1 Timothy 4:12-16 (NKJV) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
V12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Paul encourages Timothy that even though people might treat you with some level of contempt because you are young; be strong and continue. Age has nothing to do with God’s service. God looks for obedience, loyalty, faithfulness, steadfastness to His call, not age. Nevertheless, we must all be an example to others in what we say (and our expressions and tone of voice), what we do, how we live our lives in public and private, how we love, our attitude, our level of trust in God despite whatever happens, and pure conduct. May God help us all to do so.
V13 “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” Three very important things for individuals and assemblies are reading (Scripture), exhortation (warning, encouragement, sharing what has been learned, mutual prayer, etc.) and to doctrine. The Greek word for “doctrine” is (G1319) διδασκαλία didaskalia, which means (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Abridged – Little Kittel)) “Common from Homer, this word denotes teaching and learning in the wide sense of imparting theoretical and practical knowledge with the highest possible development of the pupil as the goal.” Doctrine might refer to doctrine (statements of what we believe) as in Mark 7:7. It might be referring to Old Testament writings used for our learning as in Romans 15:4. It can also refer to: 1) might be false teaching as in Ephesians 4:14; 2) manmade rules (instead of God’s rules) as in Colossians 2:22; 3) teaching concerning worldview, lifestyle, and attitudes as in 1 Timothy 1:10; 4) an important responsibility of elders, pastors, and other church workers as in 1 Timothy 5:17; 5) having attitudes and actions aligned with God’s as in 1 Timothy 6:1; 6) Scripture being the main and final authority for believers as in 2 Timothy 3:16; 7) apologetics as in Titus 1:9; 8) having God pleasing speech as in Titus 2:1; 9) uncorruptible teaching aligning correctly with the plain, normal sense of Scripture as in Titus 2:7.
V14 “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” Timothy, as all Christians, have been given a gift of the Holy Spirit to serve Him and be of benefit to all other Christians and to those who are not. Sometimes, like Timothy, it is given via prophecy. Laying on of hands is a recognition of the elders of one’s gift. The laying on of hands must be carefully done to avoid God’s displeasure (1 Timothy 5:22). Believers are commissioned and recognized in accordance with God’s doctrine, worldview, lifestyle, and rules. The Lord Jesus laid hands on others for healing and blessing (10:16 and Luke 4:40). Laying on of hand is recognizing authority as in Numbers 8:10 and Numbers 27:18. The deacons in Acts experienced the Apostles laying hands on them (Acts 6:6).
V15 “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.” Meditate is being active and alert; it is not passive silence or stillness as many teach. God always wants us to be alert and aware lest we be duped and deceived. See Ephesians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 16:13, and Acts 20:29-31. The devil and his forces are alert, so we must be alert as in 1 Peter 5:8. Believer’s Bible Commentary on 1 Peter 5:8 has: “There must also be constant vigilance, a preparedness to meet every attack of the wicked one. Here the adversary is described as a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. The devil has different poses. Sometimes he comes like a snake, seeking to lure people into moral corruption. Sometimes he disguises himself as an angel of light, attempting to deceive people in the spiritual realm. Here, as a roaring lion, he is bent on terrorizing God’s people through persecution.”
We must be committed to God and His ways and our spiritual growth should be obvious which will encourage others to follow in like manner.
V16 “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” The word “save” in this verse has to do with deliverance from deception of all sorts. If we hold fast to God’s standards and principles, we will be delivered from false doctrine, worldviews, lifestyle, rules, attitudes, character traits, daily life, etc. John 8:32 (TCENT) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”