12.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. (1Tim4:12)
Christian Conduct Explained…
The word conduct (noun) means , ” the manner in which a person behaves, especially in a particular place or situation”.
Christian Conduct comprises of our lifestyle , our behavior , our character….both before God and before men. Jesus puts it this way, ” let your light shine before men and let them see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven“! A good Christian conduct pleases God and cause unbelievers to glorify our heavenly Father.
In the text we see Paul charging Timothy that he should not let any one despise him because he was a youth , but that he should be an example for the believers in love, faith , CONDUCT, …PURITY..
Timothy’s life was supposed to be exemplary in terms of conduct , faith, Charity, purity etc.
Peter has this to say, “.to knowledge *self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness…” (2Pet1:6). Self control, perseverance and godliness has to do with character.
Paul shows us how we used to walk as non believers (Eph2:2-3), he charges us not to walk like non believers anymore (Eph4:17), he admonishes us to imitate God & walk in love (Eph5:1-2), he teaches us to walk as wise not fools (Eph5:15) and finally that we should walk as children of light (Eph5:8)!
Paul is using the word, “walk”, to means the way conduct our lives , the way we live , the way we behave etc. He shows us the way unbelievers walk and the way believers are supposed walk and not to walk.
Christ came into our hearts to make us new creatures (2Cor5:17) with new lifestyle.
