I Timothy 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.
Introduction– In this verse, we have the Apostle Paul telling Timothy, his son in the faith, to be an example of the believers. Of course, Paul wanted Timothy to be an example of the believers in all areas of life but according to this verse, to be an example in these six attributes specifically. As we know, Paul wasn’t just telling Timothy to be an example regarding these, but Paul himself was an example to the believers in these things first, and that’s how he was able to tell Timothy to do the same. To be an example of the believer regarding these things requires us doing these things first and foremost. Consequently, others will be able to see them in action, and follow along.
Timothy was to be an example of the believer:
In Word– This is the spoken word, the things that we say with our mouths. This is to speak with integrity, with wisdom, with knowledge, with good words, not foolish jesting, to be a man of his word, etc. All of these Paul did, he was an example to the believer in his word. Ephesians 4:29- No Corrupt Communication- In verses 17 through 29, Paul is speaking about the way a believer should walk in the new man and not in the old man. Colossians 3:8- No Filthy Communication- In verses 5 through 10, Paul is speaking about the way a believer used to walk, and should not walk in any longer. He says to put off the old man and put on the new man.
In Conversation– These are the things that we display. This is our deportment, demeanor, this is our manner of life. To show and to say are two different things. Obviously, this is not just a spoken conversation like the previous point, but a conversation that can be seen by others. II Timothy 3:1-10 verses 1-10 describe the ways of the world, and their moral decline. However, in verse 10, Paul tells the believers that they have known his manner of life, the way Paul was. A person of good behaviour, someone that was level headed, constant, stable, etc. I Peter 1:14-16 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy”.
In Charity– Charity is Godly love, love in action. I Corinthians 13:4-7, In these verses we see the Apostle Paul explain what it means to put on charity, Col 3:14. Paul wrote an entire chapter about Charity. Not only did Paul know about Charity but he believed it and practiced it. Because of it, Paul wanted others to do the same.
In Spirit– Proverbs 25:28 “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls”. The spirit of man is best described as the fruit of the man being apparent, the things that you see displayed. Titus 2:2&7-8 This is a man that has a good spirit. This man is “(shewing thyself) a pattern of good works”.
In Faith– According to Hebrews 11:1- “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” This is a man that is NOT wavering- James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, noting wavering”. This is a man that believes in AND lives by the Words of God. This is a man that is trusting in the Lord in every single situation. From the physical and spiritual, he believes that God is in complete control and by prayer, God gets involved in every situation. Because of the man’s trust in God, he is not anxious, worried, depressed, etc., he is waiting on God.
In Purity– To be pure means to be unspotted from world. This could be sexual in nature and or the other junk of this world like the news. Purity takes place in the eyes and in the mind. I Timothy 5:22 “neither be partakers of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure”. Philippians 4:8 “whatsoever things are pure… think on these things”. James 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world”.
Conclusion– When the brethren see strong, faithful men like Paul, it not only encourages other Christians, but it substantiates (verifies) the fact that not only is it possible and needful, but necessary to do the same. Not for the sake of others to see, but for the betterment of our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was an example of the believers in these things, Timothy likewise learned to do the same, we can be encouraged to follow in like manner.
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