1 Timothy 4:12

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness”: The teaching and commanding in 1 Timothy 4:11 may evoke resistance upon some members. By his example and speech, Timothy must remove any barrier to the message his youthfulness might cause. Timothy was probably around 35 when this letter was written. In the ancient world,. person was considered. “young” man until he reached age 40. Timothy cannot “command” people to listen to him or respect him, rather, he must live in such. way that their respect is earned. To look down on means to treat. person with contempt and scorn. Other passages indicate that Timothy was still. young man at this time (1 Timothy 5:1; 2 Timothy 2:22). Timothy may have been converted around 48 A.D. (ages 15-22?), joined Paul in 51 A.D. (Acts 16:1), and this letter was written in 65-67 A.D. Paul knew that Timothy was. young man, but did not believe he was too young for the task at hand.

1 Timothy 4:12 “But rather in speech”: This would refer to Timothy's preaching and personal conversation (2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 2:1; Titus 2:7 “sound speech”). Certain forms of speech should not be used by Christians (Ephesians 5:4; Ephesians 4:29), and speech does reveal the thoughts of the heart and one's true character (Proverbs 17:28; Mark 7:20).

1 Timothy 4:12 “Conduct”: This term refers to “public life, general behavior, ways of dealing with people. The word covers. multitude of practical matters involving such things as work habits and business dealings as well as morals and leadership” (Reese pp. 182-183). This goes against the modern attitude of those in the public eye who claim, “I am not. role model”. Timothy is supposed to be. role model.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Love”: This would include love for God as well as love for others. God expects Timothy to do more than simply preach about love, He expects him to love his enemies (Matthew 5:44); love his neighbor (1 Timothy 22:39); love God with all his heart (1 Timothy 22:37); and love his brethren (John 13:34; 1 Peter 1:22).

1 Timothy 4:12 “Faith”: That is, dependability, one that God and man can count on, an example of true conviction and. sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:5), being. man of his word and. man who is faithful in his preaching of God's truth.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Purity”: God expects evangelists to practice what they preach. Timothy must be ethical, honest, and in conformity with God's laws governing morality. “Purity is clean thinking and talking and living” (Reese p. 183). Timothy must be very careful in his interactions with the opposite sex, and do nothing that would give rise to scandal or the wrong impression.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Show yourself an example”: God knows that Timothy can be. good example if he will continue to put forth the effort. In addition, this statement does not infer that Timothy has been less than. good example, the statement is not. rebuke but. call to continue being. good example. “Show yourself”, that is, keep on becoming an example.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Of those who believe”: This statement can either mean, “Be an example to the world of what. Christian should be”, or “be an example to the believers”.