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Free PDF eBook<\/strong> containing all of Year 2<\/p>\n Print PDF<\/strong> of this lesson<\/p>\n Paul wrote to his young friend Timothy: \u201cLet no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity\u201d (1 Tim. 4:12). A congregation of Christians has no greater blessing than its godly young people. These youthful saints contribute in many ways to the Lord\u2019s work, not the least of which is their example. Godly young people set an example that all believers can profit from.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The Bible is filled with stories of youths who showed those around them what it means to live a life of devotion to God: Joseph, David, Josiah, Mary, Timothy, and many others. It is simply not true that one has to wait until his later years to \u201cget serious\u201d about God. Too many young people have done it \u2014 and demonstrated for the rest of us how it\u2019s done.<\/p>\n One of the remarkable things about youth is the courage that so often characterizes young people. Tests that older Christians might fail are often met by the young with considerable bravery. When a choice has to be made between right and wrong, godly youths \u201cdare to stand like Joshua.\u201d We need to be encouraged by the willingness of our young people to take a bold stand for the Lord.<\/p>\n One thing young people learn when they take their faith seriously and walk with God closely is that being truly devoted to God does not diminish the joy of life; it increases it. Solomon urged the enjoyment of life by the young: \u201cRejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity\u201d (Eccl. 11:9,10).<\/p>\n As we study the Bible, may we be reminded of the goodness of being young and the special opportunity it affords for good works that glorify God. Young people are not \u201csecond-class citizens\u201d in the kingdom of God; they are valuable contributors. When they set for us an example \u201cin word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity,\u201d let\u2019s express our appreciation. We are fortunate to have those who are younger in years, but already wise in the Lord!<\/p>\n Key Idea:<\/strong> God should be remembered in the days of youth.<\/p>\n Questions for Family Growth:<\/strong> What does it mean to \u201cremember\u201d our Creator? Why is it so important to do that in the days of our youth? Unless we die prematurely, what kind of days lie ahead, after our youth has passed?<\/p>\n Wisdom for the Day:<\/strong> Proverbs 29:15.<\/p>\n Key Idea:<\/strong> Young people gain respect when they lead godly lives.<\/p>\n Questions for Family Growth:<\/strong> What does it mean for one person to \u201cdespise\u201d the youth of another person? How can a young person keep that from happening? What different things are young people to be an example in?<\/p>\n Wisdom for the Day:<\/strong> Proverbs 29:16.<\/p>\n Key Idea:<\/strong> Young people benefit when they remember the main purpose of life.<\/p>\n Questions for Family Growth:<\/strong> What did Solomon say was the \u201cconclusion of the whole matter\u201d (NKJV)? What happens if we do not keep this truth in mind? How do you think will God \u201cbring every deed into judgment\u201d?<\/p>\n Wisdom for the Day:<\/strong> Proverbs 29:17.<\/p>\n Key Idea:<\/strong> God\u2019s word can help young people make their lives more godly.<\/p>\n Questions for Family Growth:<\/strong> What does it mean for a young man to \u201ckeep his way pure\u201d? How does God\u2019s word help a young person to do that? What attitude did the Psalmist apparently have toward the word of God?<\/p>\n Wisdom for the Day:<\/strong> Proverbs 29:18.<\/p>\n Key Idea:<\/strong> When they are godly, young people can truly rejoice in their youth.<\/p>\n Questions for Family Growth:<\/strong> What is meant by Solomon\u2019s statement, \u201clet your heart cheer you in the days of your youth\u201d? What caution does Solomon offer to young people as they enjoy their lives? What does it mean that \u201cyouth and the dawn of life are vanity\u201d?<\/p>\n Wisdom for the Day:<\/strong> Proverbs 29:19.<\/p>\n Gary Henry \u2013 WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com<\/p>\nMonday: Ecclesiastes 12:1<\/h2>\n
Tuesday: 1 Timothy 4:12<\/h2>\n
Wednesday: Ecclesiastes 12:13,14<\/h2>\n
Thursday: Psalm 119:9-16<\/h2>\n
Friday: Ecclesiastes 11:9,10<\/h2>\n