THURSDAY April 24, 2025

The Model Young Christian

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12

Timothy was young, but teachable. Paul poured himself into Timothy’s life, knowing he had many more years ahead of him to serve Christ in the ministry. He was chosen by God to be a pastor and to care for the congregation. He should be respected as an elder in the church. No one should despise him because of his youthfulness. The word despise means “to think down upon or against,” “to think slightly of,” “to distain,” or “think little or nothing of.”

The Bible specifically calls for us to honor men of the Word: Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17). Timothy held an important office in the church in Ephesus. As their pastor, he deserved honor for his continual labor in giving them God’s Word. Although Timothy was young, he knew the Holy Scriptures, which made him wise about salvation:

...you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14-15).

Paul gave his son in the faith more fatherly advice. He wanted to make sure Timothy remained pure. He was a young man and would have to resist temptation to satisfy any lustful desires of his flesh. He wanted to make sure Timothy kept his integrity in the ministry. He should not bring shame to the name of Jesus Christ by any sexual misconduct.

For the rest of Timothy’s life, he needed to continue to be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, and in faith, and purity. In doing so, he became a model Christian that today’s youth can pattern their lives after. If you are a young man or woman called to the ministry, why not pattern your life after Timothy?

Becoming a Christian is the work of a moment; being a Christian is the work of a lifetime.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!