Watchword:
Daily Text
August
23, 2013
I Timothy 4:12
Paul is continuing his
instructions to young Timothy. The daily
text really encompasses I Timothy 4:11-5:8; however I want to focus on verse
12. “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]
Be an example in those areas – that
about covers it. His life was a living testimony. Timothy was to be an example
with regard to his speech – the words that he said. His words were to be above
reproach in the presence of congregation and apart from the congregation. He
was an example in conduct or behavior; we don’t know how old Timothy was at
this point, but we assume he was a reasonably young pastor. Paul is saying,
“Let your holy living[2] be
the leading example.” Love follows –it
seems there is seldom a list of attributes of a believer in the New Testament
without love. Love is the hallmark of the believer.[3]
Timothy as the leader of the church was to lead the way in love despite his
youthfulness. Then, Paul commands him to be an example in faith – this can be
taken two ways. Be an example in the
purity of doctrine; hold fast to the Scriptures. Secondly, be an example of
faithfulness to the work of God and to other believers; stand fast. [4] Finally, he is to be the lead example in
purity. Timothy rose to the occasion.
Since I am blending
these posts with Herrnhut memories from time to time, my mind goes today to the
youthful eldress in the Single Sisters’ House, Anna Nitchsmann. She was given the postion, of Chief Eldress at
age 14 by the draw of the lot, the means of decision-making (combined with
prayer) there in Herrnhut. Combining her
feisty spirit and her love for Christ and the ladies of Herrnhut, she accepted
the position in the spirit of I Timothy 4:12, opposing even Zinzendorf himself
when he questioned whether she had the maturity to assume such a role. She held
the role of Chief Eldress until she married Zinzendorf the
year following his first wife’s death in 1757.[5] Anna apparently lived the principles set
forth in I Timothy 4:12 as she served the sisters of Herrnhut. It was said that
“when she spoke or prayed all hearts opened to her.”[6]
[1] The Holy Bible,
English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a
division of Good News Publishers.
[2] Blue
Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for anastrophē (Strong's 391)".
Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2013. 23 Aug 2013. < http://
www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?
Strongs=G391&t=NASB
Strongs=G391&t=NASB
[3] John
13:35
[4] Blue
Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for pistis (Strong's 4102)".
Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2013. 23 Aug 2013. < http://
www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?
Strongs=G4102&t=NASB >
Strongs=G4102&t=NASB >
[5] http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/anna-nitschmann-led-committed-women-11630207.html.
[6]
Ibid.
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