Timothy's Youth (1 Tim. 4:12)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 5-15-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus: Timothy’s Youth

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  1Timothy 4:12

 

            Message of the verse:  “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”  This is what Paul wrote to Timothy in verse twelve of chapter four.  The first thing that I have read about this verse from some of the commentaries is that when Paul was speaking about young Timothy was probably in his early forties.  He had been with Paul off and on since he was in his late teens, so I am sure that he had gained much knowledge from Paul in those years.  Paul tells Timothy that he should show himself as an example in five areas of his life.  1. Speech:  There are many verses in Scripture that teach the believers to speak right.  (Matt. 12:34-37; Eph. 4:25,29,31)  2.  Conduct: 

Paul was speaking about living a righteous life.  3.  Love:  This is speaking about what the Greek word agape really means, a self-sacrificing type of love.  4.  Faith:  This does not mean having the faith that is needed for salvation, however he is talking about his faithfulness or commitment in living out the Christian life.  5.  Purity:  I am sure that Paul is speaking about sexual purity, for that is the kind of purity that if not done right will have a very bad effect on other believers and non-believers alike.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I believe that this goes along with the theme of godliness that Paul is speaking about to Timothy.  All of these five qualities are a part of living a godly type of lifestyle.  I need to exercise myself in these spiritual areas of my life.

 

The Word of God brought both conviction and a challenge to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  To exercise myself towards godliness as written about in this portion of Scripture that I have been studying.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.