1 Timothy 4:11-16

People have opinions, and most do not keep those opinions to themselves. Some of the people in Ephesus thought Timothy was too young to be a pastor. Of the people with that opinion, some had their minds made up, and nothing Timothy said or did was going to change them. Paul advised Timothy not to let that group’s opinion influence him. Others with this opinion were righteous enough to allow Timothy’s example to influence them. It was with this group in mind that Paul gave Timothy his advice.

Paul told Timothy to watch his speech, conduct, and personal behavior because others were also watching and looking to find fault. They believed that self-control could only come with age and experience and therefore his youth meant that he lacked self-control.  Paul knew that Christian maturity did not come with age; rather it was the result of obedience. Timothy’s obedience to the Holy Spirit gave him a maturity beyond his years, and he would reveal that maturity by his actions and speech. Many (then and today) believed young men could not control their lust. Paul knew that the same Holy Spirit that helped Timothy set an example in his speech and conduct would also help him set an example of living pure.

One of the marks of immaturity is irresponsibility. The church cannot rely upon immature people; they are easily distracted and led astray. Paul warns Timothy that he must not neglect his gift, but must be diligent to perform his tasks as pastor. When he gave himself completely to the mission that God had given him, he would grow in his abilities to teach and preach. Those who had the opinion that he was too young would witness his progress and revise their opinion.

People will always have opinions about us. We can ignore uninformed opinions based on prejudice. However, when people form their opinions based on evidence, we should care. We are responsible for our examples, and their opinion of us will reflect on Christ and his church.