Paul says to Timothy: "Command and teach these things. 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." (1 Timothy 4:11-12)
This was a big verse for me when I was at school. Don't let anyone look down on you because you're young, but set the example. Live the life. Watch your life and let it honour God, even though you're young!
Maybe you need to hear that today. Maybe you need to hear it in a different way - maybe for you, you need to remember not to let anyone look down on you because you're old (or older). It's the same principle. Paul is saying that age is irrelevant. Set the example whatever your age is.
The Marks of a Christlike Example
You see, when you are saved by grace, and being nourished on the truth and training in godliness, you will inevitably start to live a Christlike life. Did you see the specific ways Paul said this would happen?
Your speech becomes God-honouring.
Your conduct becomes God-honouring.
You live a life of love and faith and purity.
But you can't set the example in these things, without
Your hope in Christ for salvation.
A good spiritual diet.
Consistent spiritual disciplines.
You Might Be the Only Bible Someone Reads
An old Nazarene named Rev. Widmeyer wrote this in an old 1912 Herald of Holiness magazine: "We are watched by earth, heaven and hell. The readable Bible to the sinner is the Christian. We are obliged to live up to our profession or do away with it."
I loved that. The readable Bible to the sinner is the Christian. A more modern quote which says something similar is this: you might be the only Bible somebody ever reads.
Again I ask: is it time to watch your life more carefully, so that your life sets an example - for your spouse, your kids, your friends, your co-workers, your family… strangers?
Young, old, in between, set the example.
Be a picture of God's holiness and love in the way you live.
The moving true story of Thomas Walsh, a young Irishman who left the Church of Rome to follow Christ and became one of the most fruitful Methodist preachers of his generation before dying young. A powerful word on surrender and truth.