1 Timothy 4:12

“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” (NKJV).

“Be An Example” Not all examples are good

examples We should imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). “Imitators of Christ” (Philippians 2:1-8).

Christians are the “Bible” some read. “Let your light shine” (Matt. 5:16). A pattern of good works (Titus 2:1-10).

“Be An Example” “In Word” (1 Tim. 4:12a).

An unbridled tongue makes one’s religion useless (James 1:26).

The Lord hates three uses of the tongue (Prov. 6:16-19).

Truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Speak what is fitting (Eph. 5:1-7).

“Be An Example” “In Conduct” (1 Tim. 4:12b).

Jesus’ conduct (1 Pet. 2:21-24; Hebrews 4:15).

Christians must be separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:11-18).

No fellowship with works of darkness (Ephesians 5:8-14).

“Be An Example” “In Love” (1 Tim. 4:12c).

God’s love (John 3:16). Greatest command (Matt. 22:37-40). Love is obedience (John 14:15). Christians must love: strangers

(James 2:8-9); brethren (1 John 3:14-18); Family (Eph. 5:25; Titus 2:4).

“Be An Example” “In Spirit” (1 Tim. 4:12d).

We must worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

“Clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5-10).

Not a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:6-7). A spirit of humble confidence

(Hebrews 4:16).

“Be An Example” “In Faith” (1 Tim. 4:12e).

Without faith we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith comes from the word (Rom. 10:17).

“Living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-5).

Our faith should set us apart.

“Be An Example” “In Purity” (1 Tim. 4:12f).

We must meditate on pure things (Philippians 4:8),

Timothy was to keep himself pure (1 Timothy 5:22).

We must strive to be perfect or complete (Matthew 5:42-48).

“Unspotted from the world” (Js. 1:26-27).