Respect for the Youthful Among Us Ecclesiastes 12:1

Respect for the Youthful Among Us We will study the need for us to have a healthy respect and regard for the youth among us. Reasons to study the topic? God speaks on this matter. We may see trends or movements about us (within the brotherhood) that manifest an actual disregard for the youth.

There is a place for (much) honor within one’s youth! Genesis 37:2) How old was Joseph when he was sold into Egyptian slavery? Genesis 39:1-5) Joseph is one of our all-time heroes, and he was commended by God in his youth. Ruth 1:16-18) Ruth was young enough that Naomi felt as though she had a long life ahead of her. And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. 1 Sam 17:42 (NKJV)  Jehoash was seven years old when he became king. 2 Kings 11:21 (NKJV)

There is a place for (much) honor within one’s youth! 2 Chronicles 34:1-3) Josiah was not only crowned king at eight years of age; he also is commended by God for the work he did WHILE he was young. Luke 1:26-33) Mary was a young lady when she was commended by God! Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Tim 1:1-2 (NKJV)

God expects the best from the youthful. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: 3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." Eph 6:1-3 (NKJV) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34 (NKJV) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Tim 4:12-13 (NKJV) Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Col 3:20 (NKJV)

Our youth need instruction AND encouragement! Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13-14) The young are instructed to revere God AND to enjoy their youth. Jeremiah 29:11-14) Jeremiah sought to encourage those who needed hope. And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Eph 6:4 (NKJV) Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Col 3:21 (NKJV)  …the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5 (NKJV)

Let the aged be a good example for the youthful… Job 32:1-14) Elihu’s said, “Age should speak”. When he answered, what was Elihu’s response? Titus 2:1-5) Instruction necessary; but so is the proper example. Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Heb 13:7 (NKJV)

Let the Youthful and Aged work TOGETHER! Ezra 3:8-13) The aged had perspectives that contrasted the young. What did the people “afar off” observe? Haggai 2:1-5; Zechariah 4:8-10) ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts.

Respect for the Youthful Among Us There is a place for much honor within one’s youth! God expects the best from the youth! Our youth need instruction AND encouragement! Let the aged be a good example for the young! Let the aged and the young work TOGETHER!!