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"Let no one despise your youth..."

Text: 1 Timothy 4:12

A CHALLENGING MINISTRY

The apostle Paul had been in ministry for a good many years before he wrote 1 Timothy. Over the years he had developed a great sense of authority and power in his preaching and teaching ministry. He was most conscious that in comparison, Timothy was a much younger man. Thus he wrote the following text to encourage his young spiritual son to never be intimidated because he was a younger man.

“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.”

1 Timothy 4:12

1. “Let no one despise your youth”

a) There will be some who will despise youth.

b) Youth is all too often associated with the following:-

i) Lack of deep knowledge.

ii) Lack of significant wisdom.

iii) Lack of relevant experience.

c) The challenge is not to allow oneself to be intimidated.

2. “But be an example to the believers”

a) This is the better answer.

b) Living exemplarily is by far the most significant way of serving the Lord effectively.

3. Areas where we need to be examples

a) “In word”

How we speak is important! (James 2).

b) “In conduct”

This must be consistent with our profession of faith.

c) “In love”

This love originates from the Lord. Its most beautiful form is when it is the fruit of the Spirit.

d) “In spirit”

The internal being must be reflected appropriately in life.

e) “In faith”

He who teaches people about faith must exhibit a strong faith.

f) “In purity”

A blameless life is in mind.

SUCCEEDING IN MINISTRY

How may a young man succeed in ministry indeed? These words of advice must be taken to heart!

1. Conscious effort must be made!

2. Consistency must be the rule!