1 Tim 4:12-16 gives some needed instruction about how to live so that others will not despise someone in their youth. I think it may be as helpful to consider a story in the Old Testament to reinforce the instruction Paul gave Timothy.
Gen. 25:29 -34. We can learn from the story of Jacob and Esau about the foolishness of youth and the need for careful consideration in our decisions. Jacob manipulates Esau to gain this blessing. In the end though, they reconcile. God uses this broken mess of a family to carry out his plan. There is hope in that. God can work through people who have made mistakes, even a lot of mistakes.
Prov. 1:20-22. There comes a time when being simple and foolish, prevalent in our youth, is no longer appropriate. Making poor choices brings consequences. So the encouragement is to be careful and realize we need to grow up. The wise man asks “How long will you love being simple?” In other words it is a choice to act with immaturity and foolishness. God advises us to be different as young people who love Him.
Wise youths…
1. Develop self- control. Esau thinks he will die if he doesn’t eat now. He lacks self control. He gets himself into a huge mess that he will later regret. Jacob isn’t innocent in this story. He is cold and calculating and looking for an opportunity to take advantage. Titus 2 – one of the admonitions is teach the young men self-control. That’s the only thing requested for young men, whereas young women have a longer list. 1 Tim. 4 – let no one despise you of your youth. Instead be an example in speech and conduct, love and purity. The goal is conduct that is praiseworthy. Of course this also applies to older people as well. How do we treat one another, including those within our own family.
2. Respect themselves and others. In Gen. 25, where does respect appear? Esau has no respect for his birthright. He cares so little for something of such great value he sells it for a bowl of soup. He has no concept of delayed gratification. And Jacob doesn’t respect relationships or people. He could’ve just given him some soup. He just takes what he wants. Rebecca isn’t innocent either. She manipulates Isaac to get what she wants. Ignoring her own lies, she blames the Hittite women for her problems.
3. Avoid short-sighted thinking. Esau just wants food. He regrets it later. Sometimes our own decisions stick with us for a long time, even forever.
1 Pet. 4:7-8: be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers, above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Sermon by Brent Moody
