Set an Example in Every Way
06/16/2025
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
—1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Timothy was a young man with a big calling. Tasked with leading a growing and often difficult church, he faced skepticism not because of a lack of gifting, but because of his age. Paul, his mentor, didn’t tell him to argue back or demand respect. Instead, Paul pointed Timothy to something far more powerful: his example.
This verse speaks to anyone who has ever felt underestimated, whether due to age, experience, background, or status. Paul tells Timothy (and us) that spiritual authority is not about age, position, or title. It’s about character. When your life reflects Jesus, your example becomes louder than your critics.
Think about a young David stepping up to Goliath when seasoned warriors wouldn’t. Or Mary, a teenager, chosen to carry the Savior of the world. God loves using those the world overlooks. But He doesn’t just use them, He shapes them into leaders who lead with love, courage, and integrity.
Paul highlights five areas where our example should shine:
Speech – What we say should reflect grace and truth. No gossip. No slander. Words that build up.
Conduct – Our behavior should match our beliefs. Honesty, humility, and self-control should define our actions.
Love – Not just affection, but sacrificial, Christlike love. Loving people when it’s inconvenient or undeserved.
Faith – A steadfast trust in God even when it’s hard, uncertain, or unpopular.
Purity – Living with moral integrity, resisting cultural pressures and choosing holiness.
In a world where followers are often louder than leaders, Paul calls us to lead by living differently. We don’t need a platform to make an impact, we need a pattern worth imitating.
Here are some things you can do to help you on your journey.
Reflect: Which of the five areas, speech, conduct, love, faith, or purity, needs the most growth in your life?
Invite Accountability: Ask a trusted friend or mentor to give you honest feedback.
Encourage a Younger Leader: Pour into someone who might feel overlooked or discouraged.
Choose Influence Over Image: Focus more on who you’re becoming than how you’re being perceived.
My challenge for you is this:
Don’t wait until you’re “older,” “smarter,” or “more ready” to be an example. Start today. Let your life speak loudly of Jesus in the quiet moments of faithfulness.
Father, thank You for seeing beyond what others see. Thank You for calling us not based on age or experience, but on willingness and obedience. Help me today to be an example in my words, my actions, my love, my faith, and my purity. Use my life to point others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
—1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Timothy was a young man with a big calling. Tasked with leading a growing and often difficult church, he faced skepticism not because of a lack of gifting, but because of his age. Paul, his mentor, didn’t tell him to argue back or demand respect. Instead, Paul pointed Timothy to something far more powerful: his example.
This verse speaks to anyone who has ever felt underestimated, whether due to age, experience, background, or status. Paul tells Timothy (and us) that spiritual authority is not about age, position, or title. It’s about character. When your life reflects Jesus, your example becomes louder than your critics.
Think about a young David stepping up to Goliath when seasoned warriors wouldn’t. Or Mary, a teenager, chosen to carry the Savior of the world. God loves using those the world overlooks. But He doesn’t just use them, He shapes them into leaders who lead with love, courage, and integrity.
Paul highlights five areas where our example should shine:
Speech – What we say should reflect grace and truth. No gossip. No slander. Words that build up.
Conduct – Our behavior should match our beliefs. Honesty, humility, and self-control should define our actions.
Love – Not just affection, but sacrificial, Christlike love. Loving people when it’s inconvenient or undeserved.
Faith – A steadfast trust in God even when it’s hard, uncertain, or unpopular.
Purity – Living with moral integrity, resisting cultural pressures and choosing holiness.
In a world where followers are often louder than leaders, Paul calls us to lead by living differently. We don’t need a platform to make an impact, we need a pattern worth imitating.
Here are some things you can do to help you on your journey.
Reflect: Which of the five areas, speech, conduct, love, faith, or purity, needs the most growth in your life?
Invite Accountability: Ask a trusted friend or mentor to give you honest feedback.
Encourage a Younger Leader: Pour into someone who might feel overlooked or discouraged.
Choose Influence Over Image: Focus more on who you’re becoming than how you’re being perceived.
My challenge for you is this:
Don’t wait until you’re “older,” “smarter,” or “more ready” to be an example. Start today. Let your life speak loudly of Jesus in the quiet moments of faithfulness.
Father, thank You for seeing beyond what others see. Thank You for calling us not based on age or experience, but on willingness and obedience. Help me today to be an example in my words, my actions, my love, my faith, and my purity. Use my life to point others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Embracing the New ThingBe TransformedPleasing God, Not PeopleThe Power of Repentance and BaptismThe Power of Forgiveness and LoveLiving in the LightSharing the Good NewsRecognizing and Worshiping the Son of ManStand Firm, Unmovable, AboundingThe Power of TogethernessResting in God’s RhythmThe Greatness of GodHeld by His HandLoving Beyond LimitsSowing RighteousnessThe Danger of Self-RelianceHeld by His HandProclaiming His Glory to AllHonoring One Another In LoveHidden TreasureTrusting God’s PlansThe Treasure of the KingdomStay Alert and Be PreparedGuarding Against GreedA House DividedYou Are the Light of the WorldEars to HearAll For The OneThe Beginning of WisdomUnashamed of the Gospel
February
Drawing Near with ConfidenceDaily Bread and Daily TrustEvery Good and Perfect GiftA Call to BlessingWalking by the SpiritStrength in the Lord’s RewardThe Power of Your WordsLiving in the Grace of GodOvercoming Evil with GoodPerfect Peace in an Imperfect WorldFrom Death to LifeOvercoming Evil with GoodResting in God’s WorkA Friend Who Loves at All TimesThe Lord Delights Over YouGo Into All the WorldImitating What Is GoodStrength in WeaknessBe Still and KnowTake Heart in Troubled TimesGuarded by God’s PeacePursuing PeacePeace That Cannot Be ShakenLiving Out the Law of LoveBlessing the Poor, Honoring the LordSinging of God’s Strength and LoveWorthy, Worthy, WorthyA Vision of Heaven’s Multitude
March
Go and Make DisciplesBe Strong and CourageousChoosing the Path of LifeUnchanging in a Changing WorldRedeemed by GraceWalking in Step with the SpiritPutting Faith into PracticeGo and Tell the Good NewsDwelling in the Shelter of the Most HighBehold, the Lamb of GodTo Live is Christ, To Die is GainSwallowed by GraceFor Such a Time as ThisSeeking Wisdom from GodBe MercifulA Heart That Seeks GodExtending Mercy to the DoubtfulThe Word Was GodThe Knock at Your Heart’s DoorThe Sacrifice That Pleases GodSharpening Souls TogetherMade for RestA Way OutApproved and UnashamedAll InClothed with CompassionLove That CoversRoots That Never Run DryRemain in MeThe Great ExchangeGod at Work Within You
No Comments