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Scripture Reading:  1 John 2:8-14

Exhort the Young Men

Intro.

1.  Titus 2:6 – Exhort young men to control their desires & passions:  They have many challenges, duties & opportunities as Christians.

2.  You are the future! 

  a.  Of the home:  Husbands & fathers.

  b.  Of the church:  Elders, deacons, preachers, teachers and song & worship leaders.

3.  Will the home & the church thrive & flourish under your leadership, faith & devotion (to the Lord, His truth & your family)?  Or will it deteriorate from lack of attention & faithfulness?  (1 Tim. 3:15)

4.  Exhort the young men to see your potential, your possibilities & your place in the kingdom of God.

I.  THE BLESSINGS OF YOUTH – Prov. 20:29 (splendor, excellence).

  A.  Physical Strength.

    1.  Yet, do not trust is physical strength, but in God – Jer. 9:23-24.

    2.  Body will fail you…God will not!  (Eccl. 12:7; Heb. 13:5).

  B.  Mental Strength.

    1.  Peak of mental performance – Lk. 2:52.

    2.  Think soberly (to put a moderate estimate upon one’s self, think of one’s self soberly), with faith – Rom. 12:3 (16).

  C.  Spiritual Strength?

    1.  Spiritual strength (faith) requires time, attention & devotion.

    2.  Selfishness is a particular temptation that young people must overcome to be spiritually strong:

      a.  Flee fleshly lusts – 2 Tim. 2:22.

      b.  Use of time – Eccl. 12:1.

      c.  Accepting responsibilities – 1 Tim. 4:12.

    3.  Contrast Joseph (Gen. 39:9, 21) & Samson (Judg. 13:5, 25; 16:20).

    4.  1 Jno. 2:14:  Young men, you are strong when:

      a.  Word of God abides in you (Freedom, faith, future) – Col. 3:16.

      b.  Overcome the wicked one.

        1)  Resist the devil – Jas. 4:8

        2)  Fight & don’t give up! – 1 Tim. 6:12; Prov. 24:10, 16

II.  REASONS WHY YOU MUST MASTER THE FLESH & LIVE BY FAITH.

  A.  Indulgence in the Flesh Will, Sooner or Later, Bring Ruin to Your Body & Soul – Lk. 15:13; 1 Pet. 4:1-5.

    1.  If you live in sin you will lose your soul!

    2.  cf. Alcohol, drugs, sexual promiscuity, dishonesty – All these damage the quality of life now & well as after death.

    3.  Neglect of the soul will ultimately bring damnation!

  B.  A Young Man Who will not Control Himself Gives Little Promise of Being Useful or Happy – 1 Tim. 5:6; Prov. 21:17; 1 Pet. 3:10-12 (Matt. 5:3-10).  (cf. Kobe Bryant as an example)  (Heb. 11:25)

    1.  Control & direct your desires toward godliness; your words toward helpfulness, kindness & truth & your actions toward righteousness.

    2.  How will you be a faithful husband & not control the flesh?  (1 Cor. 7:2)

    3.  Be an honest employee by valuing honesty!  (Tit. 2:10)

    4.  Be active in church work & not manage your time & resources toward that end?

  C.  The Future of the Church Depends on You – Acts 20:29-32.

    1.  Will you help hold fast to the sound words?  (2 Tim. 1:13)

    2.  Or will you contribute to the weakening of God’s people?

  D.  Like Those Before You, You Will Die (Maybe Soon).

    1.  Be prepared to stand before God (Heb. 9:27).

    2.  Warning:  Don’t say won’t happen to you! – cf. Amos 6:3

    3.  You will never regret living by faith!

III.  SET THE EXAMPLE TO THE BELIEVERS! – 1 Tim. 4:12

  A.  Learn & Live the Bible – 1 Tim. 4:13.

  B.  Don’t Neglect Your Advantages & Blessings – 1 Tim. 4:14 (Heb. 12:16).

  C.  Devote Yourself to Spiritual Growth & Service – 1 Tim. 4:15 (2 Pet. 3:18).

  D.  Keep Proper Priorities in Your Life – Matt. 6:31-34.  (Lord will bless you now & eternally!)

Conclusion

1.  Rejoice, remove & remember – Eccl. 11:9-12:1.

2.  Put God’s word in your heart & obey His will in mercy & truth – You will find favor with God & man! – Prov. 3:1-4