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 (NIV)

Today we finish our look at our verse from Paul’s letter to Timothy.  This verse has given us insight as to how our daily lives are to reflect the life of Christ in us.  Our focus for this week is purity.

That’s a word we don’t hear much, especially in the context of our conduct.  Our society is much more interested in the perverse, the crude, the harmful.  However, if we are followers of Christ, purity is something we must be serious about.

The book of Proverbs tells us what is pure: “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him,” Proverbs 30:5 (HCSB).   We are told that God’s Word, the Bible, is the standard of purity.  If we want to know what purity is and how to live in purity, we must study the Scriptures for ourselves and allow God’s Word to teach us how to live.  Within the pages of the Bible, we find true wisdom.

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” James 3:17 (NLT)

James tells us that not only is God’s wisdom pure, but it also displays itself in the life of a believer though specific behaviors – peacefulness, gentleness, humility, mercy and  thoughtfulness.  When purity is our pursuit, our actions will show the depth of our  pursuit.  And if we are trying to live a life of purity, it will be evident in our speech, in our conduct, in the way we love and in the depth of our faith.

Let’s take Paul’s advice and be a godly example, displaying the love of Christ to everyone, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Our world needs the light and love of Christ, will you share it today?

“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 (NIV)

This week’s post is going to focus on faith.  Just typing that sentence is overwhelming! How do you begin to talk about the central aspect of the Christian life?   We go to the source of all knowledge – the Word of  God.  Within the pages of scripture, we find what we need to know about faith and we understand the importance of being an example of faith to others.

So, what is faith?

Hebrews 11:1-3 gives us our definition of faith: “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.  For our ancestors won God’s approval by it. By faith we understand that the universe was created by God’s command, so that what is seen has been made from things that are not visible. ”  In this verse we understand that faith is a confidence in things unseen yet they are as real as the things we can see.  In fact, the unseen things – faith, hope and love – are all unseen yet are eternal.  When we place our faith in God, we are acknowledging Him as sovereign over all. He is the creator and sustainer of life.  He wants us to trust Him by placing our faith in Him alone – not in ourselves or our abilities, but in Him and His abilities.

And why is it important to have faith?

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) A Christian’s calling is to live a life that is pleasing to God, not out of fear or duty, but in response to the amazing love He has expressed to us through Christ Jesus.  When we have faith in God, we demonstrate that we believe His Word and that we trust Him.

How do we set an example of faith? By holding on to our faith in the midst of difficult circumstances.

First Peter 1:5-7 tells us:  “And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.  So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (New Living Translation)

When we don’t quit in the midst of hard times, we set an example in faithfulness that results in praise to our Lord and strengthens us and others around us.  When we persevere, it encourages others to persevere.  Jesus is our example of perseverance in faith; He did all the Father set before Him to do – including laying down His life for us.  Let us follow His example of faith by being an example to others.

“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 (NIV)

As we continue to examine this verse in 1 Timothy, we now focus on love.  The graphic above sums up how we, as believers, are to love. Jesus Himself told us what our priorities are when it comes to love:

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.   And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)

Jesus gave this answer to someone who had asked what was the greatest commandment and by His answer we see that expressing love, to God first, then to each other, is of the utmost importance.  Nothing else we can ever do will replace this command to love.  If we want others to know Jesus Christ, then we must display His love – no matter the person or circumstance.

Loving some people is easy but sometimes loving others is hard.  Not everyone is loveable and yet we are still called to show love.  Love is an action, not just a feeling.  We have to choose to love others.   If we are going to set an example in love, we must be loving toward everyone – not just the people we are naturally drawn to.

And how do we love when it’s hard?  We pray.

We pray for the love of Christ to fill us and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we express that love toward others.  In other words, we let the love of Christ flow through us, to others.  We become vessels that can be poured out so others can experience the love of God.

The apostle Paul helps us to know just what this type of love looks like:

 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (NIV)

This demonstration of love is only possibly by the power of Christ indwelling the heart of those who belong to Him.  Jesus Himself is our example of love.  Let us be faithful to Him by showing His love to everyone.

“Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (HCSB)

This week we continue examining 1 Timothy 4:12 by focusing on the area of our conduct.  The word conduct, in this context, refers to the way we live, our daily interactions with others.  Paul is advising Timothy, and us, that “our lifestyle as well as our specific behaviors must be consistent with the gospel” (Life Application New Testament Commentary).  We are called to live our public and private lives in a manner that reflects our relationship with Christ.

So, how are we to do this?

We find the “how to” in Ephesians 4:17-32 which tells us how to live the new life in Christ.  For today, let’s focus on verses 22 – 24: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. ”  In order to reflect Christ, we must “put off” our old, sinful nature and “put on” our new nature, the righteousness of Christ.  This righteousness is given to us, not earned, when we accept Christ as our Savior.  At the moment of salvation, He takes our sins through His forgiveness and then gives us His righteousness. What a “Beautiful Exchange”! (that’s the name of a great song by Hillsong) He takes our sins and gives us His nature so we can be His representatives where ever we may be.

And why does our conduct matter?

The apostle Peter tells us why the manner in which we live is important: “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16, NIV).  Our conduct is to be like God’s – holy. Did you notice that the verse says to be holy “in all you do”? Not most things, but in all things???  You’re probably thinking the same thing I’m thinking, “That’s impossible!”  But here’s the beautiful part – all things are possible with God, even living a life of holiness.

We can live a life of holiness when we, moment by moment, choose to act like our new self, the redeemed one, instead of our old self, the condemned one.  We can live this way only through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit – which is another gift from Christ to us at the moment of salvation.  Jesus not only saves us but He empowers us to live saved!

Our behavior matters.  Others are watching us.  As Christians we are all called to live holy in all areas of our lives.  At church. At work. At home. In good times and bad.  We are to demonstrate the love of Christ in all things.  And by His Spirit, we can.

“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 (NIV)

“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 (NIV)

I read this verse weeks ago and it has been in my thoughts ever since.  The concept of being an example is something we see all through the Bible.  We see good examples and bad ones.  In fact, I’ve told my Sunday School class before that there are a few stories that are so bad I’d have left them out of Scripture! But the Lord knows that we need the good and the bad if we’re to grasp His standard of how to live and how not to live.

This verse was written by Paul to the young pastor Timothy.  At first you may think, why would Paul tell him not to let anyone look down on him – he can’t control that.  But this is what Paul meant by his statement:  “Timothy must not be intimidated by his relative youthfulness or what others might think of it. Instead he was to demonstrate his maturity by living such a godly life that he would become a pattern for other Christians” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary).

Now before you think you’re off the hook because you’re not “youthful”, let’s think in a broader sense.  Let no one despise you because of your:  past, poor health, lack of education, weight, inexperience, race, creativity.  We often find “reasons” we can’t be of service to the Lord. We sometimes let our perceived limitations dictate our spiritual walk, forgetting that the Lord loves to work through the weak, the broken, the unqualified.

Paul told Timothy, and us, that as mature Christians, we are to live a godly life that will be an example to those around us.   Here’s the thing – WE, as believers, are to be the example that others can follow.  That’s kind of a scary thought, isn’t it?  But it should be a sobering thought for us, one that motivates us to rely on the Lord.  We are God’s children, His representatives on this earth and we need the power of the Holy Spirit in order to live in a way that points others to Jesus.

For the next few weeks, we’re going to look at each area of life that Paul listed in his advice to Timothy:  speech, life, love, faith and purity.  By looking at each one of these facets of life, we’ll get a better understanding of what it means to be a godly example.  And once we know, we can do what the Lord has called us to do – bring Him glory with our lives.

“Because of the LORD’s faithful love

we do not perish,

for His mercies never end.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness!

I say: The LORD is my portion,

therefore I will put my hope in Him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 (HCSB)

Last week I didn’t post a blog.  It’s the first Monday I’ve missed since I started blogging back in May.  I’d had a hectic week of travel and by Sunday afternoon, I was tired and gave in to the tiredness.  I wanted to write but just didn’t.  My goal to post every week was set aside – just for that week I told myself.

As the week progressed, I reflected on not posting, and  I thought to myself, “It’s not a big deal.  Sometimes you miss a day.”  Then it hit me – God never misses a day, or even a moment.  I wanted to be faithful to write and post to my blog but I wasn’t.  How quickly I’d forgotten what I’d written about in my previous post on “Committed or Surrendered” – especially the part about being obedient when I didn’t feel like it.  Unlike me, God is forever faithful.

And don’t we all need to know that there really is someone who is completely faithful, no matter the situation?  All of us want to have someone we can totally trust. Someone who will not let us down.  The writer of the book of Lamentations knew who to put his trust in – God alone.  In the verses above, we see that it is God’s faithful love that sustains us, bestowing grace and mercy on us each new day.

God’s love for His children is limitless. It cannot be used up. It cannot run out.  We cannot have a need so great that He cannot fill it. This is what the writer of Lamentations came to understand – despite the difficult circumstances he found himself in, God was still faithful in His love and care for him and His people.  Because of God’s faithfulness, he possessed something we all need – hope.  God’s faithfulness produces hope for those who have trusted Him for their salvation.

We live in dangerous times.  There is much turmoil, unrest and chaos.  There are multiple opportunities for fear everywhere we turn.  And yet, God is still on His throne.  He is still faithful and He stills call us to trust Him.  If you haven’t done so, won’t you trust Him with your life? You will find no one so faithful, loving and true.

All the LORD’s ways show faithful love and truth to those who keep His covenant and decrees.                Psalm 25:10 (HCSB) 

A couple of weeks ago, we looked at the components of building a strong spiritual house and three components were suggested – prayer, Bible study and worship.  This week we’re going to focus on Bible study.

Before we get started, let’s define “study”.  According to Dictionary.com, study means – “application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or reflection”.  I propose that Bible study involves not only reading (which many of us do), but also includes investigation and reflection, or mediation.

So why spend time in Bible study?  If we go to Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we’ll see why:

 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (HCSB)

Notice our “why” in the first part of verse 16 – “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable (beneficial)”.   Paul then lists specific application of Scripture:

For teaching – sharing God’s truth with others

For rebuking – for exposing errors in lifestyle choices and in heretical teaching

For correcting – showing the fallen believer how to get back on the path to righteousness

For training in righteousness – developing knowledge and character that leads to a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

If we love God, we’ll want to know what He thinks is important, we want to know Him and how we may live to honor Him.  All those things, and more, are found in His Word.  It is up to us, to dig into Scripture and learn for ourselves what God’s Word says.

But we cannot do this with our human understanding.  We need the Holy Spirit within us to understand Scripture.  In “Biblical Ethics” by Oswald Chambers, he writes:

The Holy Spirit alone makes the Word of God understandable.  The regenerating and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit is to incorporate us into Christ until we are living witnesses to Him.

To become spiritually strong, we must build our inner being with God’s truth through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  We build on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, adding the truth of Scripture, bit by bit, just as a bricklayer builds a wall, brick by brick.

A favorite quote of mine from Beth Moore is this: “No time spent in Bible study is ever wasted.”  Take the time to not only read Scripture, but study it. Investigate it. Meditate on it.  Make it a part of your daily routine.  For if you keep reading, keep studying, keep meditating, you will build a spiritual house that is able to withstand the wind of a storm.  And by your example, others will know the Lord you love.