A Youth’s Relationship with God

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Introduction

A. It is often said that young people are the church of tomorrow.

B. However, young people can be the church of today if we do our job of teaching them, and they do their job of following God.

C. The Bible has a lot to say to those teaching young people, and to young people willing to learn and grow.

Body

I. Each generation is responsible for teaching the younger generation.

A. The wise man wrote, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).”

B. Paul reminded fathers to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

C. God commanded Israel to teach their children and grandchildren His commandments (Deuteronomy 4:8-10).

D. Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him the Scriptures since he was a babe (2 Timothy 3:14-15; 1:5).

E. Older men teach younger men, and older women teach younger women (Titus 2).

II. Young people must:

A. Remember their creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

B. Rejoice, but remember God will bring them into judgment (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).

C. Work and take responsibility (Lamentations 3:27).

D. Submit to their elders (1 Peter 5:5).

E. Flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22).

F. Be an example to believers, not despising their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).

G. Allow the word of God to abide in them, and overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:12-14).

III. Consider notable examples of young people.

A. Josiah did what was right in the sight of the LORD since he was 8 years old (2 Chronicles 34:1-3).

B. The rich young ruler kept the commandments since his youth, but still lacked something (Matthew 19:16-22).

C. Some admitted sin in their youth:

1) David (Psalm 25:7)

2) Job (Job 13:26)

3) Jeremiah (Jeremiah 3:25)

Conclusion

A. Whether we are young or just young at heart, we can learn a lot from the instructions and examples in the Scriptures.

B. Let us set the examples for younger people, teach them, and help them get to heaven.

C. If we are still young, let us always follow the commandments of God.