TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
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​Memorize this Verse: (Cover the verse text and using just the first letters of each word try to recite the entire passage.)
12. L N M D T Y B B T A E O T B I W I C I C I S I F I P

Notes on this verse:

“Let no man despise thy youth”: Greek culture placed great value on age and experience. Since Timothy was in his thirties, still young by the standards of that culture, he would have to earn respect by being a godly example. Because he had been with Paul since a young teenage, Timothy had much experience to mature him, so that looking down on him because he was under 40 was inexcusable.

“Be thou an example”: Paul lists 5 areas (the better manuscripts omit “in spirit”), in which Timothy was to be an example to the church;

“Speech (Matt. 12:34-37; Eph. 4:25, 29, 31); “Conduct” (righteous living; Titus 2:10; 1 Pet. 1:15; 2:12: 3:16); “Love” (self-sacrificial service for others; John 15:13); “Faith” (not belief, but faithfulness or commitment; 1 Cor. 4:2); “Purity” (especially sexual purity; 3:2). Timothy’s exemplary life in those areas would offset the disadvantage of his youth.

“Youth”: This Greek word was applied to men 40 years of age and younger.

To help prevent some from despising his “youth,” Timothy is to “be … an example of” [for] “the believers” in the areas of “word” (conversation). “Conversation” (conduct); “charity” (love for those treating him well and ill), “spirit” (proper attitude); “faith” (trusting God in good and bad times), and “in purity” (sexual purity and integrity of life).

Paul is saying to Timothy, do not wander from the teachings, because of your youth and give the Christians any reason to question your teachings. He is saying to Timothy, live above reproach. Do everything as a seasoned man of God. The pastor of any church must live an example before his people. Sin should not be even in his thoughts whether he is young or old.

Notice, that Paul cautions him first about the Word of God. The Word must not be compromised. He is also telling Timothy to be a doer of the Word of God, not just a speaker of the Word. Let Christ in you be so great that they will not be able to find any flaw in your way of life. Be strong in the faith and in the power of the Spirit.

TODAY'S BIBLE READING

February 9

Today's Bible Reading Plan selections can be found below. If you don't have a Bible with you, just click the references to read each passage online:

​Old Testament
Exodus 24-26  —  8.0 minutes
Psalms 32  —  2.5 minutes

New Testament
Matthew 13:44-58  —  3.5 minutes
Acts 19:23-41  —  5.0 minutes

Total Average Read Time — 19.0 minutes