I Timothy 4:12, "Let no man despise thy
youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
This morning, two fading concepts in
society at large are respect and good decorum. More often than not, people
today do not show the respect and deference for one another as was more
commonplace some years ago. Likewise, more people today are concerned with
doing what they want than devotedly adhering to what is right. Both of these
characteristics are symptoms of a problematic society that gets more and more
steeped in the plagues of sinful flesh. However, to the disciple of the Lamb
trying to war honorably and daily, we have the same commands set before us as we
always have. To the minister particularly, the command is painfully simple, yet
the consequences - both good and bad - can be quite large.
In our study verse, Paul gives the young
minister some pointed instruction. However, that pointed instruction is built
upon a statement that indicates something quite interesting. Paul's opening
statement in this verse instructs Timothy to not let anyone condemn him due to
his age or youthfulness. The word despise can be rendered condemn, but the way
Paul says it, he implies that this behavior is coming. Much like he warned the
church at Ephesus (Acts 20:28-29), there are things coming that you can count
on. Wolves have come in and will continue to come in seeking to rip up and
destroy the flock, and as long as the world stands, they will continue to try to
do so. Likewise, people have been despising or condemning ministers since the
days of the early church, and Paul had - no doubt - heard many of the complaints
that people raise. He foresees Timothy being verbally condemned because of his
age and encourages him not to let anyone do that to him.
Just as Paul knew that wolves were coming
to Ephesus after his departing, he knew that Timothy would have to field
criticism for his circumstance. However, Paul's discussion to Timothy for
combating this is much different than expected and certainly not "comfortable"
to consider. Paul's instruction did not include, "Now, Timothy, when someone
tries to denigrate your age, just tell them you're a minister of the gospel.
They have no right to question your authority like that. Tell them your office
is too important, and make sure they don't ever do it again." No friends, that
kind of rebuttal to criticism would have fed the flesh and given footing to any
accuser that Timothy might have had. Rather, Paul gives a glowing list that
encompasses every aspect of Timothy's life. When this list is complete, we will
see a glorious thought about how a minister keeps someone from condemning him
for whatever circumstance.
Timothy was instructed to be an example to
the believers in word. The meaning of the word "word" here literally has
reference to spoken words as they proceed forth in conversation. Paul's message
is clear. Do not give anyone a foothold to accuse you by what you say. People
listen to what is said, and many times, a hastily spoken word of foolishness can
take a lot of time and effort to overcome. Most people associate youth in the
realm of conversation with brashness and hot tempers. Timothy was not to let
his conversation bespeak of his age, but rather to show forth spiritually
seasoned conversation.
In like manner, his conversation was to be
equally above reproach. The word "conversation" here has less reference to
spoken words particularly but a manner of life in general. Timothy's general
way of life was to follow in lockstep agreement with the spoken conversations he
had. In other words, his feet followed what he spoke, and Timothy's walk
matched his talk. This is a logical progression Paul makes, because if someone
is looking to accuse Timothy, they might say, "You know, Timothy keeps his
tongue in check. But what about his actions? Does he show youthful pride in
what he does and how he carries himself?" Paul encourages Timothy to take these
bullets from their guns too. By having a good walk to match his talk, Timothy
removes more doubt that people might have about his tenderness of age.
Now that Paul has covered Timothy's tongue
and general manner of life, what other ground could someone use to condemn
Timothy's ministry for something like his youth? Paul tells him to furthermore
be an example in charity. Charity is a much misunderstood concept in the world
today. Since charity is love in action, it behooves us to understand what love
truly is to then understand charity as well. People today assume that love is
simply being compassionate, kind, tolerant, etc. Being congenial many times
walks hand in hand with love and charity, but that decorum does not constitute
love or charity at its heart. Love for someone else brings to bear sacrifice
for someone else, and denial of self. For example, a good Biblical example of
love and charity is the husband's sacrifice for his wife all the way to death if
necessary. Should someone doubt Timothy's ability, Paul instructs him to
sacrifice for the people of himself and his time. As Paul told the
Thessalonians in I Thessalonians 2:5-9, the ministry should be devoted to not
just the preaching of the gospel to the church but also their own souls as
well. A sacrifice made of our own souls for the good of the flock would serve
to further show how Timothy took away despising and condemnation.
Paul furthers the argument with spirit and
faith. The word "spirit" here has many different meanings but the most logical
meaning for the word in our verse is the very essence of the person. It could
be called the inward being as well. The word "faith" here refers to someone's
conviction or most deeply rooted feelings of the truth and what is right and
wrong. Timothy was to show all good fidelity in what he thought and how he was
willing to stand upon it and for it. In other words, when someone said, "You
know, Timothy's awful young. Reckon he'll stand strong in the heat of battle?
Will he care for us when the enemies come or will he get scared?" Paul tells
Timothy that the best way to show your inward affection and being is to stand
firmly and solidly on the principles of truth just as Paul had taught him. Much
about a minister can be gleaned during peaceful seasons, but the most abundant
information the flock could gather about a minister is how honorably he conducts
himself in battle or times of strife. Does he maintain truth and verity? Will
he stand for it even if he suffers personally for it? These questions were to
be met by Timothy by showing good spirit and faith.
Finally, Paul concludes by instructing
Timothy to be an example in purity as well. Paul's concluding remark drives
away the last shred of condemnation that someone could have against Timothy and
his age. As if all the items above were not enough, Paul tells him to live as
sinlessly and above reproach as he can. Now, Timothy will not be perfect in
this - no man will - but just as the Master commanded us to be perfect as our
Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48) and Brother Peter commanded us to be holy as
God is holy (I Peter 1:16), Paul here commands Timothy to completely adorn godly
living and abstain from sinful pleasures. What is one of the "hallmark traits"
of younger people in the eyes of common thinking? Most people believe that
young people are just going to "sow their wild oats" like it is a part of life
and not to be shocked by. Paul tells Timothy that he should go patently in the
opposite direction to show forth maturity and wisdom perhaps somewhat uncommon
in his age.
Now, having gone through all the things
that Paul told Timothy to do to put down condemnation from others, let us apply
the thought and then broaden it out a bit. Paul's point to Timothy was
twofold. Firstly, this exhortation was to indeed put down condemnation from
others, but the second application was for Timothy's life to serve as an example
to those he ministered unto – even those that might have condemned him! One
might say about this writing, "But preacher, I'm not a preacher, so what does
all this have to do with me?" The point is that the preacher faces similar
criticisms about his ministry that others face in different avenues of their
lives. If the flock can see a good pattern of behavior, attitude, and
conviction from their pastor, there is a good example for them to be emboldened
in the day of trial in their own lives. In this way, Timothy's example can do
as much or more preaching that just words from the pulpit. They do have the
words from the pulpit, but they also have examples of conviction, love, purity,
and a general manner of living. These sermons serve the church in great ways as
all persons grow together in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, by broadening this out a bit, one
might say, "But I'm not young anymore." Have you ever noticed that being
aged can serve as ammunition to be despised just as youth can be? It really
does not matter what someone's situation in life is, there is something for
someone to "pick on." Maybe someone is too loud, too quiet, too old, too young,
etc. However, whatever the charge and whether minister or congregant, may we
all be emboldened to serve as examples to others in all facets of life.
Friends, we will all get picked on. One way or another or for one reason or
another it will happen. May the ministry serve as good examples in standing up
honorably to the criticism so that the flock may do likewise. May parents be
such examples to children. May we all be so to our friends. In so doing, who
knows how our lives may touch others for the glory and to the ultimate praise of
God Almighty.
Bro Philip
|