FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

I Timothy 4:12; Acts 16:1-3; II Timothy 1:1-7; 2:15; 3:14-17; Daniel 1:1-21; 2:47-49; 3:15-30; Philippians 4:13; John 14:26; Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Our youth today have tremendous potential when they are empowered with the spirit of God. Wisdom does not come from age but from the Word and spirit of God. Adults must remember to envision our youth according to the Word of God and encourage them.

The Word of God records the amazing lifestyles of many remarkable young people. One notable example is Timothy who was a very young man when he began his life with Paul. Paul warns Timothy in I Timothy 4:12 to “let no man despise thy youth.” He instructed Timothy to become an example to the believers in word (what he thinks, says and does), in conversation (his manner of life), in charity (love), in spirit (things of the spirit of God), in faith (believing) and in purity (being uncontaminated by the things of the world). We learn from the scriptures that Timothy’s mother and grandmother were believers but his father was not. Yet at only 14 to 16 years of age, Timothy already had a good reputation among the believers. Paul considered himself as a spiritual father to Timothy — one who taught him, trained him and gave him life principles as though he were his own son. He tells Timothy that he prays for him night and day as we should for our children and youth. Paul teaches him that God did not give him a spirit of fear — but of power and of love and of a sound mind. There are so many opinions our children are confronted with daily. With the Word of God and spirit of God, they can learn to separate truth from error, regardless of who is saying it. They can stand approved before God as workman who study and rightly divide the word of truth. Continuing in these matters is a life long pursuit.

Other examples of young people include Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. In the records of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel recorded in the book of Daniel, we learn how these young people trusted God. God protected them as they remained committed to Him, in spite of the circumstances. The result was that Nebuchadnezzar, an unbelieving king, glorified their God and declared Him to be the one, true God. They went from bondage and servitude to the head of the corporate ladder. Joseph and David also trusted in God through some difficult situations.

As our children claim the truths of the Word such as “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” they will learn to be more than conquerors in all situations. God is a God of grace, mercy and peace. He can help our young people through any situation in life. As adults, we need to continue to teach them and encourage them to give God a try.