i'll be here1Timothy 4:12 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.

 

The words of advice given here in this verse is stellar, and should be read by all young preachers everywhere. Paul essentially states two things.

First he tells Timothy not to let any man despise his youth. In other words, Timothy should not let someone who is older than he is get him down on the basis of his age. Sometimes older Christians have a tendency to ignore the council and wisdom of younger members because they assume “they’re young; they don’t know anything, etc.” Paul says don’t let them “despise” (to look down on) you just because you’re younger than they are.

The second thing Paul tells Timothy is to be an example of the believers. This is important, since the objective of an obstinate older member is to marginalize the young preacher. In response Paul says “make yourself stand out among the church so that you become someone the members look up to—regardless of age.” How Timothy is to do that is broken into six categories:

As a preacher (despite not being very “young” anymore) the words of this verse are thoughts that I read often. I try my best to live up to the standard Paul places here. This week I want to share with you my thoughts on what this verses is telling me.

Be an example in word. Preachers must take care that our words outside of the pulpit match our words while in the pulpit. We must be the same people of Christian character on Monday-Saturday that we are on Sundays. What we say reflects who we are; Paul says we must make sure what we say is worthy of a Christian example.

Will you help me be an example in Word? Help me to be the same Christian on the weekday as I am on the first day of the week. I promise to preach sermons that help you do that too!