12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
In verses 11-16, Paul encouraged Timothy to serve the Lord faithfully. Ministry is difficult and requires strength and determination to persist in honoring the Lord with one’s service. There are identifiable qualities that can be found in a pastor.
12 Let no one despise your youth,
Timothy was a young man when Paul enlisted him to serve as a missionary (Acts 16:1-3). Eleven years had transpired since then. Thus, this pastor was not a teenager but an adult with some experience. He was probably between 30 and 35 years of age.
It is tempting for a young pastor to defer his responsibility for dealing with difficult issues to others. Some in Timothy’s church were false teachers; he must deal with them himself, and some of these spurious teachers were older than him.
but be an example to the believers in word [speech],
Paul challenged Timothy to be an example to his congregation in several categories. The apostle himself was a model servant (1 Co 11:1; Php 3:17; Tit 2:7; 1 Pe 5:2-3). His example was to manifest itself “in word,” in what he said in private or public.
in conduct [manner of life],
“Conduct” is behavior or how one lives as an example before others. “Conduct” means manner of life. Our behavior must comport with what we affirm as true.
in love,
“Love” toward others was a cardinal teaching of Jesus whereby He challenged His disciples to love one another (Jn 13:34, 35). Love seeks the welfare of others; it is not self-oriented.
in spirit,
Some older manuscripts do not include “in spirit.”
in faith,
“Faith” here is not saving faith but operational faith (2 Co 5:7). The exercise of “faith” is foundational to day-by-day Christian living. We cannot apply God’s promises to ourselves without taking them by faith (1 Tim 5:22). Stewards of ministry must be found faithful (1 Co 4:2).
in purity.
Timothy was to set an example in moral conduct.
PRINCIPLE:
A pastor’s setting an example is crucial for his leading a congregation.
APPLICATION:
A minister’s example sets a pattern for his congregation to follow and reinforces his teachings (Psalms 3:17; 4:9).
