Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
1 Timothy 4: 12
4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
The Humble Dependence of Timothy—
In the history of Timothy are found precious lessons. He was a mere lad when chosen by God as a teacher; but so fixed were his principles by a correct education that he was fitted for this important position. He bore his responsibilities with Christlike meekness. He was faithful, steadfast, and true, and Paul selected him to be his companion in labor and travel. Lest Timothy should meet with slights because of his youthfulness, Paul wrote to him, “Let no man despise thy youth.” He could safely do this, because Timothy was not self-sufficient, but continually sought guidance. {7BC 915.6}
There are many youth who move from impulse rather than from judgment. But Timothy inquired at every step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” He had no specially brilliant talents, but he consecrated all his abilities to the service of God, and this made his work valuable. The Lord found in him a mind that He could mold and fashion for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. {7BC 915.7}
God will use the youth today as He used Timothy, if they will submit to His guidance. It is your privilege to be God’s missionaries. He calls upon you to work for your companions. Seek out those you know to be in danger, and in the love of Christ try to help them. How are they to know the Savior unless they see His virtues in His followers (The Youth’s Instructor, February 13, 1902)
Timothy’s mother and grandmother helped to train him for God. They used the Bible as the source for his lessons. Their faith in the scriptures were evident to Timothy and he witnessed the blessings received in doing God’s will. In his home life, Timothy had received the moral influence from his mother and grandmother, instilling piety and truth and grounding him in the Word of God. From an early age, the Word of God guided Timothy in all things. It lived in his heart and in his mind. The lessons learned at home taught him piety and true Godliness. From a child Timothy had known the Holy Scriptures, which made him wise unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. Paul then took Timothy under his wing as his companion to do the work of God. Paul loved Timothy because Timothy loved God. What a great reward for Timothy’s mother and grandmother to see their beloved Timothy in close companionship with the great apostle Paul. Timothy endured with Paul to the end. Paul stated “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Our Father, which art in heaven,
We come into Your presence in thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. We thank You for giving us Your light and Word to live by. Thank You for being with us, watching over us and protecting us and keeping us safe. We thank You for providing for all our needs in abundance. For the Holy Spirit, that leads and guides us into all truth. Thank You for the Holy Scriptures, which make us wise unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. We pray for all the fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all who train up the children through the Holy Scriptures. It is written, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Let no one despise the youth or lead them into false doctrines. If everyone in this world paid heed to the Holy Bible, the world would be a better place. We pray for the Holy Spirit to take hold of those who cannot see through the clouds and smoke Satan casts in front of them. We pray that they may learn of You and Your love for them. That You yearn for them to come to You, just as they are. That You will never leave them nor forsake them. That You will deliver them from their sin and release Satan’s chains of bondage. We have all sinned and come short of Your Glory, yet You love us more than any earthly parent could ever imagine. Help us to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, as the Spirit hates the flesh and the flesh hates the Spirit. We cannot serve two masters. We pray for all Your people to declare You as their Lord and Savior and Master. We pray one day we can all echo Paul’s words “we have fought a good fight, finished our course, and have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Praise be and all the glory in Your name. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
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