Introduction

Good morning, family! Today we’re going to dive into a topic that's near and dear to God's heart – knowing Him in our youth. We're going to unpack the benefits, power, and joy that come from knowing God during our younger years.

As Matthew Henry once said, "The flower of youth never appears more beautiful than when it bends toward the sun of righteousness."

Our key scripture today comes from Ecclesiastes 12:1, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them.'"

But before we go any further, let's bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this beautiful day and the opportunity to gather in Your name. We ask for Your guidance as we delve into Your Word, and we pray that You open our hearts and minds to understand the great value of knowing You in our youth. Help us to grow in our relationship with You, and use us to reach out to the younger generation, encouraging them to seek You early. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Let’s get started, folks!

The Benefits

This period of life, characterized by vibrancy, curiosity, and a sense of invincibility, can also be a time of confusion, identity crisis, and vulnerability. It's during these formative years that the foundation for our future is laid, and having a relationship with God can provide a solid, unshakeable base.

A moral compass: Young people are often exposed to a myriad of influences, some positive and others negative. The world presents numerous paths, and it can be challenging to discern the right from the wrong. However, when we know God, we have a guide. His Word becomes our standard of truth, helping us navigate through life's complexities. It provides principles that shape our character, influencing our decisions and actions. It's like a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, as Psalm 119:105 puts it.

A sense of purpose: Many young people struggle with questions about their identity and purpose. The world offers various definitions of success, often tied to material wealth, popularity, or power. However, knowing God gives us a different perspective. We understand that we are created in His image, designed for a purpose that transcends worldly achievements. We realize that our lives are not random but part of a grand, divine plan. This understanding can bring a sense of fulfillment and direction that nothing else can provide.

Strength to overcome challenges: Life is not without trials, and young people are not exempt. They face pressures from school, relationships, and the process of growing up. However, knowing God provides an anchor in these storms. We learn that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, as stated in Psalm 46:1. We discover that we can cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). This knowledge can bring comfort and resilience in the face of adversity.

A lifelong relationship with Him: Just like any relationship, our relationship with God grows over time. The earlier we start, the deeper and stronger it becomes. We learn to trust Him, depend on Him, and love Him more. This relationship is not just for our time on earth; it's eternal. It's a relationship that leads to eternal life, the greatest benefit of all.

Impacts future generations: When we know God early, we can pass on our faith to the next generation. We can share our experiences, our testimonies, and the lessons we've learned. We can influence our children, our grandchildren, and even those around us, pointing them to the God we've known and loved.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about knowing (or not knowing) God in your youth and how that has impacted you.

The Power

The power of knowing God is about more than just understanding God's existence; it's about experiencing His presence and His power in our lives from a young age ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO