A note from our Pastor:

”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.”

1 Timothy 4:12

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week connects directly back to the prior verse in this chapter. The Apostle Paul in verse eleven told Timothy to both command and teach. The statements and instructions in this verse are necessary to allow Timothy to effectively fulfill the role of Pastor in Ephesus as the Apostle has instructed.

First, the Apostle tells Timothy to let no man despise his youth. There has been significant debate around the age of Timothy when these words were written. Some have surmised him to be as young as his early twenties and others as old as almost forty. Timothy’s actual age is largely irrelevant to the meaning of this verse. Two things defined Timothy’s youth — the perspective of a much older and experienced Paul and his time in the ministry. 

The instruction to Timothy is to behave himself in such a way as to be an example to the congregation so that his age and experience in the ministry are of no consequence. His word, or the way he spoke, was to be a reflection of the truth of Christ and his faith in God. Those around Timothy needed to hear him speak his faith because it would grow their faith. They needed him to not just teach about the providence of God for his people but to also actively speak in a way reflecting a trust in his providence.

The word translated here as conversation isn’t a repeat of the prior instruction, but as in other places, means manner of living. In other words, the Apostle was instructing Timothy to reflect what he taught and said with his actions. In our terms, Timothy needed to be able to tell those around him to not only do as I say but also do as I do. The way he lived his life was going to be as much an instruction to the congregation as what he preached.

This verse and so many others point back to a fundamental truth — what we believe about God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost should not be limited to church or religious settings. All aspects of life should be brought into alignment with what we believe. We should stretch our spirituality and the beliefs which accompany it to every aspect of our lives.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah