1 Timothy 4 v12-16
(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. (13) Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. (14) Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council laid their hands on you. (15) Practise these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. (16) Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers"
When looking at Paul's letters, it's best to read what they are about first - to 'set the scene'. It is easy to not bother with these bits, and get straight in to the first chapter, but finding out what the book is about will enhance our understanding and therefore our learning from it. (In my ESV, there is an introduction and in yours there is probably similar.)
So, it was written by the apostle Paul as a pastoral letter to Timothy, who had been appointed to lead the church in Ephesus. This church had a great need for order in worship and doctrinal correction (Correction of the church's theology). The church was also plagued with false teachers.
So, moving into the passage. Just because we are young doesn't mean we are insignificant. We should not let people upset us by treating us badly because of our youth. (V12) It also doesn't mean that we cannot be an example and an inspiration to older members of the church. In fact, we should strive to do this more and more. I absolutely love it when Graham tells an inspiring story from something that has happened in and around the youth on a Sunday morning!
Who doesn't want to see more of this!? Even if it doesn't make it to the main stage!
In V13, Paul instructs Timothy to stay focused and determined, and to keep going until he returns. One thing that I did not understand in this passage was the term "exhortation". The dictionary definition of this is "an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something". So Paul wants Timothy to encourage people, in every area. To devote yourself to something is a big ask. Think of something that you 'devote' yourself to, and how hard it may be at times. Then try applying this to teaching God's word, not easy I'm sure!
Timothy was young, just like us. However, Paul still encourages him in his letter to use the spiritual gifts we have. (1 Corinthians 12 v4-6 says this
"(4) Now there are varities of gifts, but the same Spirit; (5) and there are varities of service, but the same Lord; (6) and there are varities of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone" See verses 1-11 of the same chapter for more on Spiritual gifts) Because of our youth, we could possibly find ourselves 'nervous' about using our gifts. Paul suggests this "Practise these things, immerse yourself in them" I think that there is nothing I can add to this and no other way than this in order to grow in confidence using your gifts!
Coming towards the end of the passage, Paul finishes by warning Timothy (V16).
I interpret this as a warning to stay humble and keep himself pure. Paul mentions the teaching specifically, as this was a problem within the church.
Timothy needs to 'watch' it, to ensure that it is theologically accurate. Paul is completely correct when he says that Timothy will save himself, and others by being persistent. Science has proven that teaching something to someone else, will only enhance your understanding of the subject matter. The same applies here - although I'm not sure whether Paul was aware of this at the time! We must be determined to do the same as Timothy - be persistent, be humble and be pure!
I hope this helps you to grow in God, and not to feel insignificant or unimportant. Every young person is a prominent part of the church, at present and in the future. It is important to the success of the church for us to know that we have this responsibility, and to rise to the challenge of this. I also urge you to get stuck into God's word and learn more from it.
Joel
