1 Timothy 4:12-16
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Paul reminded Timothy not to take it to heart when looked down on because he did not yet have the gray hair of outward wisdom, for God in him and His word were enough to set the godly example to back Timothy’s leading and ministry. He was urged to continue in his sanctification with emphasis on the areas of word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. In word he was to be biblical and self-controlled; in conduct he was to demonstrate holiness in willing obedience to the Lord; in love, Timothy would be living for God and ministering to man; in spirit, he would continue to joyfully pour out his life for others; in faith he would trust Christ in good and bad, resting on the promises and suffering for Christ’s and the gospel’s sake; and in purity he would live the commandments put in his heart and worked out by the Spirit of God living in him. These traits and pursuits were to drive him to read God’s word in teaching, to challenge and correct in ministry, and to teach the word cut straight; this was how he would use the gift God gave which was confirmed by the church. Timothy was further reminded to dwell on all these instructions and then run the race wholeheartedly in order to demonstrate God’s continued work in and through him to the believers. By reflecting on his sanctification in the mirror of God’s word and by so serving as gifted to teach and preach, Timothy would go on to save many. This is a guide for all who are serving and ministering to others in the body under the headship of Christ.
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