[Biblemat] Article - "Problems of Youth"

[GLClair at aol.com]

PROBLEMS OF YOUTH
Compiled by Garreth L. Clair
 
            There is no time like the time of youth in the lifetime of the 
Christian; each Christian ought to extend themselves in an effort to grow in 
knowledge and wisdom in God's service. Some of the wise thoughts revealed via the 
Written Word encourage young people to get started in service to God early 
and grow with deliberation and patience, submitting to the wise instruction of 
the hoary headed ones, according to God's instructions. Please note the 
following:
 
I.          SEEK GOD EARLY IN LIFE - Ecclesiastes 12:1: 
"Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult 
days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them" 
NKJV.
Proverbs 20:29,  "The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor 
of old men is their gray head" NKJV.
 
COMMENTS:
The wise man, Solomon, surely knew of the benefits of early commitment to 
God. God can use the strength and enthusiasm of the young, youth is the most 
expedient time in life for the individual to commit to God's service. Dedication 
to the principles of righteousness early in ones life does not guarantee 
accuracy in thought or action, but the young are adaptable, they are susceptible to 
change, they are willing to learn. The willingness of the young to learn will 
surely enable many of them to mature in soundness and fidelity to the faith.
 
II.        THE APOSTLE PAUL'S INSTRUCTION TO YOUNG TIMOTHY - 2 Timothy 
2:14-26:
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive 
about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not 
need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 
16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more 
ungodliness. 
17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of 
this sort, 
18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is 
already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The 
Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ 
depart from iniquity." 
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but 
also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel 
for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace 
with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate 
strife. 
24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to 
teach, patient, 
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will 
grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 
26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, 
having been taken captive by him to do his will" NKJV.
 
COMMENTS:
Several items of instruction are directed to the young, also to others:
Ø      Not to strive about words to no profit - verse 14
Ø      Seek God's approval in thought and action - verse 15.
Ø      Correctly, apply the teaching from God - verse 15
Ø      Shun profane and idle babblings - verse 16.
Ø      Be confident, the Lord knows you are faithful - Verse 19.
Ø      Know this, everyone who claims to be worthy are not necessarily so, 
some are of clay value not of gold or silver value  - verse 20.
Ø      Some are valuable to God in His service - verse 21.
Ø      Do not allow your youthful passions to lead you astray, maintain 
faithfulness - verse 22.
Ø      Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes - verse 23.
Ø      Do not become involved in quarrels with others - verse 24.
Ø      Confront those that are in opposition to God's teaching in a kind way, 
seeking their restoration - verse 25.
 
CONSIDER THIS:
            These instructions are worthy admonitions to all Christians, yet 
in this context Paul is dealing with Timothy and his work as a teacher and 
faithful young Christian. Young people (both male and female) consider the 
instruction and gauge your lives according to sound instruction, instruction like 
these revealed to us in 2 Timothy.
 
III.       HEED THE WISE INSTRUCTION FROM RELIABLE AND FAITHFUL MEN:
 
1.         AGE AND EXPERIENCE ARE A VALUABLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN:
Ø      Leviticus 19:32,
32 'You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old 
man, and fear your God: I am the LORD" NKJV.
Ø      Proverbs 16:31,
31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of 
righteousness"
Ø      2 Timothy 2:2,
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit 
these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. NKJV
 
2.         INSTRUCTION FOR GROWTH FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL TO THE GROWING 
CHRISTIAN:
Ø      Romans 16:17-19,
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, 
contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 
18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own 
belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the 
simple. 
19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your 
behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil" 
NKJV.
Ø      1 Corinthians 3:10-11,
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master 
builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one 
take heed how he builds on it. 
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is 
Jesus Christ"
Ø      2 Corinthians 10:12,
12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who 
commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing 
themselves among themselves, are not wise" NKJV.
 
IV.       THE WHOLE OF MAN (Including the young) - Ecclesiastes 12:9-14:
9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people 
knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 
10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was 
upright -- words of truth. 
11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like 
well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 
12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books, there 
is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. 
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His 
commandments,
For this is, man's all. 
14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, 
Whether good or evil" 
 
CONSIDER THIS:
 
            The instructions given by God that we have discussed, have been 
presented to encourage the young (both young men and young women), to consider 
well God's instructions. The editor, while writing this article has considered 
himself while young, middle aged, and growing older. The thoughts are best 
digested by the individual while they are young for a number of reasons, as we 
have noted:
 
1.         Young people have sharp minds and are able to adjust their 
affections and commitments          as they are shown the reasonableness of God's 
requirements on their lives.
 
2.         The physical stamina contributes to the endurance of our young 
people (i.e., teachers, preachers, and young Christian ladies), as the young 
Christian exhibits their dedication and resolve to continue in the "narrow way" - 
cf., Matthew 7:13-14, "The Narrow Way" (Also - Luke 13:24): "> Enter by the 
narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to 
destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  >  Because narrow is the gate and 
difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" NKJV.
 
CONSIDER THIS:
 
            It is difficult to understand the different level of particip
ation, continuation in difficult tasks, interaction with other faithful ones 
outside the assemblies, and generally laboring in the work of the Lord for the 
young preacher verses the older preacher. It may be difficult for the young person 
to visualize this matter but age makes a difference in strength and stamina 
for  service in God's vineyard. We understand that this is so after we have 
attained to an advanced age but while we are still young we do not dwell very 
much on the realities of this subject, "age" verses the "strength of youth."
 
            For the young Christians, we encourage continued faithfulness and 
untiring dedication and untiring service in the Lord's work. Always be 
steadfast in faithful service standing always for the 'TRUTH." There will come a 
time in your future, when "… the difficult days come, and the years draw near 
when you say, "I have no pleasure in them" NKJV - (Ecclesiastes 12:1b).
 
February 13, 2007
glclair at aol.com
considermagazine.com
 
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