Yesterday I introduced the idea from Romans 6.17, that we are called to live by a “standard” or “pattern.” The Greek is typos and is variously translated pattern or example. As I was asking myself, “What might the pattern include?”, I went to 1 Timothy 4.12, and bingo! Not only is there a nice list, but also the word translated example is our word typos:

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example

• in speech,
• in conduct,
• in love,
• in faith,
• in purity. (1 Timothy 4.12, ESV), bulleted for clarity)

All five of these are contrary to the current spirit of our age.

Paul leads with speech. Very important, and the scripture is clear:

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. (James 3.5, 6, ESV)

We would do well to “set the believers an example” by our speech. My friend Thomas Black, pastor in Illinois, posted this on Facebook the other day:

It is so easy to sin with the tongue or the keyboard. I easily typed out another scathing response to a post, but could tell the Holy Spirit was not pleased. Deleted it. Praying Psalm 141:3.

Good word and good example, Thomas!

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! (Psalm 141.3, ESV)

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4.5, 6, ESV)