1 Timothy 4:12

Here we have plain personal instructions for Timothy. Not pushing yourself forward gives more weight to a solemn charge or a faithful teaching, not less. Timothy needed this warning because he was young. Anyone who looked down on him for his age had no excuse. But it was a serious reason for Timothy to cultivate his own speech and manner of life. Such love, faith and purity ought to disarm even the difficult people he had to deal with among the believers.

Timothy was a very remarkable young man, though perhaps a little timid, so the apostle says, "Let no man despise thy youth" (1 Tim. 4:12). Some were inclined to snub him and throw cold water on him — something not unknown in the twentieth century from venerable seniors towards their younger brothers — a practice not to be recommended, however.

He was not to allow men to despise his youth. This could only happen through what follows. Young though he was, he was to set the believers an example, not just follow the example of others. "In word" is first mentioned, for it is this that others will first observe. "By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Words reveal what most occupies the heart.

As a young man, he was to guard against self-assertion and youthful pride. That would spoil his testimony and lead people to despise him for his youth… If the truths we teach do not shape our own lives, can we expect our teaching to shape others?

"In word." This is a big test for each of us, for "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Whatever rules our hearts will rule our speech. The question is not how we speak about divine things for an hour in a Bible study. The question is what our talk is like at home, at work, among friends, in company, and at all times.

"In conversation" is better translated "in conduct." It covers not only what we say out loud but what we do. This too will claim the observation of others, who should see in it a godly example. "In love" is a precious addition to conduct. Love is the warm, attractive character that draws souls, and it needs real cultivation. "In faith" is no less important. The soul must learn to look away from circumstances to the Living God… "In purity" shows a single heart. It allows no mixing of principles and no watering down of truth.

"In purity." This should clearly mark the Christian young man, above all in days of loose morals on every hand. The Apostle Paul urged Timothy to treat younger women "as sisters, in all purity" (1 Tim. 5:2). When young people give themselves to thoughtless flirtations, which come from the flesh, they run into great danger.

What is commanded here is not correct knowledge of doctrine, important as that is, but the carrying out of it in practice… Whether in the young or in the old, nothing is sadder than a head full of sound doctrine cut off from the conduct that doctrine calls for. In such a case you simply have a hypocrite.

God's call and Christ's gift may rest on a young man like Timothy… and "let no one despise you for your youth" would apply to such a person today, just as it did to Timothy long ago. But the words "not a recent convert" were addressed to Timothy too. His youth was no encouragement to step forward for those who had neither the gift nor the grace God gave him.