SCRIPTURE: 1 TIMOTHY 4
MEMORY VERSE:
“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 4:12)
INSTRUCTIONS TO TIMOTHY (vs. 1-16)
The Spirit clearly says that in later times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 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. For everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Be a good minister of Christ Jesus by bringing out the truths of the faith and with good teachings. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales, rather, train yourself to be godly. 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. Put your hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men and especially of those who believe.
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. Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Be diligent in these matters and give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
THOUGHTS:
False teachers were hypocritical liars who gave stringent rules that come from demons. They forbid people to marry or to eat certain foods. In opposition to the false teachers, Paul affirmed that everything God created is good. We should ask for God’s blessings on his created gifts that give us pleasure and thank him for them. We should not abuse what God has made, but enjoy these gifts by using them to serve and honor God.
Since Timothy was a young pastor, Older Christians may look down on him because of his youth. Paul taught Timothy to earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his speech, life, love, faith and purity. Regardless of your age, God can also use you. Whether you are young or old, don’t consider your age as a handicap. Instead live in such a way that people can see Christ in you. Be on guard against those who would lead you into sin.
God gives each one of us different gifts. We will lose our spiritual gifts if we don’t put them to work. Our talents are improved by exercise, but failure to use them causes them to waste away from lack of practice and nourishment. Use your gifts and abilities that God has given you regularly in serving God and others.