Timothy was a young and inexperienced pastor. Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him in his work as pastor of the church at Ephesus. “This youthfulness may provide an excuse for some to look down on Timothy and on his instruction (cf. Tit. 2:15). Paul urges Timothy not to let that happen and says he may overcome such by being a good example.”[1] Paul encourages Timothy to pay special attention to his personal growth. He instructs Timothy to not neglect the gift God has given him as a pastor. Paul tells Timothy to take heed to himself and study the Word so that he may be mature and gain the respect of his congregation.
In verse 12 Paul gives Timothy several areas by which he should be an example. These are areas by which every pastor, ministry leader, and mature believer should pay close attention to so they can be a faithful example to those who look up to them.
Be an example in word. Being an example in ‘word’ is a literal reference to conversation in general. Paul tells Timothy that he is to be a good model for others by the words that he speaks. Our speech is most often the most difficult thing to control. James 3:1-10 teaches on the evils of the tongue. The words we say are very powerful. We must learn to choose our words wisely. What are your words known for? Are you known as one who encourages? Are you known as one who gossips? Are you a pleasant person to talk with? Think about it. As Christians, we should be known by our words of love and encouragement. The world around us should be able to see that we are Christians by the way we talk. Are you setting a good example by the way you talk?
Be an example in conversation. The term ‘conversation’ in this context refers to ‘conduct’. Timothy is instructed to be an example in his conduct or behavior. This is important instructions for Timothy as a young man. He is encouraged to present himself with maturity. As a pastor, he should be professional in his interactions with others. Are you a good example in conduct? Can you honestly tell people to look at how you live and patten their lives after you? As Christians we should be an example to one another and to the world in they way we present ourselves and in the way we behave. There should be no question as to our character and integrity.
Be an example in love. Being an example in love refers to our motivation in life. Wiersbe says, “In love (charity) points to the motivation of our lives. We do not obey God to be applauded by men (Matt. 6:1ff), but because we love God and love God’s people.”[2] Why do we do what we do? This is a question we should ask ourselves daily. What are we motivated by? We should be motivated not by our selfish ambitions or desires; we should be motivated by our love for God and for others. The true Christian will do what he or she does out of a heart of love for God and for people. Love must be our true motivation. Paul tells Timothy to set a good example in the way he loves.
Be an example in spirit. Being an example in spirit is not found in all manuscripts, however, it is an area of which a pastor, church leader, and mature believers should display. It refers to having enthusiasm and excitement for the things of God and His church. One of the things that is lacking in many churches is such enthusiasm. Many church members are content to stay where they are and keep the status quo. However, there should be an overwhelming enthusiasm and excitement for the ministry of the church. There should be a desire to move forward to see the church grow. Paul tells Timothy to set an example by being positive and displaying enthusiasm for the life and ministry of the church.
Be an example in faith. To have faith is to trust God and to be faithful in obedience to God. Paul tells Timothy that in being the pastor, he should display a life of faith. As believers in Christ, we should live in total dependance on God. We should have a strong belief that God can do anything. Mature believers in Christ are those who are not afraid to take a leap of faith.
Be an example in purity. “In purity” is important as we live in this present evil world. Ephesus was a center for sexual impurity, and the young man Timothy was faced with temptations. He must have a chaste relationship to the women in the church (1 Tim. 5:2) and keep himself pure in mind, heart, and body.”[3] Christians should be the most morally pure people in the world. We should abstain from fleshly lusts and keep our eyes on Jesus. Paul encourages Timothy to be a man of high morality and one that is known for his purity.
The world is watching us. New and younger believers are watching us. Therefore, we must take heed to the way we live and be careful to set an example that others can follow.
[1] Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 205). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 226). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 226). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Pastor Chris Noland 