What does it look like to be an example to the believers (1 Timothy 4:12)?

It was to Timothy that Paul wrote, “Let no man despise thy youth” (1 Tim. 4:12). Do any of us ask, In what way should a young believer act, so that his youth should not be despised? The answer is very direct and practical, and given in the same verse; for we read “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Let all who read these lines take full account of this verse in all its details. It is not the correct knowledge of doctrine, important as that is, but the carrying out of it in practice, that is enjoined upon us. And it is well to note that the Apostle Peter also stressed conduct, for he exhorted the elders to be, “ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3), using the same word. Whether with the young or with the old, there is nothing sadder than a head full of sound doctrine, if divorced from the conduct which the doctrine enjoins. In such a case you have just a hypocrite.

“In word.” This is a very big test for each of us, for “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” What is enthroned in our hearts will assuredly govern our speech. It is not a question of how we speak about divine things for a short hour in a Bible reading, but of what kind of talk characterizes us in our homes, in our business life, among our friends, in the social circle, and at all times.

“In conversation.” In the Bible this word is used in its old-fashioned sense, embracing our whole manner of life and behaviour. Do we so behave as to be well pleasing to the Lord, and set forth what becomes a follower of Christ in the eyes of those who behold us? Years ago it was said of a prominent minister that he preached so well that he never ought to be out of the pulpit, but that, on the other hand, his life was so inconsistent with his preaching that he ought never to be allowed to enter it. A sad example truly; but we knew a young man who gave Scripture expositions of a lofty nature, and yet disgraced himself in private by questionable talk and action.

Timothy was to command and teach these things: Divine authority was behind them: they must not in the least be compromised. He was not to allow men to despise his youth. This could only be accomplished through what follows. Young man though he was, he was to be an example of the believers, not one merely following passively the example of others. "In word" is first mentioned, for it is this that others will first observe. "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Words reveal that which most occupies the heart.

"In conversation" is rightly translated "in conduct," (Darby Trans.), and refers to conversing not only audibly, but in our actions. This too will claim the observation of others, who should see in it a godly example. "In love" is a precious addition to conduct, for this is the warming, attracting character that draws souls, and does require true cultivation. "In faith" is surely no less important, for the soul must learn to always look out from mere circumstances to the Living God, with unfeigned confidence in His truth and faithfulness, drawing from Him the grace to meet the many problems of the way. If this is true, how precious an example for others! "In purity" evidences a single heart that allows no admixture of principles, no adulteration of truth, but honestly keeps separate the precious from the vile. This certainly will be noticed too, not always appreciated by men, but valuable in the eyes of God, and a necessary example for others.

(Vv. 11, 12). These things Timothy was to enjoin and teach. Being a young man he was to be specially on his guard against any assumption or youthful pride which would mar his testimony by leading him to be despised because of his youth. If his exhortations and instructions to others were to be effectual, he would have, in his life, to “be a model of the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Alas! how often we mar our testimony through failing to exhibit these beautiful qualities of Christ. If the truths we teach do not affect our own lives, can we expect our teaching to affect others?

“In purity.” This should unmistakably mark the Christian young man, especially in these days of loose morals on every hand. The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to treat the younger women “as sisters, with all purity” (1 Tim. 5:2). When the young indulge in thoughtless flirtations, which are manifestly of the flesh, great dangers are incurred, and all too many have learned too late and to their grief, how bitter is the fruit of it all. It is true for saint as well as for sinner that, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).

Here we have plain personal precepts for Timothy. Absence of assumption gives more, not less, weight to a solemn charge or a faithful teaching; and there was the more need for admonition as he was young, though any who despised him on that account was inexcusable. But it was a serious reason for Timothy himself to cultivate such speech and manner of life, such love and faith and purity as ought to disarm even the naturally froward with whom he might have to do among the believers.

Many people seem to think of doctrinal error as a comparatively small and unimportant thing; but where people give up a line of truth once enjoyed in the Spirit’s power, or once controlling heart and life, close investigation will generally prove that moral evil of some character was behind it. When men get out of touch with holiness, they lose their grip of the truth; or, rather, the truth loses power over them. In the third chapter of 1 Timothy the deacons are described as “holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” (verse 9). This emphasizes what we have just been noticing—there must be activity of conscience if the testimony of the Lord is to be maintained and the good deposit kept. Further exhortation, addressed to Timothy, each believer may profitably take to himself. In chapter 4 of the first epistle, verses 6 and 12 to 16 we read, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister [or, servant] of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.... Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.... Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine ; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” All this is most salutary instruction and must not be overlooked. I sincerely hope that many young men who read these lines may some day be called of God to preach the Word and declare the testimony of the Lord publicly. If so, I trust the principle laid down in the passages we have been noticing will never be forgotten. “Thyself” first; then “the doctrine.”

The misery of a life of selfishness, and the joy of a life yielded to God, the darkness of this world and the brightness of that to which we are going, ought alike to lead us to a fuller and more practical sanctification of ourselves to God and His service; and the love of Christ of which we sing so much will if truly known constrain us in the same direction. And in this each may be a help to all, and none may shirk his responsibility; but more particularly is it necessary that those who minister the word, and so are more prominent than others, should lead in these things. Paul's manner of life did not belie his doctrine. Young Timothy was exhorted to be "an example of believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). Titus had to show in himself "a pattern of good works" (Titus 2:7). But the servants, slaves in that day, also, had to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things" (Titus 2:10). And all are exhorted — "Consider one another to provoke to love and good works" (Heb. 10:24).

The misery of a life of selfishness, and the joy of a life yielded to God, the darkness of this world and the brightness of that to which we are going, ought alike to lead us to a fuller and more practical sanctification of ourselves to God and His service; and the love of Christ of which we sing so much will if truly known constrain us in the same direction. And in this each may be a help to all, and none may shirk his responsibility; but more particularly is it necessary that those who minister the word, and so are more prominent than others, should lead in these things. Paul's manner of life did not belie his doctrine. Young Timothy was exhorted to be “an example of believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Titus had to show in himself “a pattern of good works” (Tit. 2:7). But the servants, slaves in that day, also, had to “adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Tit. 2:10). And all are exhorted—“Consider one another to provoke unto love and good works” (Heb. 10:24).

Josiah not only read to the people the law of Jehovah, but he declared his own intention to be obedient to it. "The King stood in his place, and made a covenant before Jehovah, to walk after Jehovah, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book" (2 Chron. 34:31). This is excellent. An ounce of example is worth more than a ton of precept. Joshua, in his final address to Israel, spoke similarly: "As for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah" (Joshua 24:15). Paul urged Timothy to "be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation: in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). When the Lord Jesus was on earth the Jewish people had many teachers — Scribes and Pharisees — whose teaching was good, but their own lives were bad. "All therefore whatsoever they bid you, observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not" (Matt. 23:3). Mr. Spurgeon once spoke of a Minister who was so good in the pulpit but so questionable in his manner of life, that the people said that when he was in the pulpit it was a pity he should come out of it, and when he was not in the pulpit they said it was a scandal that he should be allowed to enter it! Brethren, let us above all things be real! God forbid that we should proclaim to others truths of which we know not the power in our own souls. Paul could say to one who knew him intimately, "Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience" (2 Tim. 3:10).

If the servant is young, he should "be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). If older, he should still be an example to the flock according to 1 Peter 5:1-9.