📊 1 Timothy 4:12 | The Power of Example and Tuesday Trivia

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📧 In today’s email…

• 🕊️ A bird’s eye view of 1 Timothy 4:12

• 🤔 Reflection: For the youth

• 📊 Tuesday trivia

 🧠 Memorize

_{see if you know what words go in the blanks}

Let no one _______ ___ ___ your youth,

but set ___ _________ __ example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

The Two Movements of 1 Timothy 4:12 🕊️

1 Timothy 4:12 has two movements:

Encouragement → don’t let others look down on you for your youth

Application → set an example

This verse is Paul writing a strong word of encouragement to Timothy, to set an example for other believers despite his youth:

As commentator, David Guzik puts it:

Because Timothy was young, he was vulnerable to the errors of youth which bring the often justified criticism of those older.

To address this, Paul called him to live a life that was so godly that no one could despise his youth.

Have you ever felt underestimated because of your age or inexperience despite knowing that you have something to bring to the table?

Regardless of your age or experience, Paul’s words should encourage us and challenge us to live in a way that clearly reflects Christ and sets an example for others.

How To Be An Example 📖

Paul outlines specific areas where Timothy, and we, should be setting good examples for those around us:

• Speech: Speak using words and the tone you would use if Jesus were right next to you

• Conduct: Do what Jesus would do if he were you

• Love: Show genuine care and compassion for others

• Faith: Demonstrate trust in God with your prayers and actions

• Purity: Maintain a life of holiness and integrity

💡 Tomorrow: We’ll explore more practical ways to live out each of these qualities and be a true example to others.

Reflecting on 1 Timothy 4:12 🤔 

My uncle is a chiropractor. Unsurprisingly, he has great posture.

This is not an exaggeration - anytime we have family gatherings and he walks in the room, everyone instantly sits up straighter and improves their posture.

This is a tangible picture of the effect our example can have on others around us (believers and nonbelievers).

You might not realize it, but there are people you interact with every day that will tweak their behavior, speech and attitude based on how you show up every day.

Let 1 Timothy 4:12 be a reminder that we are called and empowered to set an example in every aspect of our lives, regardless of our age or experience.

Reflect & Set an Example 🙏 

Which area do you find most challenging to reflect Christ?

Speech, conduct, love, faith, or purity?

Take a few minutes today to spend time in quiet with the Lord, asking Him to strengthen you in these areas.

Seek His guidance on how you can better exemplify Christ in your daily life.

✍️ If you’re a journaler, consider writing down specific ways you can improve and pray over them.

Answer key ✅ 

Let no one despise you for your youth,

but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12