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I 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. 

Please take some time to read through the whole of chapter 4.  Paul makes some interesting and powerful statements in the beginning of the chapter about those who would leave the faith.  He very astutely points out that just because someone initially commits to the faith doesn't mean they will stick with it.  When things get tough, when false teachers rear their ugly head, when it is no longer convenient, then they may turn away.  Paul seems to make the point that this is not an if but a when.  This simply means their initial confession was not sincere.  While I don't want to spend a lot of time on this topic, I think we find this in modern Christianity as well.  Just because someone has said the words of a sinner's prayer does not mean they actually know Jesus or understand what they have said.  Something to think about for sure and speaks to the absolute necessity of discipling and nurturing new believers.

In our focus verses for today, Paul is speaking directly to Timothy.  He must have been a timid young man.  Paul wants him to take authority and not allow people to dismiss him because he was younger.  He needed to guide and lead the church both in his words and preaching but also in his lifestyle.  Even as a younger man, Paul encourages him to lead by example.

While we give lip service to including young people in the leadership of the church, the reality is that we don't do it.  We have lots of reasons for this (I've found myself giving excuses too).  But God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called.  If God calls one of our teenagers or young adults to be a leader, then we need to embrace them, nurture them, and give them the space to lead.  While I don't think we have that many young people who subscribe to the SOAP, whoever is out there, please listen closely:  You are called and God will empower you to lead!  Want to serve in leadership at New Hope?  Come and talk to me directly. 

Let's pray...God, Send us new, young leaders.  Help us nurture and guide them so that they will be the strong, faithful leaders of your church today and in the future.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.