SERVING GOD IN THE PRE-MARITAL YEARS
Study text: Eccles 12: 1
Eccl 12:1: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
- Is it really possible to serve God faithfully as a youth, especially in the pre-marital years?
- The premarital years is characterized with the pressure of sins such as sexual immorality, materialism, alcoholism, occultism, to mention but few.
- Despite this possibility and reality, I want to say that it is possible to serve God faithfully as a youth and in the premarital years.
- If it is possible, then we need to know how and why it is possible, and the steps we need to take to make it possible.
1. It is possible because many youths demonstrated that in the Old Testament.
a.) Joseph.
- Joseph was at the age of seventeen years, when he refused to join his brethren in the evil they were doing, but rather will report their evil deeds to their father. Gen 37:1-2: And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.
2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
- This same Joseph refused to commit fornication with his master’s wife in Egypt, not because he did not know how to enjoy the pleasure, or because he was afraid of his master, but because he feared God and was not willing to break his fellowship with God. Gen 39:7-10: And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;
9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be
- If it was possible for Joseph to separate himself from the evil doings of his brethren, and to resist a great temptation for a sinful pleasure, then it is possible for us these days to serve God faithfully.
b.) David
-David was a youth in the premarital years when he demonstrated an un-common zeal to sacrifice his life in fighting with Goliath, a man of great experience and achievements in battles, just because he wanted to see God honored and glorified. 1 Sam 17:42-47: And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.
c.) Daniel
- Daniel was a youth when he chose not to defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, and his steadfastness was able to influence the other Hebrew youth positively to take similar decision. Dan 1:8-14: But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
- We also read about Daniel’s determination to sustain his communion with God even when he was told he will be thrown into a lion’s den. He went into the den without fear and God delivered him because of his faithfulness. Dan 6:11-16:Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
d.) Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
- These three young Hebrews refused to worship the idols set up by the king, not because they were rude or arrogant, but because they knew is against the word of God. They demonstrated faith and fortitude in their services unto God. They were thrown into a furnace of fire, but God gave them one of the greatest deliverances in the Bible days. Dan 3:16-20: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
2. It is possible because many youths demonstrated that in the NewTestament.
a.) Mary
- Mary was a young lady about to get married when she found favour before the Lord. This was possible because she kept her virginity, a honour that is lost by most of our young ladies today in their premarital years. Luke 1:30-35:
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
b.) Timothy
- Timothy was a youth and served God faithfully in his premarital years. Despite his youthful age, he was to be example to others. 1 Tim 4:12: Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
2 Tim 2:22-3:1: Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
- There is certainly room in God’s kingdom for young men and women to sere God faithfully particularly in their premarital years.
- Even today, in our own generation, if we observe carefully we will see many young men and women who are demonstrating holiness, faith and commitment in their services unto God. So the pressure may be so great, but there is opportunity and possibilities for any young man or woman who made up his or her mind to serve the Lord.
- Although, we concluded on the possibility, but it is not going to be an easy task. This is because there is the warfare within and the warfare without confronting the youth and taking them away from the will of God.
1. The warfare within.
a.) The lust of the flesh which wages war against the soul. Gal 5:16-21: This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
b.) The lust of the eyes or greed which would drown the soul. 1 Tim 6:9-11:
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
c.) The pride of life or arrogance which also pulls one away from God. 1 John 2:15-17: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
- Young people are also faced with the challenges that destroy even older, mature people.
2. The warfare without.
a.) Peer pressure, encouraging the young people to do evil.
- Most of the evil done by the youth are the influence of friends and colleagues in their lives. They will be influenced to keep sinning partners that they call boy or girl friend, or influence into smoking, drinking and all sort of occultic practices.
- The Bible gave a warning to all who care to hear that they should not follow the multitude to do evil. You are encouraged in your youthful age to give attention to the study of the word of God and to observe to do all that is written therein.
b.) Societal pressure, such as humanism, immorality promoted in schools and by the media houses. 1 Peter 4:3-4: For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
c.) Hypocrisy and apathy in members of the church. Rev 2:4-5: Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Rev 3:15-16: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
- Such satanic influence weighs heavily upon young people. Can young people serve God faithfully when confronted with warfare within and without?
- It is very possible but not with human strength or wisdom but by the help of the almighty God..
- To overcome the warfare and serve God faithfully, you need to depend absolutely on the power that Christ will give you. Phil 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
- God stands ready to help the young people to be spiritually strong and serve God faithfully, particularly in the pre-marital years. The tools that God provides are:
1. The word of God: If the youth can give attention to the study of the word of God and put it to practice, they will have strength to serve God faithfully despite all the pressures. James 1:21-25: Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
2. Prayer: The youth needs to give themselves to prayer continually. This will give them strength to resist temptations and to avoid all sorts of evil practices common with young people. Phil 4:6-7: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. The Church: The church has a role to play in helping the young people to serve God faithfully. But they must be committed to attendance and effective participation in church activities. Heb 3:12-14: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
Heb 10:23-25: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
- God provides everything the young people need to be spiritually strong and serve Him faithfully throughout their pre-marital years and thereafter.
- Many lives have been ruined by youthful indiscretions, many youths spent the first half of their years in sins and wickedness and this is making the second half of their years to be miserable, because they live in regrets and sorrows, or trying to recover from the consequences of their past reckless lives.
- O young man or woman, it doesn’t matter what has happened to you in the past, or what is happening to you presently, it is never too late to make a u-turn by confessing and forsaking your sins and surrendering your life to Jesus as your Lord and personal saviour, then start living for Him and to please Him for the remaining days of your life, and it shall be well with your soul.
