October 6
Jeremiah 3-4
Psalm 109:21-31
Proverbs 24:15-16
I Timothy 4
Youthful Leaders
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Be diligent in these matters; 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.” I Timothy 4:12, 15-16 NIV
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. Timothy was probably around forty years old when this letter was written. He was younger than many of the other apostles and apparently there were some who were questioning his authority because of his age. Paul is encouraging Timothy that he does not need to get all upset about it. He just needs to keep doing the things he is doing, and everyone will see his maturity and will follow his leading. This is a good reminder to all of us. For those of us who are a little older, it is a good reminder that we don’t know everything. While it is true that age and experience do bring wisdom and understanding, it is also true that wisdom and knowledge come from God, and He imparts that as He chooses. Just as God chose to use Timothy, He is using many godly young men and women today to reach a lost and dying world. We should not dismiss the teaching of anyone simply because of their age. Thankfully, there are many younger men and women who read these devotions every day. Seeing their zeal and commitment to the Lord is encouraging to me and gives me hope for the future. I want to encourage you as Paul encouraged Timothy. Do not let anyone look down on you because of your age. Please keep doing the things you are doing. The next generation is depending on you. Set an example for believers and be diligent. Give yourself wholly to the Lord, watch your life and persevere. Paul told Timothy several things to keep an eye on and I think these are applicable to each of us:
1. Speech- This includes gossip, cursing, angry outbursts, lying, slander, taking the Lord’s name in vain, idle chatter, vulgar jokes, grumbling and complaining, etc.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
2. Conduct- This includes everything we do.
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
3. Love- Everything we do should be an expression of our love for God and others.
“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.’” Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
4. Faith- Paul is most likely referring to faithfulness here and is telling Timothy to be faithful to carry out His responsibilities, the things that have been entrusted to him. It is a powerful testimony to others when we work hard and are diligent to fulfill our commitments.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.’” Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
5. Purity-This is referring to purity of mind and body.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” I Thessalonians 4:3-4 (NIV)
6. Doctrine- It is essential that our doctrine be accurate. We must not be guilty of false teaching. If you are unsure about a principle, go to your pastor or teacher who can help you make sure your teaching is doctrinally sound.
“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” Titus 1:9 (NIV)
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