At the time Paul gave this exhortation, Timothy was a mature adult charged with the supervision of the church at Ephesus. However, he was evidently a generation younger than Paul, and others of the elders at Ephesus, and comparatively young. Thus we can extract from this counsel some good advice for the younger ones among the Lord's people, whether they have made a consecration unto death or not. They are to be an example to the world in their thoughts, words, and actions. But it is sometimes difficult to determine exactly what they are expected to do or how to do it, especially in the transition time of adolescence.
Teens are especially in danger from the temptations of the world.
When they were very young, their parents protected them from many evil influences and painful truths about the world in which they live. As they become older they are exposed to such things as sex, drugs, and violence. The adversary knows they are easy prey if they do not have a proper foundation of truth and how to apply it to their lives. It is hard to see how some elements of truth might play a role in everyday living. But these doctrines do have an important role because they are elements in understanding the Divine Plan.