In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (vv.7-8)
In today’s chapter, Paul turns the spotlight from the church to the home. He examines each member of the household, outlining individual duties and responsibilities. To older men, he encourages them to be “worthy of respect” and to exhibit “self control,” among other qualities (v. 2). Older women are to live reverently and teach the younger to do the same (v. 3).
The letter encourages a pattern of discipleship for older adults to teach the things they have learned. And, for both young and old, he encourages believers to live lives so that opponents have no opportunity to make credible charges of wrongdoing (v. 8). Oh that our society today would take these verses to heart, so that our older men and women would be the righteous mentors God intended them to be.
The Truth
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor,” the author of Proverbs declares, “it is attained by a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31).
“Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
