Topical Studies - Spirituality In Youth: Is It Possible?

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                        "SPIRITUALITY IN YOUTH"

                            Is It Possible?

INTRODUCTION

1. Many parents and churches are naturally concerned for their
   children...
   a. They want so much what is best for them
   b. They pray that their children will grow to love and serve the Lord

2. But should they expect their children to be spiritually minded...?
   a. Especially as they go through the period of adolescence?
   b. When they are confronted on every side by immorality and
      materialism?

[Is it possible for there to be spirituality in youth?  If so, how, and
why should young people want to focus on developing spiritually?  To
such questions, we answer...]

I. YES! MANY HAVE SHOWN IT IS POSSIBLE

   A. OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES...
      1. Joseph, resisting fornication - Gen 39:7-10
      2. David, fighting for God's honor - 1Sa 17:37,42-47
      3. Daniel, choosing not to defile himself - Dan 1:8
      4. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, refusing to worship an idol
         - Dan 3:16-18
      -- These young men displayed faith and fortitude in their service
         to God!

   B. NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLES...
      1. Mary, who found favor with God and rejoiced in Him - Lk 1:30,
         46-50
      2. Little ones, whose faith and humility was praised by Jesus - Mt
         18:1-6
      3. Timothy, who despite his youth was to be an example to others
         - 1Ti 4:12; 2Ti 2:22
      -- There is certainly room in God's kingdom for the service of
         young people!

[Even today, many young people demonstrate by their faith and service
that it is possible for there to be spirituality in youth.  But in
answering whether it is possible, we must also say...]

II. YES! BUT IT IS NOT EASY

   A. THERE IS THE WARFARE WITHIN...
      1. The lust of the flesh, which wages war with the soul - 1 Pe
         2:11; Ga 5:16-17
      2. The lust of the eyes, greed which would drown the soul - 1 Ti
         6:9-11
      3. The pride of life, arrogance which also pulls one away from God
         - 1Jn 2:15-17
      -- Young people struggle with challenges that destroy even older,
         mature people

   B. THERE IS THE WARFARE WITHOUT...
      1. Peer pressure, encouraging them to do evil - 1Co 15:13
      2. Societal pressure, such as humanism, hedonism, and atheism
         promoted in the schools and media - 1Pe 4:3-4
      3. Hypocrisy and apathy in members of the church - Re 2:4; 3:15
      -- Such satanic influence weighs heavily upon our young people

[Can young people be spiritually minded when confronted with warfare
within and without?  To that we answer...]

III. YES! BUT YOU NEED GOD'S HELP

   A. TO OVERCOME THE WARFARE...
      1. There is power in Christ - Php 4:13
      2. There is help from God - Php 2:12-13; Ep 3:16,20; 6:10-13
      3. You need God's providential aid - 1Co 10:13
      -- God stands ready to help the young to be spiritually strong

   B. THE TOOLS THAT GOD PROVIDES...
      1. His Word - Ps 119:9,11; Mt 4:4,7,11; Jm 1:21
      2. Prayer - Mt 6:13; 26:41; Php 4:6-7
      3. The Church - He 3:12-14; 10:23-25
      -- God provides everything the young need to be spiritually strong

[Before we conclude our response to the question, "Is it possible for
there to be spirituality in youth?", let me add one more thought...]

IV. YES! AND YOU NEED IT IN YOUR YOUTH

   A. TO AVOID THE HARVEST SOWN BY 'WILD OATS'...
      1. You will reap what you sow - Ga 6:7-8
      2. Many lives have been ruined by youthful indiscretions
      -- Don't spend the first half of your life making the second half
         miserable!

   B. TO GAIN THE WISDOM THAT COMES FROM SPIRITUALITY...
      1. True wisdom comes from God to those who ask in faith - Jm 1:5-8
      2. Such wisdom greatly enhances the quality of life - Pr 3:13-18
      -- Wisdom gained early ensures a good start and a good finish in
         life

CONCLUSION

1. Spirituality in youth is indeed possible...
   a. Many young people have proven it to be so
   b. Despite the warfare they faced within and without
   c. By trusting in the Lord and looking to Him for strength
   d. Ensuring that their lives were blessed by God from start to finish

2. Young people, do you want the best that life has to offer...?
   a. Then let Joseph, Daniel, Mary, and Timothy be your role models
   b. Accept the call to serve God in the prime of youth

Serve the Lord with all your heart, and you will not be disappointed...!
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