1 Timothy 4 v 11 -16 - Too much too young?

v11 - 12Okay so I LOVE Paul here. In general older people look down on younger people, just because things are so different from the different generations. I do agree that sometimes teenagers do not help the situation, and when teens are really rude on public transport and that, I kind of understand why older people dislike teens. But again, this is all stereotypical, I know lovely old people. Paul tells Timothy that he should get respect from his elders through words, actions, faith, love, life. But just for the record, Young men here were like up to the age of 40?  Paul is showing here that leadership in the church is nothing to do with age, but their character. Paul encourages Timothy, he knows he’s a shy kinda guy and he knows his character and knows he can do it.

v13Remember Paul was going to come and see Timmy? So he says that until Paul comes, timmy should read scripture to strengthen (or encourage) and teach the people. So, reading, preaching and teaching. They used to read and preach on the Sabbath but teaching was a new feature of Christianity. Paul tells Timmy to devote himself to this as it’s his responsibility now.

v14Paul tells Timmy says that he should use the gifts which was given through prophecy when he got hands laid on him. Well, technically it was given by God. So, Paul is telling Timmy to use the gifts he has, and so should we 

v15 – 16Paul tells him to continue to give his life to others, so progress can be seen by others. Paul then gives some good advice to Timmy, telling him if he continues teaching right, and stay firm in faith he will save his own life, and others around. But his behaviour has to agree with what he preaches (practise what ya preach!)

ApplicationOkay. So, young people aren’t useless, yay! How can you show through speech, love, life, faith and purity to be an example of being Godly? So instead of barging onto a bus, swearing, hating, showing no faith, and generally being bad godly living, how will you change this? AND like, this is a big issue for me and maybe others when I’m in a bad mood. Emotions SHOULDN’T affect being Godly. Although you don’t want to, we must be Godly no matter how we feel. Also, we ALL have gifts from God. We will be asked when going to heaven what we did with the gifts from God. Use your gifts, in any way you can. If you don’t know what they are, ask people around you!