1 Timothy 4:11-12
Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Age is not the biggest factor when it comes to ministry. Some people never seem to grow in wisdom and spiritual maturity, which others develop in these early in life. Timothy was on the younger side in that time and culture to be accepted as a leader by the elders of the Ephesian church. I have see seminary or college students who go to churches with all their degrees hanging around their necks. Their sermons are very intellectual and way over the people’s heads. Their sermons sound like research papers. I have made this mistake a few times myself. The way to win people’s trust is not by sounding all smart and wise but by showing love and holy living. People will respect more someone who loves them, accepts them, and is willing in humility to wash their feet. This has been a hard lesson for me to learn. The sooner young ministers learn this, the more effective their ministry will be.
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