YOUNGER MEN

God instructs about behavior of older men, older women, younger women and also instructions are given to the young men. In his letter to young evangelist Titus, Paul writes: “Encourage the young men to be self-controlled … set an example by doing what is good … in your teaching show integrity, seriousness of speech, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say” (Titus 2:1-8). Foolish or profane jesting is inappropriate for young Christian men.

There are many requirements given not only for the doctrines they are to teach, but also in how their personal lives must be conducted: “Watch your life and doctrine closely … because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (I Tim 4:16). The aged Paul warns that “physical exercise profits little … but godliness has value for all things” (I Tim 4:8). “Do not allow anyone to look down on you because you are young, but set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (vs 12). Give yourself to reading Scripture, to teaching and preaching. “Watch your life and your doctrine closely!” (I Tim 4:16).
We advise all young men to carefully read what Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus. There is warning against false teachers, instructions about grace and worship, about deacons, elders, widows and slaves. Because sin is so prevalent in the world, about 30% of the teaching the young evangelists were to do was negative, to “reprove and rebuke” as well as to “exhort” (2 Tim 4:2).

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