and when we’re done, you’ll have a better picture of your daily life, and of who you are to become. Despise: we’re going to start right here. It means to look down on. There’s two ways to look at this. One: people looked down on Timothy because of his youth. He was really young when he wanted to help tell others about Jesus. To a Jewish person, one doesn’t become an adult until about the age of 30 to 40 years. The Apostle Paul told Timothy to turn their opinion around by being an example. Two: Paul also was saying “don’t you dare let people’s opinion of you affect you. Be an example in spite of their opinion. Don’t let it hinder you, slow you down, or stop you. Actually use it as motivation to be the best you can be. Be thou: this is the word ginomai. It means to become, to grow, to happen, to be being, to develop or keep developing, be becoming. Note that we must realize that God does not expect us to be perfect and stately overnight. Our Father God does expect us to be willing to grow into what he has called us to be - be being or in the process (making progress). That is discipleship. We have a tendency to look at ourselves and compare the way we are now to the way we are destined to be and get overwhelmed, or feel condemned and eventually give up and quit. WE HAVE NOT BEEN CALLED TO PERFECTION. WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO CHANGE! Our perfection has already been guaranteed. 1 John 3:2 says, “Beloved, NOW, are we the SONS of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we SHALL be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (like, in nature and condition) Example: example means a model for imitation. We should be seen changing. Be thou an example-in other words, people should see us constantly change, beginning to be more like Jesus all the time. We are not a model of “complete sainthood,” but a model of a continual, consistent, persistent, and growing in Christ. We want to be consistent in: study, church attendance, listening to bible teachings on cd’s, making ourselves available to attend Christian seminars when they are in your area. We never reach completion this side of heaven, Amen? Amen! Alright, Paul then gives us six areas in which we should be an example or areas in which we are demonstrating change. 1. The Word – growing in the Word of God with the goal of being a doer of the word. James 1:22 says we are to be doers of the word. 2. Conversation – our behavior and conduct has to do with our character and it shows up through our conversation; is it a Godly conversation. Keep it clean. Don’t grumble and complain about things either. 3. Charity – this is the word agape and it’s walking in God’s love at all times. We need to love others the way God loves them. 4. Spirit – to be ruled by the Spirit, walking in the Spiritual Gifts and Fruit, also developing a teachable and humble spirit. 5. Faith – this is becoming a person of faith. You want to become a strong person of great faith. 6. Purity – physical and mental purity. This comes from studying the word of God and adopting its principles as your own or making the word of God the governor of all your affairs, your conduct, your speech, etc. Verse 13 of this passage gives us a formula for success in these 6 areas. 1. Attendance is to apply yourself constantly and habitually so as to be consumed with the study of God’s word. 2. Reading – knowing again, owning it-to be consumed with reading, study habitually unto you “own” it and then, doing it over and over, again, and again-forever. 3. Exhortation- be encouraging especially to those in need. 4. Doctrine- Learn who God is and what he is all about through studying his word, fellowship at church, and then be able to teach others. 5. Your Gift- give yourself to developing your talents and gifts. Practice, practice, and practice it more. Neglect means to be lazy, unconcerned or slothful. Don’t be slothful. 6. Take Heed to Yourself- take responsibility of yourself. Remember that you will be held accountable for what you speak, how you treat others, and what you do with what you learn. Doc Sharp
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Dr. H. R. SharpJust a man armed with the Word of the LORD. Available now in the store
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