1 Timothy 4:12–16

“Be Thou an Example of the Believers”

It couldn’t have been easy living the gospel of Jesus Christ in a wicked place like Ephesus. Certainly those like Timothy, who chose to lead a righteous life, stood out from their peers. But Paul encouraged Timothy to rise above others’ criticism of his youth or his faith and “be … an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12). This lesson is intended to help you strive to be an example of a disciple of Jesus Christ in your youth.

Using lists or charts. Help students learn how to study the scriptures more effectively by showing them how to create lists or charts. This can help them organize and understand the details in the scriptures, as well as the impressions they receive from the Holy Ghost. This lesson will provide an opportunity for students to practice this skill.

Student preparation: Invite students to think about the following question and prepare to share their thoughts: If someone were to follow you around for a week, what evidence would they see that you are striving to follow Jesus Christ?

Possible Learning Activities

The following lesson helps students study Paul’s teachings about being an example of the believers. To help students study more of Paul’s teachings, consider dividing the class into three groups. One group could study 1 Timothy 4:12–16 using this lesson, and the other two groups could study 1 Timothy 6:7–12 and 2 Timothy 1:1–8 using the information in the “Supplemental Learning Activities” section. Students could then share what they learned.

What does it say about you?

If someone were to observe you for a week, what evidence would they see that you are striving to follow Jesus Christ?
What might they see in your life that could use some improvement as you seek to follow Christ?

Consider inviting several students to share their thoughts.

Consider watching the video “The Lost Purse” (2:40), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, which illustrates some examples of Christlike discipleship.

Why is it important to consider what example we are setting for others?

Think about how comfortable you feel about being an example of a follower of Jesus Christ to those around you and why.

As you study this lesson, seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost to identify how you are setting an example that helps others and leads them to the Savior. If you are uncomfortable being an example to others, look for truths that may help you and motivate you.

Paul’s encouragement to Timothy

The New Testament includes two letters Paul wrote to one of his most trusted friends, Timothy (see 1 Corinthians 4:17). As you read the following information about Timothy, think of why his example would make a difference to others. Do you relate to him in any way?

Timothy’s mother and grandmother were righteous examples, but his father was a Greek Gentile who was likely not a believer (see Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15).
Timothy was serving as a Church leader in Ephesus (see 1 Timothy 1:3), a large city where idol worship and immorality were widespread (see Acts 19:35).
Paul hinted that some members doubted Timothy’s leadership abilities because he was young (see 1 Timothy 4:12).

Read 1 Timothy 4:12–16, looking for what Paul counseled Timothy to do.

What did you find that was meaningful to you?
How would you summarize Paul’s invitation from verse 12 and promise in verse 16 into a single statement of truth?

Allow students to use their own words, but help them identify the following truth.

Paul taught in 1 Timothy 4:12, 16 that if we are examples of the believers of Jesus Christ, we can help bring salvation to ourselves and others.

Identifying lists in the scriptures can help us see multiple ways to apply gospel truths in our lives. In verse 12, Paul listed areas in which we can become more Christlike to be good examples to those around us.

Read verse 12 again and mark words that describe each area Paul invited us to focus on. Consider copying this list in your study journal.

Consider writing a list of the areas students identify on the board. Leave space on the board to write a few ideas under each area later in the lesson.

How would you explain what each of these words mean? (If necessary, use scripture study tools or a dictionary to help you define them.)

It may be helpful to know that the word conversation in this verse refers to our conduct or behavior.

Who do you know who is a good example in these areas? How have their examples helped you and others?

As students ponder this question, invite them to consider members of their class. Invite several students to share. Students could also write notes to other members of the class about how they have been good examples to them. Noticing and complimenting the good examples of others can build unity in a class.

How was Jesus Christ the perfect example in these areas? How has His example blessed you and others?
Why do you think the Lord wants you to be an example to others in these areas?

How can you be an example?

Make a list of several ways you could be an example in the areas you chose. For example, to be an example “in word,” you might list some of the following ideas:

express gratitude more often
give people sincere compliments
speak the truth
avoid using profanity
express your love more often
address people respectfully
avoid gossiping
pray more sincerely

If their ideas are not too personal, invite students to share them by writing them under the headings on the board.

Take a moment to ponder how the Lord might bless you and others if you strive to be an example in these ways.

What have you learned or felt today that will help you be a better example of a disciple of Jesus Christ?
What will you do to be that example to others?
What do you hope your example will teach others about Jesus Christ and His restored Church? Why?

Testify of the power that a good example can have on those who see it. Consider sharing a personal story of being blessed by someone’s Christlike example, and invite students to implement the change(s) they identified in this lesson.

Commentary and Background Information

How can I be a better example?

Consider watching one or more of the following videos, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, which show a variety of ways young people are an example to those around them. As you watch, think of ways you can be an example to others.

“Sharing Your Light” (2:56)

2:56
Sharing Your Light
“Charity: An Example of the Believers” (4:50)

4:50
Charity: An Example of the Believers
“Something Different About Us: Example” (2:51)

2:51
Something Different About Us: Example

Does my example as a teenager really matter?

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, taught about the importance of your example:

My dear friends, why is shining our light so important? The Lord has told us that “there are many yet on the earth … who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it” [Doctrine and Covenants 123:12]. We can help. We can intentionally shine our light so others may see. We can extend an invitation. We can walk the journey with those who are taking a step toward the Savior, no matter how halting. …

I testify the Lord will magnify every small effort. The Holy Ghost will prompt us to know what to say and do. Such attempts may require us to step out of our comfort zone, but we can be assured that the Lord will help our light shine.

(Bonnie H. Cordon, “That They May See,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 80)

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) taught about being an example:

Be an example … . Our opportunities lie before us here and now. But they are perishable. Likely they will be found in our own homes and in the everyday actions of our lives. Our Lord and Master marked the way: “[He] went about doing good.” (Acts 10:38.) He in very deed was a model to follow—even an example of the believers.

Are we?

(Thomas S. Monson, “An Example of the Believers,” Ensign, Nov. 1992, 98)

1 Timothy 4:16. What did Paul mean when he said, “Save thyself”?

While Paul used the words “thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16), he also testified that we can only be saved through Jesus Christ (see 1 Timothy 1:15–16; 2:5–6). We can exercise faith in Jesus Christ through our efforts and allow Him to save us.

Supplemental Learning Activities

1 Timothy 6:7–12. Trusting in riches or in God

Display a small amount of money, and invite students to share a few ways it could be used for good.

Invite students to read 1 Timothy 6:7–12 and explain why they think Paul would give this warning and invitation since he must have known that money can be used for good. Ask how the truths in these verses could apply to both the rich and the poor.

Give students time to search the scriptures, looking for counsel the Lord has given regarding riches. (Some possible passages include 1 Timothy 6:17–19; Matthew 6:19–21, 24; Jacob 2:17–19; Doctrine and Covenants 6:7; 56:16–17.)

Invite students to summarize and share what they learned from these scriptures.

2 Timothy 1:1–8. Overcoming fear

Write the word Fear on the board, and ask students to consider how fear can influence us. Invite students to read 2 Timothy 1:1–8, looking for a principle that can help them overcome fear. Discuss the principle that as we earnestly seek to have the Spirit to be with us, we can overcome fear and be unashamed of our testimony of Jesus Christ. Questions like the following may help students understand this principle:

How can the divine power, love, and good judgment we receive through the Spirit help us overcome fear?
What are ways in which we can show that we are unashamed of our testimony of Jesus Christ?
When has the Spirit helped you overcome fear or given you courage to stand firm in your testimony of Jesus Christ?