Set the Example

1 Timothy 4:12 ~ "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

As Paul set Timothy to serve as the pastor in the church of Ephesus, it was a challenging place, for Timothy was still a relatively young man. But one of the great truths of the Christian life is that the age of God's adult children is not as much a matter of consequence as maturity in Christ. David, king of Israel, said in Psalm 119:100, "I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts." Before we go further, it is important to note that this example being set is done by one who is already a grown man. Do not mistake the youthfulness of Timothy as being one who is not actually fully grown into manhood. However, the young pastor was in a fellowship whose makeup was such that many were well advanced in years. So, let us apply this text appropriately, not to the children of the church but to the adults--even the young adults--who have an obligation to set the example.

So, dear Christian, do you have the same responsibility to set an example for others? Not all who read these words today are pastors or leaders of a church. Does this negate the command to set the example? Not at all. Every believer is to be a light in this world to display the transformed life. It is true that those who teach are held to a different standard. James 3:1 says, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." The judgment described does not merely come at the end of all things when we will all stand before the LORD, but it happens even in the time that we live, for a teacher has put themselves into a position to say to others that they know by experience what they are teaching. For an example, if a teacher of advanced mathematics could not perform basic calculations, it would not go well for that person.

Though all Christians have the requirement to set an example, no one can set an example beyond what they have grown into. As we get ready to dive into the five qualities that are found in our text, take note that it says to "set the believers an example." It is important to realize that you and I have a blessed opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in Christ by setting an example of the qualities of Christian virtue. Ephesians tells us that when each part of the body is working properly, then the whole body will grow and build itself up in love (see Ephesians 4:15-16). Let it be noted, one of the greatest evidences of your Christian walk is the way you conduct yourself with your brothers and sisters in Christ. 

In our text today, there are five qualities listed that are both practical and profound. They are like a road into the very core of a believer's heart, inviting those around you to navigate down until they experience the very depths of your love for and faith in Christ. Each virtue brings them closer. We won't tarry on each one too long, for they all deserve a rendering unto themselves. But I want you to consider something that is very illustrative. The first is the most distant a person can experience your life--your speech, the last is the most intimate a person can know you--your purity. In each step along the path, they draw in closer until your Christianity is transparent to them. 

Let's consider briefly these five qualities:

Speech: How do you use your words? What comes forth from your tongue that begins the process of another person knowing your love for Christ? Let your words invite people around you to draw nearer for you speak with the grace of the LORD.

Conduct: How do you live the external part of your life? Do your visual actions reflect the testimony of your lips? It is important that what is seen in your functional living is able to verify your testimony of faith.

Love: How do you treat others? Not merely having moral actions and kindness toward your fellow man, do you love the brotherhood of believers? It is an expression of sacrifice toward those who are with you in the LORD. 

Faith: Closer now to your heart, do those around you know the depths of your faith in Christ? More than just the testimony of your words, and the behavior of your actions, there is the evidence of a true and unbreakable confidence in Christ.

Purity: This is the closest of all, for now those around you see the transparent you, the inner you. We understand that there is still the struggle against sin, are there those around you in Christ who see the purifying work of His Spirit within you? 

Let us, dear ones, in love for our Savior, strive to set this example for one another, seeking to help each other grow in our walk with the LORD.

In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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