1 Timothy 4:12

We all know this verse fairly well (its popular), many youth workers and Pastors alike use this particular verse to encourage and "lift" us youth up. So it seems! But i reckon there is somehow an error and to a certain extend a misguiding use of scriptures by many.

Here let me explain a little....

1Tim 4:12 says "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." So, the question is "What's wrong with using this verse to boost, encourage, lift young (age) Christians up?" well, first we need to look at the context and situation that the youth is in. When we use scriptures like this, we must always ask

1. "What is the purpose of me using this scripture?"
2. "What is the full context of that particular scripture?"

If we take a look at the previous verses from Verse 11 says "These things command and teach"
So what are "These things" that Paul was referring to? Lets look at the verses before that :

Chapter 4, Paul instructed Timothy to teach sound doctrine, but verse 12 also has a general command that is to be an example in all out life's conduct, speech, thought and faith.

As a matter of a fact, these scripture calls us to be godly and how we should and must conduct ourselves. Isn't this how we should live as Christians? Since it is accounted to us for righteousness when we believed in He who raised Jesus up from the dead, who died for our offenses and for our justification (Romans 4:24-25)