First Timothy lesson 22 cont.

Well, we are in 1 Timothy chapter 4, verses 12 and 13, lesson 22. Is that right? I still have 23 on the top of my head. I know. Change it. I know. He changes it every time. So we have 22. So 1 Timothy chapter 4, verses 12 and 13. verse 12 let no one look down on your youthfulness but rather in speech conduct love faith and purity show yourself as an example of those who believe do that on this one so we were in question three what does Paul's this problem about him looking down on his youthfulness. In verse 12, let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. That was the New American Standard. New King James said, let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, and conduct, and love, and spirit, and faith, and purity. So a little bit of change in What if I don't want to?

Actually, how old do you think Timothy is? Yeah, I'm just curious. There are some that say he was, what, 30 years old, 30-ish old. So again, nobody has an exact age for him, but that was about what the age was. So we went into it. It's all relative. Brian being an elder now. I tried to figure this thing out. Yeah. What was that, lay hands on no one or two? Sorry. Well, yeah, I was wondering what you guys came up with, because I couldn't find it. There really wasn't.

It was just some speculation that it was in his 30s. Titus as well. Some commentaries have him around 30. Some have him about 55. Yeah, so it probably makes more sense in the 30s, especially in this, where So the problem was about looking at what was his we started you want probably done but we don't know if we can do that way Sorry about that. I'm loud enough to pick stuff up on the mics out here.

So I usually don't worry about the mic. So we started to say, what would we have recommended Timothy to do in response to this? worldly fleshly, was go pound sand. But that was not Paul's advice. Obviously he did not say, you know, get in their face and give them grief. So again, we basically see the word to be in here is the New King James. The word be in the New King James is not the ordinary verb of being in the Greek, but ginomai, to become.

So you're to become an example. You're not supposed to just get in his face and light him up and tell him, you old codgers, you old guys, leave me alone. He's to be an example. something to be imitated or followed. That's what Paul is giving. Be an example to these people. Don't just get in their face and give them grace that, you know, don't tell them I'm a young buck. He gives them an example. So, Timothy is to take a positive approach, marked out in this verse by the strong and versative, but he is to launch a five-point offensive to earn respect. And this is done by being a model believer.

So, Isn't this what we give as an admonition to our kids? What do you do when, you know, kids are in the, you know, getting into something and Billy called me this or whatever? Do you go tell them to go pound them? Do you tell them to go get in their face and rile them up? What do you tell them? First, you take them to the woodshed.

And it's not Paul's advice here. So you basically say, be an example. Don't be like them. Don't be like them. They're being rude. They're being terrible. Don't be like them. That's kind of what Paul is saying here. He's saying, don't be like them. Don't tell them my response would be, well, you're an old cougar, you know? He'd be getting back in their faces. Tell them no. Be an example. Be nice, be loving, which we'll see the five points that he tells them to. But he says, be an example. Don't just be like them. And like I said, I think being a parent, that's what we tell our kids, at least ours, if they're being, don't be like them. Don't be like them.

And is this in keeping with other scripture? Can you think of a verse that kind of says that? All right, so what I came up with was in Romans 12, and it's section 17 to 21. Never pay back for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. And this is in verse 18. If possible, so as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. So he's telling me here, never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God.

For it's written, vengeance is mine, I will repay. I will repay, says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him. And if he's thirsty, give him drink. For in doing so, you will keep burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Similar type thing. He's saying, don't give him his faith. Don't repay him for being jerks and telling him that you're young. Don't do that. Don't repay evil for evil. As I always say, I have an issue with this. I always think, when we went through these verses, I always have trouble because I always think, when your enemy is being terrible to you, you be nice to them.

And it's like pouring hot coals on their head. I have a very bad attitude about that. I'm thinking I'm going to do something good just so I can put coals on that. I have a little attitude issue with that one. Speak the truth anyway. I have a hard time with that one. I just say, be real nice. They just like torn coals on their heads. You see another one in Titus 2.

Does in all things show yourself an example of good deeds with purity and doctrine dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame having nothing bad to say about it? Yep. Perfect. Also Matthew 5.39, but I say you do not resist an evil person, but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. So it's again, don't, because they've been telling you youth and your terror, you know, we're not listening to you. Don't get in their face. But then he gives a five point response on how to do that. So, in question five, list the five points that Paul has recommended to go on the offense and explain.

So, in 1 Timothy 4.12, again in the New American Standard, let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Or in the New King James, 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. So, what was the first way Timothy was supposed to be an example?

What does it say? First thing. In word or speech. So, he is to be such in word or speech. That is, in what he says, including teaching and verbal instruction. Timothy is to control his speech in terms of what he says and what he refrains from saying. That's also, I think, a key. Many times we think of just what you say. The other is what you don't say is almost as important as what you say. So that's the key. He's supposed to, in word, control his words, control his speech.

Again, to be an example, which is we said, don't repay evil for evil. challenge them don't go back at them in a way that is not in a loving fashion but in your words kindly tell them this is what Paul told me this is what I was instructed this is what the word says or what the scripture says so this is what you know you're supposed to be in kindness in word that's what he's telling me an example so that was the first one so Inward kind words don't don't get angry at him. Don't say to him I think the latter part is what you refrain from saying I hear what I said go pound sand don't tell him to go pound sand Yeah, the other approach a lot of times is Theological debate you know, where you have differences of opinion and you really think this is moot court, you know.

Yeah, and there's two scriptures I go and I always forget them. And they're highlighted in my actual Bible. And there are two of them that say, you know, you know, basically don't, a contentious man, don't engage, don't, it's only gonna, you know, create division, do all this stuff. There's like two scriptures that I have that I go to that, you know, when people wanna be just doctrinally challenging everything. And there's the two scriptures, I gotta. There's one in Titus 3. Is that, yeah, I can't, there are two of them, and yeah, it's just like, don't, you know, it's useless to get into, endless arguments with these people.

Because that's all they want to do. And it's not that they want to seek truth, they're just being argumentative. And stay away from that. We may or may not be talking about that next hour. I think there's one at Galatians about that if they don't get it, that the Lord will show them. Yeah, this is more like just avoid the contention. All they want us to do is argue. It's not purposeful. It's not that they want to learn. It's just that they're argumentative. It's useless banter.

Maybe it's Titus. I really should get those down because I think about that way a lot of times We get in some real doctor. You know some people get into just dark doctrinal arguments Yeah, not that they really want to seek an answer They just want to get into or they want to prove their point prove themselves or puff themselves up or show that they're you know And they really don't want they just want to get into this you know you know, big argument to show how wise they are. Maybe it's Titus and one other one.

I wouldn't use the word wise, I would use the word studied. How studied they are. Yes. Okay, so what is the second word of advice that Paul gives to Timothy? What's the second one? Conduct. Conduct. So he's telling him, measure your words. Don't get in their face. Don't get argumentative. Don't do these things. Refrain from saying things.

And now he says, in conduct. So it's a similar type thing in that your conduct can be, in a word, I can get into an argument with you. And so the words, but now conduct. So the word conduct is kind of an old English word for behavior, manner of life. Timothy is not only to be in control of what he says, So the words, but also in control of what he does. The word conduct refers to one's total lifestyle. Zodiatis has the word anastrophe as your mode of life conduct, behavior, deportment. So he's saying in your mode of life, conduct, behavior, deportment.

Don't go after these guys. Don't go after them with words, and don't go after them in anger or behind their back, any of these things. Just tell them, just mellow out. Be an example. Don't repay evil for evil. So in my conduct, I'm not going to go back after them. I'm not going to go and talk to three other people and say how terrible these people are. I'm not going to do all that.

My conduct is going to be respectful. It's going to be under control. And so that's what he's saying here. My words, I'm going to refrain from the words that I shouldn't say. I'm going to be truthful in what I say, refrain from these. But I'm going to do it in a loving fashion. I'm going to conduct myself one that they can't point at me and say, you know, your conduct is terrible. So that's what Paul is telling them now.

I also think included in this conduct word is the spiritual growth of the believer, the conformity to Christ, rather than imitation, that the life of Christ is, you live like what you are, and you're dependent, and you expect the Spirit of God to implement the life of Christ in you, and that speaks a lot louder than what you say. Well, that's like one of my songs that I listen to, I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

Sure, that's exactly what he means. And that's really what he's saying here, is I want to see it in your behavior. You know, in your words, you know, here, your words, but then also in your behavior. I want to see that. I want to see that you conduct yourself in a way that is respectful, that they're not going to be able to point to something that you were angry, you had acted in a horrible manner.

It's giving them fodder for them to challenge you. That's what Paul's saying. And in the culture, I imagine there was a lot of inconsistent living. Well, yeah. Well, I think this is kind of an instruction within the church. So, you know, this is how you conduct yourself in Ephesus, in the church, in the ministry, in the ministration of the church at Ephesus.

He's telling me, you know, be above reproach. Don't let people have the ability to challenge you with what you did. And it's like, it's the life of Christ. Live the life of Christ out in your life. So it's really telling me, measure your words. Now in conduct, don't be worldly, fleshly in your responses. AA's got the best acronym for that.

It's can you walk the talk. Walk the talk. Yeah. Yeah. Well, you know, like I said, that's on. I'd rather see a sermon than hear one. I really think that really hit me very hard. You know, it's like, that's true. You can talk all day long, but if your life doesn't show it, what's your witness to the world or to other believers? You know, I can talk a big story, but if my life doesn't reflect that, it's worthless.

So what is the third word of advice that he gives to them? So we have in word or speech, in conduct. Now what's the next one? In love. Goes with the second, you know, in the conduct and measured in your words. It's in love. Love is agape, the love of which God is, and which the Holy Spirit produces in the heart of a yielded saint. A love whose consistent elements Paul gives in 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter on love, basically. A love which impels the one loving to sacrifice himself for the benefit of the person loved. God's love must be seen in superabundance in the life of Timothy.

So again, this is, you want to see it. It goes with the conduct. You know, you can also, in conduct, I'm not going to be all grumpy and I'm not going to say anything. You know what, you know, he's mad and he's, you know, so this is in love. Your conduct's got to be in love. That melds very much with the conduct part. That you do it in love. You actually love them. You want to, you want to help them. You're leading them. You're guiding them. Don't give them a, a, a, uh, a instance where they can say, you know, you're not leading the life of Christ, you're not loving me.

And here it's really saying, this is the guys who've now put him down. Remember, this is all started because he said, you know, they're looking down on his youthfulness. So he could be very vindictive. And, you know, on my conduct, I'm just going to sit there in the corner.

I'm not going to be bad, but well, no, you do it in love. You do it because you want to show them the example of love. You want to show the life of Christ in you. And so that's why you end up, you know, as Paul's telling me, do it in love. Don't do it just because I told you, is kind of the way I also look at it. Don't do it just because I said so in conduct. You love them. You're lovingly going to show them and be an example of Christ's love.

Don't just do it grumpily. Do it in love, is what he's telling him now. We see that, I see this also, how important it is in 1 Corinthians 13, 13, which we're saying the chapter on love. In 13, but now faith, hope, and love abide these three, but the greatest of these is love. So again, Paul's keeping the consistent message to Timothy here. And your ministry here with these guys, love them.

Sacrificially love them. The agape love. You want to punch them? You want to get back at them? You want to tell them to be quiet, you old guys? Love them. You love them. You're there to give God's direction and word. That's what you're there for. Love them. Sacrificially. Don't repay evil for evil. It's all trickling down in these five points that Paul's giving to them. Any other thoughts? We'll move on.

I've told this story before about Tom Mallinson. He came up to me one day and he said, Mike, I'm working up forgiveness for you. Now think about what he's saying to me. I did something to offend him, and he's already working on the forgiveness part. I said, Tom, what did I do? And he told me, and I said, oh, and I had no idea. But he was so loving that he said to me, I'm working up forgiveness for you.

Skipped over all the other stuff. Forget all the intermediate stuff. Let's get to forgiveness first. That's the way to do it. Bag all the mean steps and all the things that, yeah, working on forgiveness. That's a great, great one. So the fourth one. Fourth one.

In spirit. In spirit. So this is kind of a different one in the different translations. The word in spirit in the King James are not in the best Greek text. So it's not in spirit. It's more faith. And I think that's what the NASB has, is in faith. So it's not, the New King James has it in spirit, but it really, the Greek word translates into faith. It's pisteia. So faith, he's displayed dependence on God in his word and his word in an extraordinary way.

So, again, the progression, you have the word, you have the conduct, you have love, and now you do it. Why? Because you believe what Paul has taught, taught it. He's now, he's now lived these words that I've given to you. Believe them. in faith. So he is to display dependence on God as word in an extraordinary way.

The Greek word is pistei, p-e-i-s-t-e-i. To win over, persuade. Faith subjectively meaning firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth, veracity, reality, or faithfulness, though rare. Objectively meaning that which is believed, doctrine, the received articles of faith. So again, this is to be an example, to conduct yourself. This is, again, to see a sermon rather than hear one. This is believe in the doctrine, believe in what Paul has taught him. Believe it, trust in it, even though your fleshy body probably wants to respond in a way.

Because remember, this had to be Timothy telling Paul this, because he's responding to it. So Timothy's feeling it. He's feeling the pressure of this. So he tells Paul in a letter that we don't have, or in conversation, or with people traveling back and forth between him and Paul, have said these things. So now Paul's responding. So Timothy's feeling it. So now he's given him this instruction.

How do I deal with this? And now he's telling him these five points in your words, in your conduct. In the love do it in love and now believe it believe it believe. This is who you are in Christ by faith trust Trust that what I'm telling you is true What God you know what the Lord has given to Paul and what Paul is relaying on to him believe it believe me Don't doubt it. By faith. So, again, this is the key.

We should remember that these qualities are expected of all believers, and not just leaders. You know, sometimes we take this as Timothy is the leader of the church at Ephesus. Well, is that why it doesn't apply to me? I'm just an average Joe. No, this is the believers. This is a pattern by which we are to follow also. It's not just Timothy. So again, and I also think about this too.

Is this only for people slighting you on your age? Is it just because if somebody, like, you know, I told you, when I was a young engineer, I always looked up to these, you know, gray-haired engineers, because they had so much experience and everything. I thought they, sometimes I felt like they were looking down on the youth. Is it only in that respect, in age, that we're supposed to take these?

No. It's when people, in any case, this is a good pattern for anything dealing in the Christian life. Any of this pattern can follow in anything that you get challenged in your Christian life. So it's not just for Timothy as the leader in the Ephesus church. This is for us as believers too, which I want to make that clear. This isn't just for leaders. It's for each one of us as believers.

So what is the fifth one? This one's an interesting one. The last. So what's the last one? Purity. So, what does that mean? So, think of this progression. This is kind of an interesting, you know, you have word, conduct, love, and faith, and now impurity. So what does that mean? Holiness. Okay, holiness. Godliness. Godliness. Those all kind of fit with the conduct and the love and all those. Purity is kind of, when you look at the word, it's a weird one.

I think in the culture that immorality was a big issue. Especially if you were coming out of idol worship. The temple had ways of raising money that were sinful, let's put it nicely. And so, yeah, morality is really an important part of the equation.

So, yeah, and that's where, I mean, look at the word, it's weird. It's not like holiness, you know, that kind of stuff. It is more kind of purity and like morality. Which is kind of weird, you know, and it didn't kind of fit, but then culturally, you know, how do you relate to women in the church?

How do you, I mean, you don't want to be, you know, maybe there were some, you know, I'm just speculating, some of these old guys, maybe their wives or something, or, you know, anything could be dealing with the women or anything, because the word, is Hagnia, H-A-G-N-I-A. It means pure from defilement and not contaminated. Purity, referring to chastity, used only in 1 Timothy 4, 12, and 5 too. In the latter reference, it refers to one's moral attitude toward younger sisters in Christ and denotes the chastity which shuts out in any impurity or spirit or manner that might defile.

So it's weird, it's not, you know, originally thinking purity like pure word and deed, but it's really relating to how you relate within the church. And with other believers in particular, being Timothy a male, how he dealt with some of the women. And maybe they were squawking at him, you know, about how young he was, or we don't trust you or something like that. So I think this is even kind of another word to him, just how to handle it with the women in here, and don't be challenged on any way how you're dealing with the women, which is kind of an interesting, you know, when I first think of it, I was thinking purity and all that, you know, purity of word, purity of heart, purity, but it really was how to deal with kind of the women in the body, it sounds like.

I think that one of the things that always struck me about Romans 1 is that when man turns away from God, the very first thing he does is dishonor his body, and he goes into all kinds of immorality. And so from Romans 1, you get the idea that this is really strong in the sin nature. And even in new believers in a church like that, or any place, you're a young man and don't have a wandering eye. You should demonstrate that the life of the Lord Jesus is such that you love these people in a manner that has nothing to do with sexual immorality.

And I think in that culture, And it's true in our culture. It's cool actually for a man to grow spiritually to the point where he stops looking at women from a personal a groundsman, and just loves them for just who they are. There's no sex involved at all.

Yeah. Well, you know, it's one of those things, too, and I think we'll address this. You know, in business and all that and elder and all this, never be alone with a woman anywhere. Right. You know, in a room or in anything or counseling or, you know, business meetings. I would never go to a business meeting just with a woman. And I never wanted to be accused, never wanted anything about that, so I was very, very... You should have been in my business, taking the guy's wife out to show houses, and he didn't go. See, I couldn't do that. You know what I did? I had the Bible between her and me. But that's one of those things where I just didn't do it. There are sales people or people, software sales, asking, let's just go out to lunch. It's like, no, I can't, unless we get Bill and Fred and June or whatever, five people to go.

I never get into that situation. Counseling is another thing. Never, never, never in a room to counsel. You always have either two people or three. I think Billy Graham Ministries was pretty hard on that point. Yeah, they were. It avoids any kind of problem. Because anybody can say anything if it's just two of you there. He said, she said, and it's a horrible thing. So I think it's kind of the same thing. He's giving a warning here. Just don't get into a situation where they can point to you and say there's an issue.

Because then, not only your youthfulness is in question, but your whole ministry starts in question. So it's kind of at the end, I think, this is just kind of an overall, just think about what you're doing. So Paul wants him to exhibit morals. Timothy's purity would have a primary reference to the way he relates to the female portion of the church in which he ministers. The word purity denotes sexual morality. So again, it's don't be in a room with a woman alone.

Don't ever have anybody challenge you because they said something. or she said something falsely accusing you or whatever. Just don't get into that situation. So again, kind of the end dot on all of his advice to him is be smart about how you deal with women in the church and you as a young man, especially a young man maybe is more wandering eye or that kind of stuff. Don't need to be challenged by that. Any other thoughts on that? It's kind of an interesting ending. I thought it was more going to be purity and word and holiness and all that, but it isn't. At least by the Greeks.

So, question five, what do the words until I come point to? So, in verse, well, here's where I had 12 and 13. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself to be an example of those who believe. Now, until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation and teaching. So what is Paul saying to Timothy here? until I come.

What is it saying? Well, he's on his way. He's on his way. So you're getting slammed for your youthfulness, and here's the guidance, but guess what? I'm coming. I'm going to help you out. I give you this advice, follow it, but I'm going to come and help you. I'm going to come and reinforce these things. So kind of some questions on this one. So what is the lesson from these verses for us? I guess the question I had was, since Paul isn't coming to Holly Hills, should we ignore Paul's advice? Yeah, he's already here. He's here. He's here at work. Yeah. You know, and we have the completed work. So it was kind of a thing, you know, in telecom, well, now that's Paul coming to help and Timothy.

So what does it mean for us? We're to take this advice now. He's come, he's given us his word. So, I just thought it was kind of an interesting prescription. I said, this is a prescription therefore for local church life. So this is, he's given us guidance on the local church.

Not only leaders, because leaders should exhibit this, because he's telling it to Timothy, but as believers we should do that too. The same pattern, the same advice is to us. If somebody slanders you or whatever, do you respond in anger? How do you do it? In word, conduct, all these things. It applies to you too as a local, as a believer within the body. It also, to the leaders of the local body. Paul said that I may present you a chaste virgin unto Christ. Yeah, well, I mean, We are. You know, in God's eyes, all he sees in us is Christ. We're perfect in Christ. That's all he sees. The worldly part and the, you know, position and condition, our condition vacillates all over, but how God sees us is in Christ. So now this is talking conditionally how we react with or act within the body now. So it is, you know, this is guidance for us, a conditional truth for us, so. Any other thoughts or, what are we doing on time?

Is that it? You got a minute. It's 46. All right, let's see if I can get at least started on this one. In addition to the points recommended in verse 12, what was Timothy to give attention to? Until I come, give attention to what? Public reading of scripture. Yep. And that's something. And then what else? Exhortation. Yep. And last one? I've got doctrine, but you haven't seen teaching. Teaching. It's teaching. So, what does this mean in this verse? It says attention. What does that mean? Give attention to. What does that mean? Give attention. Behold. Behold. Okay. That's what you focus on. Yeah. So attention, give attention to this.

So is that like I'm listening to, you know, as I walk, I kind of listen to it and kind of watch the world and I'm watching the news while I'm listening to a message. This is more than just, I'm going to think about it kind of as, this is like lightning focus. You too pay attention with laser focus onto these things, these three things he's going to tell you. It's not just a mere kind of passing or casual listening to.

This is attention to, and the Greek word is prosecco, prosecchio. and it means from Zodiac, the word for attention is in the present tense, active voice, and imperative mood. In other words, we are to actively and continuously give attention to the three areas Paul has instructed Timothy. So we're continually supposed to do these, and we're supposed to do it actively, and it's a command for us to pay attention.

Yeah. I think the until I come part, you know, the verse before is, don't let anybody look down on you for youthfulness, but don't wait for me. Yeah. Keep doing what you're doing. It's almost kind of parallel to the Lord's return. Yeah. It's like, well, we could wait for the Master to come back and teach perfectly. Yeah. No, that's a good point.

Yeah, don't wait. It says, until I come, do this. Keep doing it. Don't wait like, oh, I'm going to wait until Paul so he can really wrap these old guys. That's a good point. Until I come. Do it now. And that's, again, kind of folding into the Greek part of it. It's present. Continue to do it now. Don't wait. It's not a waiting thing. It's actually do it now. And the other is command. Do it.

Don't just think about it. It's my five frogs on a log thing. Which is five frogs on a log? My kids hate me. Nick's already probably cringing in the back. Say it anyway. I use that example all the time. I use it all the time and it's very apropos. Five frogs on a log. Three decide to jump off. How many frogs are on the log? Five? What's in it now? So five frogs on a log, three decide to jump off, how many are on the log? Two. No. Deciding to jump and jumping are two different things. I can decide all day long to jump, but unless you jump, you're still on the log. Okay, you got it. Nick is now erasing this part of the message.

Thank you again just for your word and the instruction you give to us. And if we follow it, there is order and peace and rest. And you've given these as commands to us. Just pray for just following these words of wisdom that Paul gave to Timothy in our own lives. And we just realize as we do, we will have peace, rest, and comfort. So we just thank you again for these words. We pray for Brian as he gives us the word in the next meeting, and just prepare our hearts to receive it. And we thank you for all these things. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.