Live by Example
1 Timothy 4:1-16
"Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."
(1 Timothy 4:11-12)
The Greek culture placed great value on a person's age and experience. Timothy was a young man, in his thirties, perhaps, and Paul was instructing him to lead by being a godly example to others. This principle is true for any of us, regardless of age. In an "anything goes" kind of world, it's necessary for believers to be concerned about the example we give in all areas of life: in our speech, our decision-making, our relationships, etc.
We are to live in such a way that it is evident that Jesus is alive and well in us. The apostle Paul clarifies this in Colossians 3.17. "And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." It's a lifestyle of bringing honor to God in every aspect and activity of our daily living. It's being sure His name has not been forgotten in our homes. God specializes in taking the broken pieces and shattered dreams of our lives and bringing life back together so that even in the hardship, we give testimony to His goodness.
INSIGHT
What impression do people have of Christ because of the way we live?
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Job 21-22
Psalm 53
Luke 16
1 Timothy 4:1-16
1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 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. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:1-16
"Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."
(1 Timothy 4:11-12)
The Greek culture placed great value on a person's age and experience. Timothy was a young man, in his thirties, perhaps, and Paul was instructing him to lead by being a godly example to others. This principle is true for any of us, regardless of age. In an "anything goes" kind of world, it's necessary for believers to be concerned about the example we give in all areas of life: in our speech, our decision-making, our relationships, etc.
We are to live in such a way that it is evident that Jesus is alive and well in us. The apostle Paul clarifies this in Colossians 3.17. "And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." It's a lifestyle of bringing honor to God in every aspect and activity of our daily living. It's being sure His name has not been forgotten in our homes. God specializes in taking the broken pieces and shattered dreams of our lives and bringing life back together so that even in the hardship, we give testimony to His goodness.
INSIGHT
What impression do people have of Christ because of the way we live?
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Job 21-22
Psalm 53
Luke 16
1 Timothy 4:1-16
1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 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. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
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