The gospel has never been ‘just an interesting idea’ for people who like that sort of thing, or a suggestion to be considered along with others.  The gospel contains a command to repent: Paul said, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.’" (Acts 17:30-31).  Timothy was not called to be a popular community leader but a strong prophetic voice.
 
However, the young man would have no credibility if he could not live the life he preached.  Although he might be regarded as inexperienced because of his age, and without the necessary authority to encourage, teach and rebuke (Titus 2:15), his loving and pure lifestyle should model the faith in his heart and be an example to the church.  Age does not necessarily make wise people: wisdom comes when God’s truth is welcomed and obeyed.
 
The Apostle Paul knew the importance of modelling how Christians should live (2 Timothy 3:10-12).  He was so sure of his relationship with Jesus that he could write: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

Every pastor, preacher and faithful believer will draw opposition because the commands of God are not palatable to sinful flesh.  However young God’s servant may be (whether in the church, community or workplace), authority comes through a demonstration that God’s commands can be obeyed.  A radically different and godly lifestyle proves the authenticity of evangelistic and pastoral instruction.  This principle also holds good in the home where the believer’s life is most closely scrutinised by children, as well as in the church.  None of us is totally Christ-like and so we all need Him to help us be transformed in our hearts and wills as we work out our personal obedience to Christ (Philippians 2:12-13), knowing that we are being examples - often to those who need Christ’s transforming power most.