It Starts Small

⁹ This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. ¹³ Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴ Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵ Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:9-16

we have put our hope in the living God

What are you fervently hoping for? People yearn for a multitude of dreams. They desire a promotion that ignites their career. They seek a marriage that blossoms with love and a house that becomes a sanctuary. A flourishing bank account promises freedom. There is also the sweet allure of early retirement. When you place your hope in the treasures this world can offer, you face two exhilarating possibilities.

#1 – You never seem to grasp it! The promotion slips through your fingers, leaving you with dashed dreams of an early retirement. You poured your heart into this hope. Instead, you were met with disappointment. An ache of unhappiness lingers deep within.

You understand it now, you grasp the dreams you’ve longed for. Yet, despite achieving what you wished for, a profound emptiness lingers. Your marriage, once envisioned as a fairytale, reveals cracks, not the pristine love you yearned for. The early retirement you craved, instead of a blissful escape, drowns you in an overwhelming sea of unoccupied hours. Your home, once envisioned as a sanctuary, now feels constricting and inadequate. Disappointment wraps around you like a shroud, leaving you longing for fulfillment yet feeling profoundly hollow.

From verse 10, we discover a profound truth: we must anchor our hope in God, the living God! He alone has the power to fulfill our deepest longings. He alone can unveil the joy our hearts crave. Like an eager adopted child, we yearn for her father to embrace her. We long for him to take her home. We fervently await our Father’s presence. With unwavering faith, we anticipate the day we will behold Him face to face. On that day, we will finally receive our new, perfect bodies. These bodies will reflect His divine glory!

But we see in this verse that this hope transcends mere anticipation of the future; it profoundly transforms our present. This hope serves as a powerful purifying force in our lives. It propels us to “set our minds on things above, not on the things of this earth.” As we embrace this vision, the temptations of this world diminish in their might. Our earthly affections gradually fade, giving way to an exhilarating hope in God. The allure of fleeting riches starts to lose its shine. We become increasingly disinterested in the shallow, hollow pursuits of this world.

So how can you increase your hope in the Father?

Let’s dive into a world of dreams. A parent boldly promises their child an adventure to the magical realms of Disney World! The child’s heart races with joy and anticipation. They immerse themselves in enchanting Disney books. They lose themselves in beloved Disney movies. They sway to the rhythm of heartwarming Disney songs. They explore vibrant Disney maps. They share their excitement with friends who share the same sparkle in their eyes. With every word read, the child’s enthusiasm grows. Every thought spun ignites their imagination. Every animated discussion fuels their dreams. The child’s excitement blossoms like a garden in springtime. Their dreams grow brighter. Hope swells within them like a soaring balloon. It lifts them ever closer to that magical day!

If you desire to ignite your hope in the Father, the path is beautifully simple! Immerse yourself in His Word—let it envelop you. Dedicate time to meditate deeply on His essence, allowing His presence to fill your thoughts. Talk about Him fervently, share your experiences and revelations! As you engage in this heartfelt pursuit, your hope will flourish beyond imagination. This vibrant faith will draw you closer to the sacred embrace of prayer. In scripture, you can truly connect with Him in profound intimacy!

who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe

The second part of this statement ignites a fervent belief. Jesus passionately saves believers from their sin. This presents an incredible path to redemption and boundless hope. Yet, the first part leaves us with a stirring question that resonates deeply within our very souls.

In what magnificent way is God a Savior to all men?

• Firstly, He fervently offers Himself as our Savior! Jesus endured the excruciating agony of the cross for the “world” (John 3:16). He declared that salvation is an extraordinary gift accessible to every soul. He rightfully bears the title of Savior for all. Unfortunately, some persistently reject this divine and life-altering salvation, which is heartbreaking.
• Secondly, God fervently extends His common grace to all humanity! This divine grace encompasses the steadfast preservation of natural laws. It also includes the bountiful gift of rain and the dazzling rise of the sun each day. Moreover, it involves the precious miracle of life itself. Through the glorious narratives of the Old Testament, He repeatedly delivered the nation of Israel. He demonstrated His unmatched power and unwavering love. This did not ensure individual salvation.

Every person has a profound reason to shower gratitude upon God! His salvation is a beautiful gift, accessible to each and every one of us, if only we would embrace it. Even for those who are lost, His overwhelming grace envelops them. It offers hope and a chance for renewal.

 Don’t let anyone despise your youth

Youth is a powerful force, not a justification for laziness or complacency! Throughout Scripture, God has magnificently harnessed the energy and zeal of the young to fulfill His grand purposes. He often selects the youth over their elders. Consider the inspiring stories of youth who have faithfully served God:

• David, deemed too young to be a soldier, boldly defied the odds and triumphed over the mighty Goliath!
• Joseph, with unparalleled resilience, ascended to power, ultimately reigning over his older brothers!
• Daniel, a valiant young man, courageously stood firm against the oppressive Babylonian empire, resolutely rejecting their tainted food!
• Jeremiah, even in his youth, rose up as an indomitable prophet, fearlessly proclaiming his message!

The old are not always wise. Job’s three friends who rebuked him were older than the fourth (Elihu), but not as wise.

From this powerful passage, it becomes evident that Timothy was indeed youthful. Being younger than many he was preaching to and leading, he must have grappled with feelings of awkwardness and self-doubt. Yet, Paul passionately encourages him to rise above these insecurities. He should shine as a beacon of a good example for everyone around him. This leaves no space for any unjust criticism. Timothy’s adversaries could only mutter, “he is too young.” They could not uncover any flaws in his character to attack. Therefore, their arguments crumble under the weight of his integrity!

Satan uses cunning tactics to lure believers from their true path. He whispers that they should serve God, but only after fulfilling their own desires. A young person might conjure a multitude of excuses to postpone their ministry to God, but let us not forget the urgency of our calling! Here are a few compelling examples:

• I am not experienced enough.
• No one will listen to me.
• I need to establish myself with a good social position first before people will respect me.
• I am busy studying or finding work. I will serve God later when I have more time.
• In my society, people only listen to elders.

We must certainly honor the mature and seasoned believers among us. They possess a wealth of wisdom cultivated through their years. Yet, let us not allow reverence for their experience to hinder our own service to God! Avoiding service to Him because of our youth shows a lack of understanding. It reflects on ourselves instead of embracing His almighty power.

The gospel is the powerful force that transforms hearts! The Holy Spirit utilizes the Word of God to pierce through our souls. It convicts us of sin. It inspires profound change in our behavior. Your age—whether you’re a vibrant youth or a wise elder—holds no sway in persuading others to believe. It’s not about you or me; we are merely the vessels, the messengers of His truth! We are entrusted with sharing what God has already declared. If we cling to our own opinions, then yes, we might feel hesitant and insecure. Why should anyone heed our viewpoints? But fear not! When we boldly convey God’s message accurately (2 Timothy 2:15), we stand firm without shame, empowered to proclaim His truth to the world!

Do not wait to serve God. Serve Him from your youth and then as you get older you will be even more experienced because you will have been learning as you serve Him each step of the way!

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IF you are following along in the free printable journal, there is a worksheet at the back called: Lies that Prevent me from Serving. Take a moment to ponder and reflect upon the things that prevent you from serving the Lord. You can also download the worksheet below.

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set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

Here are a few areas in which a youth should follow God. He should strive to be a model to other believers.

Which area do you think you need to grow in the most? Why?

give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching.

Scripture is our lifeblood! It’s the divine nourishment that fuels our spiritual growth and sustains our very souls. A church cannot flourish unless it passionately teaches and proclaims God’s Word with fervor! Timothy was charged with dedicating himself wholeheartedly to these vital pursuits. Preparing Bible study lessons and sermons demands relentless hard work, unwavering time, and boundless energy, but it’s absolutely essential! Timothy was to approach this sacred responsibility with deep seriousness and conviction—this is no place for a casual attitude! It requires unwavering commitment and enthusiasm.

Take, for example, the profound experience of leading a Bible study. There will undoubtedly be moments when fatigue clings to you, or perhaps you’re feeling under the weather after a whirlwind week. You might contemplate canceling or opting for just a simple fellowship time instead. While it’s perfectly acceptable to do this from time to time, if your heart is truly devoted to the Scripture, you will passionately dedicate yourself to preparation and fight with fervor against cancellation.

Many churches today seem to have lost their way, neglecting the vital importance of spiritual diligence and the unwavering focus on the Word. Sermons are often diluted and hastily delivered, replaced by flashy videos or special effects that overshadow true biblical teaching. A single verse might be tossed around while the speaker fills the time with stories or jokes instead of delivering the powerful preaching we so desperately need. This is precisely the pitfall that Paul warned Timothy against! Preaching should be the heart and soul of every weekly service, and church leaders must resist the temptation to water it down. The truth needs to be proclaimed with passion and conviction!

At the same time, the congregation—each and every one of us—has a profound responsibility. We need to engage with the text to truly understand it. We must apply its wisdom. It pains me to see some people in the congregation drifting off to sleep as I preach. The moment the preaching begins, disconnect happens as eyes glaze over and minds wander away, succumbing to a midday slumber. This should not be! Instead, I urge you to invest yourself fully. Take notes, capture inspired thoughts, and write down the questions that stir in your heart. Discuss what you’ve learned. Share the commitments you need to make to live out these truths over lunch with your family and friends. This can ignite meaningful conversations that extend beyond our time together!

Don’t neglect the gift that is in you

The context makes it clear that Timothy’s remarkable gift is intricately tied to teaching or preaching. A group of elders laid their hands upon him in a moment filled with divine purpose. They did this possibly to ordain him. Another reason could be to send him forth on his sacred mission. In that powerful act, the Spirit unveiled Timothy’s extraordinary gifting, leading them to proclaim its significance to him. Now, Paul fervently implores him to embrace and wield this gift with unwavering passion and dedication.

A spiritual gift is meant to be embraced and utilized with fervor! Engage with it more and you will impart profound blessings to others. Your own personal growth will deepen. Just like natural talents—be it excelling in sports or mastering an instrument—can fade and lose their luster when neglected, your spiritual gifts can also diminish. Regular use is necessary to keep them vibrant. Let’s not allow these divine gifts to gather dust; instead, let’s unleash their full potential!

What is your spiritual gift? Are you boldly stepping into it? The most profound way to uncover your spiritual gift isn’t through seminars. It’s not through surveys either. It’s through the vibrant act of volunteering. When you dive into service, you’ll be guided toward the incredible potential of your unique talents. But if you merely sit and ponder, you might never uncover your gift. You risk missing the extraordinary purpose that awaits you.

 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching

Timothy must remain fiercely committed in his spiritual journey. He must stay ever watchful and vigilant, for the devil lurks, eager to gain a foothold in his life. We must remain alert and vigilant!

you will save both yourself and your hearers

A leader cannot truly lead if he is ensnared by sin or strays from the righteous path. Tragically, when a church leader falters, countless followers may be misled, wandering away from their faith. Timothy must be fiercely vigilant. He must cling to the narrow road. This vigilance is not only for his own salvation but also for the souls he is entrusted to shepherd. It is truly heartbreaking when pastors or elders stray from God and become stumbling blocks for others. This misguided path gives detractors the ammunition they need to point fingers and label believers as hypocrites. Such actions cast a shadow not only on the church but also on the world, tarnishing the testimony we strive to uphold.

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Cross-References

• Romans 8:24-25
• 1 John 3:2-3
• 2 Timothy 4:2-3
• Acts 2:42
• 1 Corinthians 12:28-31
• Ephesians 4:11-13
• Romans 12:6-8
• 2 Timothy 2:15

Discussion Questions

• What is the statement that deserves full acceptance?
• In what way is God the savior of all men (including those who don’t believe)?
• What do we put our hope in God to do?
• Command and teach what things (verse 11)?
• What do we learn from verse 12 about Timothy’s age?
• Can a young person then be leader in the church? Why or why not?
• How are young people to act in the church?
• Should a young person use their age as a reason not to serve God? Why or why not?
• What other examples is there in the Bible of God choosing young people to serve Him in various roles?
• What attitude was Timothy to have toward the Scriptures? What do we learn about the place of teaching/preaching the Word in church? Why is this so important?
• What spiritual gift might Paul be referring to?
• Do you know your spiritual gift? Are you using it?
• How can one diligently use their gifting? Why might it be important for others to see Timothy’s progress?
• How could Timothy save himself and his hearers by doing these things?
• What application can you make from this chapter?
• How can you diligently use your gift in the church?

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