Chapter 4 of first Timothy contains the passage that has probably been used more often in youth ministries than any other. It seems to be the hallmark of youth ministry visions. You’ve probably heard it often, especially if you’re involved in your church’s youth or children’s ministries.
You can find it in 1 Timothy 4:11-12:
Paul begins this section by stating to Timothy that he is to command and teach these things. Paul has laid out a lot of instruction for Timothy in regards to the false teachers, the role of women, the duties of the elder and the deacon, and more. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in this phrase is to stand upon the authority of God’s word; command and teach. Because of God’s authority, Timothy has authority. He is to use it.
However, Timothy seems to be experiencing some timidity, perhaps because of his youth. Paul encourages him to not let others judge him because of that though. But just how old was Timothy? Some have suggested that he was very young, perhaps in his teens and twenties. However, this phrase can be used to refer to people of any age up to around forty. And if Timothy accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys in AD 49-50, and this letter was written around AD 62-63, then Timothy could have been in his early to mid thirties.
And remember, age is relative. In my own congregation, I lead people of all ages. To the teens, I’m the “old guy” in my early forties. But to many others in the congregation, I seem young, even the age of their own children. Just because Paul refers to Timothy’s youth doesn’t mean that he is a child.
In fact, he is to allow his conduct as a believer and as a minister set the tone for his ministry, in spite of his youth. Paul lists five areas for Timothy to excel, each reflecting the positive aspect of the negatives presented by the false teachers.
In speech
This refers to common, everyday language. Timothy isn’t to be argumentative or brash. Instead, he is to speak the truth in love, reflecting the wisdom of God in his words. Looking at our culture today, this sadly seems to be an area we need to focus on ourselves.
In life
This refers to a proper lifestyle. Timothy is to live above reproach, avoiding compromising situations. Ministry today is much the same. For example, if a woman comes into my office with a need or for counseling, I will make sure that my door remains open and the secretary is nearby. Or I will include one of the elders if our secretary isn’t available. People are watching my life and ministry very closely, just as they were watching Timothy’s.
In love
This phrase, along with the next, seem to be included in almost every list like this found in the New Testament. But, if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. God is love (1 John 4:8). And he has called us to love (John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7). As a leader, Timothy is called to model the actions of love.
In faith
The false teachers have abandoned their faith. Paul instructs Timothy to let his faith be one of his defining attributes (1 Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 2:16).
In purity
This phrase can also be translated as “chastity.” It means virtuous living, not just relational or sexual purity, although that meaning fits. The false teachers are full of a false humility, and Paul encourages Timothy to be full of the real thing, and not their false asceticism.
Notice the first two qualities are displayed in the outer life, while the other three are characteristics of the inner life. Paul is making sure Timothy cultivated both the inner and the outer man as he grows as a leader and as a minister.
Timothy represents the apostolic ministry of Paul, since he has been mentored by Paul. Therefore, his life and ministry need to reflect that, and he needs to conduct his life and his ministry in a way that gains the respect of the church and the community.
Not much has changed. We too, reflect the authority of God, just as Timothy did. And as such, we need to live our lives and conduct ourselves in a manner that gains the respect of our churches, and our communities.
We do not simply stand up and say “Watch me model the Christian life!” No. Instead, we must live it day by day, consistently displaying the faith acted out in our lives, so that those watching may increasingly realize the display of Christian character we are living out in front of them. As they watch, they will see, they will learn, and they will follow.
Although difficult at times, it is nonetheless necessary.
But take heart, because we have the strength of Christ at our fingertips to help us.
How are you doing in these five areas? In which are you strongest? In which are you weakest? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.