1 Timothy 4:12-13 – Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
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God has some pretty interesting timing. AS I read this passage today, I am sitting for the first time at work in my office at Olney Southern Baptist Church. Slightly overwhelmed at the size of the task before me, I find myself personally challenged and encouraged by this passage, which was part of the daily reading schedule on Crosswalk.com.
In this text, we first have Paul’s call for timothy not to allow anyone to despise him or look down on him because of his youth. This helps. I’m sure that I am not the only person who has ever felt a bit too young to do what God has called him to do. It always seems as though I could use a bit more age, wisdom, or experience to accomplish the tasks to which God calls me. Yet, God has perfect timing. WE must not allow something as simple as being a bit younger hinder us from serving in God’s kingdom.
What I love, however, is the text that immediately follows Paul’s call to not let people look down on Timothy. Paul then challenges Timothy to set others an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. While timothy is not to allow them to look down on him because of his youth, he also is not to give them a reason to look down on him. Timothy’s actions and words are to make him look respectable. He is not to act foolish or childish. If young people want to not have others look down on them, the best solution is not to go around demanding the first half of 1 Timothy 4:12. Instead, the way to be respected, regardless of your age, is to be respectable. This part challenges me, as I need to remember that I need to carry myself in a way that is worthy of the work to which God has called me. There is no excuse for actions or words that would distract from my role as God’s servant here.
Then, in verse 13, Paul calls timothy to ministry that is fully devoted to his word. Paul calls timothy to read the word, to encourage others, and to teach. All of these things come from the scriptures. The reason that Timothy is qualified to serve in the capacity that he has been called is not because he is old enough, it is because the word of God stands and gives him the authority. I would have nothing to offer the members of this church if it were not for the word of God. I offer the Bible for worship, for counsel, for teaching, for encouragement. If I offer anything else, I miss the point entirely.
Perhaps you, like me, have felt at times over-matched by the work that God placed before you. Perhaps you have felt too old, too young, or too unqualified to do the work. If so, take courage from the first half of verse 12. Do not let others despise you because of your age or education level. At the same time, do not simply stand on verse 12a and demand they respect you. Instead, set them an example with the way that you live and speak. Show them that you are qualified by the character that God is building into your life. And always make the word of God the central thing that qualifies you for ministry. Offer others the word, and they can not condemn you regardless of your age.
Dear Lord, I thank you for this passage of scripture. I am reminded that you have a plan to use me, regardless of how old or young I feel. I pray that you will empower me to live a life that sets others an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. I pray that you will help me to be devoted to your word, as your word is truly what I have to offer that is worth offering. Help me to serve you faithfully by leading others to your word, helping them to understand your word, and helping them to apply and live your word.
Pastor Travis Peterson 