Introductory Thoughts
Timothy’s church leadership position put him in a role to influence the lives of others. Only the proper conversation could avoid adversely affecting other believers. Furthermore, Timothy was a young man and Paul knew that others might despise him for his youth. Therefore, Paul instructed Timothy how to eliminate this problem. He was to be the right type of an example to the believers. Paul gave Timothy several areas in which to be that example. One of these involved Timothy's conversation. Paul knew that it was important for other people to be able to look at Timothy’s life and glean an idea of what their conversation should resemble. Just as Paul had been an example to Timothy, Timothy was to be an example for others.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): After the death of her husband, Ruth traveled to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law because she wanted to be with people who loved the true God. None of the Jews knew her except Naomi, so the people simply watched her life. The Bible says that Ruth displayed a godly behaviour (conversation) before them (Ruth 2:11; Ruth 3:11).
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(For everyone): Most people have others who look to them for some type of leadership. Have you ever considered who is watching your life as an example of how to walk with the Lord? What kind of an example are you providing?
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Who are some people that you look to as an example of how to live the Christian life? What are some of the things that you have learned concerning serving the Lord because of them?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you a good example of a godly conversation.
- Ask God to help you to be a godly example.
Song
O! TO BE LIKE THEE
