Serving God In The Days Of Your Youth

Serving God In The Days of Your Youth

Study Text: Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13 - 14

Introduction:

- God has made provisions for the youth to serve Him faithfully in their youthful years, provided they will be ready to make use of His provisions.

- The youthful years is characterized with the pressure of sins such as sexual immorality, materialism, drugs and alcoholism, occultism, to mention but few.

- Despite this reality, it is certain without any fear of contradiction, that it is possible for any young man or woman who chooses to serve God faithfully as a youth and in the youthful 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.

- We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:

1. Godly Patterns for the Youth

2. Great Pressures on the Youth

3. Golden Practices for the Youth

1. Godly Patterns for the Youth

- There are several examples of the Youth in the Bible, that lived for God faithfully and that were used by God to accomplish great things in their generations.

- Any young man or woman in our generation who chooses to serve God can have them as examples and godly patterns as to how to live a life pleasing unto God and to be faithful in the service of the kingdom.

A. From the Old Testament:

- It is possible for the Youth in our generation who chooses to serve God faithfully because many youths demonstrated that in the Old Testament.

1. 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

- 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

- 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.

2. David

- David was a youth in the youthful years when he demonstrated an uncommon 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 honoured and glorified. 1 Sam 17:42-47

3. 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 three Hebrew youths positively to take similar decision. Dan 1:8-14

- 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

- His steadfastness in the way of righteousness led to the faith and conversion of the ungodly king.

4. 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 it was 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

B. From the New Testament:

- It is possible for any young man or woman in our generation who chooses to serve God faithfully, because many youths demonstrated that in the New Testament.

1. 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 youthful years. Luke 1:30-35

2. Timothy

- Timothy was a youth and served God faithfully in his youthful years. Despite his youthful age, he was to be example to others. 1 Tim 4:12, 2 Tim 2:22-3:1

- There is certainly room in God’s kingdom for young men and women to serve God faithfully particularly in their youthful 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, and we can follow after their lives as godly patterns.

- Although, 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.