Be An Example

1 Timothy 4:12-16

12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

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

Bee's Thoughts:

We are to "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (v12).

"in speech": be edifying in our words
- "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6, NIV.
- "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3, NIV.
- "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14, NIV.

"in life": follow Christ's example
- "And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

"in love": loving God first of all, followed by loving others in the biblical way
- "4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails." 1 Cor 13:4-8

"in faith": trusting in God and not our own ability
- "The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17 AV
- "For we walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Cor 5:7

"in purity": not following the world's viewpoint even if it means weare old fashion
- "keep yourself pure." 1 Timothy 5:22

The following song is a prayer we may use:

Purity, Holiness

Lord, I give my eyes to You,
Guard my sight and all I do.
Help me to honor You each day,
In all my thoughts and what I say.

Refrain
Purity, Holiness,
Seal me Lord—in righteousness.
Not by what I say and do,
But through the grace that comes from You.

Give me desire for Your word,
May only building words be heard,
Through my life be glorified,
Jesus Christ, for me You died.
Repeat refrain

Get thee behind me Satan’s lie,
I’ll do Your will Lord, come draw nigh.
Help me avoid the tempter’s snare,
Dwell in Your loving arms of care.
Repeat refrain