SET AN EXAMPLE FOR BELIEVERS

Passage: 1 Timothy 4:9-16

Key verse: 12

NIV

9 This is a trustworthy saying(A) that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,(B) who is the Savior of all people,(C) and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things.(D) 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you(E) because you are young, but set an example(F) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith(G) and in purity. 13 Until I come,(H) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,(I) to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy(J) when the body of elders(K) laid their hands on you.(L)

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save(M) both yourself and your hearers.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

9 The saying is (A)trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive,[a] because we have our hope set on the living God, (B)who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach (C)these things. 12 (D)Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers (E)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 (F)Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you (G)by prophecy when the council of elders (H)laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,[b] so that (I)all may see your progress. 16 (J)Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save (K)both yourself and (L)your hearers.

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Footnotes
  1. 1 Timothy 4:10 Some manuscripts and suffer reproach
  2. 1 Timothy 4:15 Greek be in them
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. We have put our hope in the living God (9-1

)

Our hope is not in money or education; nor is it in our own godliness or human abilities. Our hope is in the living God who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe his gospel. The task that God has given his people is to make Jesus known to all people everywhere so that they might be saved. This is the task that was entrusted to young Timothy, called to be the shepherd of the large and growing congregation in Ephesus.

2. Set an example for the believers (11-16)

How could young Timothy have effective spiritual leadership? Paul admonishes, 'Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers.' He must lead by going ahead of his flock in speech, life, love, faith and purity. He must teach the truth without compromise and put his hope in the living God. He must be diligent; he must persevere in personal Bible study and in an obedient life, and so, grow spiritually.

Prayer: Lord, my hope is in you alone. Help me to live an exemplary life in speech, love, faith and purity.

One Word: Set an example for believers