Young People's Group

Being an Example to the Believers in 2017

by Mitchell Tan
January 06, 2017

THE PROBLEM OF PEOPLE DESPISING US

In this world, it is common for some people to look down on those who are young. The tendency is for these to see young people as immature and lacking much in understanding and knowledge. This was also the case with reference to Timothy. There were those who looked at Timothy and despised him and treated him with a lack of regard for being a young pastor.

“Let no one despise your youth…”
1 Timothy 4:12

Paul challenged Timothy to not let anyone look down on his youth. He was a protégé of Paul and of course, he was much younger than his teacher. Even though he was younger, he could still minister effectively as a servant of God.

THE CHALLENGE TO BE AN EXAMPLE

“Be an example to the believers”
1 Timothy 4:12

The apostle Paul referred to himself as a pattern for people to follow after with reference to salvation in particular (1 Timothy 1:16). The word “pattern” in the Greek has the idea of the standard model. Paul was the yardstick of the Lord’s great mercy and grace in a person’s life; in being saved and being called to serve Him. Paul’s challenge to Timothy was a bit different. His command to Timothy was to be an example (a model) to the believers. The best way to silence those who despised Timothy was for him to live out his life in an exemplary way. He was to practise all the things that had been taught to him by Paul. Despite being young, Timothy could still be an example in his daily life and in his manner of service. The best way to serve is to show it to others by our life. As the New Year begins, let’s consider what it means to be an example to others. Can a young person be an example? By the grace of God, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”

ASPECTS OF BEING AN EXAMPLE

“Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity”
1 Timothy 4:12

In what way can we seek to be examples in?

1. In word – In the words that we speak to others.

2. In conduct – In the way we behave before others.

3. In love – In how we show love to others

4. In spirit – In the kind of spirit and attitude that we have in service.

5. In faith – In the faith that we express.

6. In purity – In having purity and righteousness of heart as we relate to people.

What we are on the inside would express itself in what we say and what we do. It would reflect the kind of faith that we have. It would reflect the kind of heart and mind that we have. Let’s seek to be exemplary in all aspects of our life, both internally and externally.

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