I Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on you because you are young, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity show yourself an example of those who believe. This week, we continue to look at the last three of the five areas of daily life in which Paul instructed Timothy in spiritual leadership. We are to be an example of biblical love which is self-sacrificing on behalf of others and those whom we lead in the example of Jesus Himself. It means that we give value, priority, time and energy to those whom we are called to lead and serve, beginning first with our family. It is so easy and prevalent today for a man to be selfish and do the things he wants to do before the needs and responsibilities of his own family. I actually give up golf for twenty years so that I could spend the time needed to lead my family.

The fourth area of life Paul gave is that of faith. Here it does not refer to belief, but to faithfulness and unswerving commitment. It means to not get off track and deviate from God’s Word and to be trustworthy. A man is to keep his doctrine and conduct true to God’s Word so that those whom he leads will be led to Jesus and matured in Him. Later in this same passage, Paul gave us a clear instruction in I Timothy 4:16 “Pay close attention to yourself and to your doctrine (teaching); persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” Could it be more clearly stated than this?

The last area of life mentioned in our text is that of purity. Here it refers to sexual purity and in both actions and intentions of the heart. Sexual impurity ravages the life and home of a Christian man and spiritual leader. Sexual impurity and money are the two most common attacks of Satan that bring a man down and destroys his life and spiritual leadership. The bottom line is that we are to be a personal example of Christ in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. What kind of example are you today and will you be tomorrow?