June 24, 2014
JUST BECAUSE THEY'RE YOUNG DOESN'T MEAN THEY'RE DUMB
1 Timothy 4
Scott Kedersha
Central Truth
Oftentimes, we look down on others because of their youthfulness. In this verse, Paul exhorts Timothy and his readers not to overlook or discount the wisdom and counsel of individuals just because they are young.
Key Verse | 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. (1 Timothy 4:12)
1 Timothy 4
Some Will Depart from the Faith
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
6 If you put these things before the brothers, 1 4:6 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, 2 4:10 Some manuscripts and suffer reproach because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 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. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, 3 4:15 Greek be in them so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Dive Deeper | 1 Timothy 4
1 Timothy 4 is packed with some great verses, including 1 Timothy 4:7-8. I have used this passage as an excuse to avoid exercise for 40 years!
My favorite verse in this chapter, however, is 1 Timothy 4:12. If you serve with children, you are familiar with this verse. While it works for 2nd and 3rd graders, I believe Paul is addressing young adults like Timothy in this passage.
Kristen and I lead a small group of newly married couples (young adults) called a Foundation Group. Our Foundation Group ministry is designed to help establish newlyweds in their marriages and to help them build their marriage upon the foundation of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24-27). We love leading these groups and opening up our home to newlyweds. One of the greatest parts of leading these groups is watching couples grow in their love for the Lord, for each other in marriage, and for the other couples in the group.
We watch them and are blown away by the maturity of these young couples -- they're young in age, young in their years of marriage, and sometimes young in their walks with Jesus. Yet, the wisdom we see in these young couples is incredible. However, because they're not older, married for decades, or parents, the church often discounts their input and leadership.
To be clear, we need leaders of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Paul even addresses this in 1 Timothy 5, among other places in Scripture. However, the church often misses quality leaders and disciplers because they are not old or experienced enough.
We love being at Watermark -- the 12 years we have been a part of this body have been incredible. Yet, when I look around at those who are younger than I in age, years of marriage, and maturity, I am really excited for what lies ahead for this church. Let's not look down on the youthfulness of those around us -- rather, watch how they are leading the way in speech, faith, love, conduct, and purity.
Discussion Questions
1. How in the past have you ignored the counsel of someone just because he or she was younger than you or maybe less mature spiritually than you?
2. Who has the Lord placed in your life that is younger (either in age or in spiritual maturity) than you that you can pour into?
3. As you examine your own life, where can you grow the most today? In speech? Conduct? Love? Faith? Purity?
4. When others look at your life, would they say that you are an example of "those who believe"? Why or why not?