1 TIM. 4:12

1 TIM. 4:12

GIVING GODTHE STRENGTH OF

YOUTH

[By Ron Halbrook]

2

GIVING GODTHE STRENGTH OF YOUTH

Introduction1. 1 Tim. 4:12 Focus on days of youth,

but principles apply to all men

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.

3


2. Not glorify youth: Warped outlook Some roles for mature years

4


3. Only one chance to give God the strength of youth!

Job 14:1-2 Few days

1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. 2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

5



Ps. 90:1-10 Few days


1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. 4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. 5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. 6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. 7 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled. 8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.


9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. 10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.


9



Eccl. 11:9-12:1 Remember God now


9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.


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;

12



Eccl. 12:2-7 Body declines, dies

Eccl. 12:2-7 Body declines, dies

2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: 3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

Eccl. 12:2-7 Body declines, dies 5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: 6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

15



Eccl. 12:13-14 Fulfill life’s purpose

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

16


4. “Be thou an example:” Examples in Bible times Examples in our time

17


I. Joseph & Esther: Saw God’s Providence in Their Lives

A. Providence: God Rules in Affairs of Men to Accomplish His Own Purpose

18



B. God’s Providence in Joseph’s Life Circuitous route to provide food to his family in Egypt: Jacob’s favoritism, brothers’ hatred, merchants’ trip, etc.!

19



B. God’s Providence in Joseph’s Life Gen. 39:7-12 Faith severely tested

Gen. 39:7-12 Faith severely tested

7 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?

Gen. 39:7-12 Faith severely tested

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 with her. 11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

22

GIVING GODTHE STRENGTH OF YOUTHI. Joseph & Esther:

Saw God’s Providence in Their Lives B. God’s Providence in Joseph’s Life

Gen. 50:19-20 Explained to brothers

19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

23



C. God’s Providence in Esther’s Life Esth. 4:14-15 From orphan to Queen: God had a purpose!

Esth. 4:14-15 From orphan to Queen: God had a purpose!

14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esth. 4:14-15 From orphan to Queen: God had a purpose!

15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

26



D. Faith of Young People Tested Tempted by friends: illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, dance, mixed swim

how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

who knoweth whether thou art come

to the kingdom for such

a time as this?

27



D. Faith of Young People Tested Tempted by school activities: dance, immodest dress



to the kingdom for such a

time as this?

28



D. Faith of Young People Tested Young lady refused to be honored at school dance: school cancelled dance Young man refused to be honored at college dance: college cancelled dance


to the kingdom for

such a time as this?


29


II. Daniel & Deborah: Saw God’s Providence Over Nations

A. Daniel’s Faith Tested by Government Dan. 1:8 Obey God over government

8 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.

30



A. Daniel’s Faith Tested by Government Dan. 4:25 Told King that God rules

Dan. 4:25 Told King God rules

25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

32



A. Daniel’s Faith Tested by Government Dan. 2:44 Told King God’s spiritual kingdom greater than earthly kingdoms

Dan. 2:44 Told King God’s spiritual kingdom greater than earthly kingdoms

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

34



B. Deborah’s Faith in God’s Rule Over Nations Inspired Barak

Judg. 4:4-9 Will fight if she goes!

Judg. 4:4-9 Will fight if she goes!

8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. 9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

36



C. Faith of Young People Tested by Worldly Pressures & Powers

Principal pressured president of senior class to lead class into the prom

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself

37




Teachers pressure students to dance, wear immodest clothes, forsake worship

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself




Matt. 6:33 Many put God’s kingdom first, overcome worldly pressures

38

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.


C. Faith of Young People Tested by Worldly Pressures & Powers Matt. 6:33 Many put God’s kingdom first, overcome worldly pressures Love Christ w/o carnal inducements Teach friends the gospel Attend every service in spite of pressures Participate in worship, help with classes

39


But seek ye first the kingdom of God

40


III. Stephen & Unselfish Women: Served Others

A. Stephen a Deacon in Early Church Acts 6:1-7 Unselfish character prepared him to serve: bless widows, church, lost

Acts 6:1-7 Unselfish character prepared him to serve: bless widows, church, lost

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Acts 6:1-7 Unselfish character prepared him to serve: bless widows, church, lost

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

44



B. Young Men with Godly Wives Prepare to Serve as Elders & Deacons

1 Tim. 3:1-13 Qualifications: unselfish dedication to spiritual growth

45


C. Dorcas’ Example Followed Her in Death Acts 9:36-39 Unselfish character prepared her to serve: bless widows, church, lost

39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

46



D. Young Men & Ladies Serve Today Examples of faithful living & worship (Leah Key): bless saints & sinners

47



D. Young Men & Ladies Serve Today 1 Cor. 6:18 Examples of sexual purity: preparing to be a faithful mate Young married couples serving each other, their children, the church, & the community

48



D. Young Men & Ladies Serve Today 1 Tim. 2:14-15 Young wives serving & molding children

15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

49


IV. Timothy & Philip’s Daughters: Spreading the Gospel

A. Young Timothy Loved the Lord & the Lost Acts 16:1-3 Brethren commended him 1 Tim. 4:12 Paul trained him to preach & to be a godly example


50



B. Young Ladies Love the Lord & the Lost Acts 21:9 Philip’s daughters 1 Cor. 9:5 Young ladies willing to marry a preacher

5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

51



C. Young Men & Ladies Love the Lord & the Lost Today

All can learn to spread the gospel Preparing to teach & preach May their number increase!

52


Invitation1. 1 Tim. 4:12 Focus on days of youth,

but principles apply to all men


53



3. “Be thou an example:” Examples in Bible times Examples in our time

54


4. Take the first steps now! Acts 2:38 Become a child of God

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

55


4. Take the first steps now!Acts 8:22 Be restored to God

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Documents

1 TIM. 4:12