The godly example under the Law emphasized the "fear
of the Lord" (Romans 8:15
cf. Deuteronomy 28:58)
evidenced by "loving mercy" and "walking humbly" (Micah 6:8)
Such saints as Timothy are rare and to be entrusted
with the care of the saints, because they have been proven (Philippians 2:19-22)
Timothy's gift of "unfeigned faith" was confirmed
by the "laying on of hands" by the presbytery, i.e. elders (I Timothy 4:14), which is not so for an
unproven novice (I Timothy 5:22 cf. I Timothy 3:5-6)
Paul exhorted Timothy to "meditate" upon
the things of the Lord and to give himself "wholly" to them, so that his benefit may be an inducement
to all (I Timothy 4:15)
David describes the blessedness of the man who "meditates"
on God's Word "day and night" - he is likened to a fruit-bearing tree (Psalms 1:2-3)
Paul exhorted Timothy to "continue" in the
doctrine so that he may save himself and others from the rising tide of apostasy (I Timothy 4:16 cf. II Timothy 3:13-14)
Daniel purposed to remain faithful to his God (Daniel 1:8;
Daniel 6:10) and it was Daniel who "continued" while his heathen captors
came and went (Daniel 1:21)