The Antitypical Youth Sermon By Kingsley Akrasi Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Introduction We daily hear upsetting reports of a weakening youth. Young people who are falling into the pleasures of the world and being pulverised in the pinchers of the world’s temptation. Is this true? Can we accept that our youth have become weak? I refuse to accept this. I have faith in our young people. God has faith in our young people for He has chosen them to do an important task in the time that we are living. We daily hear upsetting reports of a weakening youth. Young people who are falling into the pleasures of the world and being pulverised in the pinchers of the world’s temptation. Is this true? Can we accept that our youth have become weak? I refuse to accept this. I have faith in our young people. God has faith in our young people for He has chosen them to do an important task in the time that we are living.

An Earnest Plea to the Youth The weakening, spineless youth make up a very small part of the youth of the world. The time has come for the silent majority to stand up so that the world can take note that the youth who have connected themselves with God will not crumble under the attacks of the powers of darkness. But there are so many temptations. How can the youth keep standing firm? Let us look at some of the young people of the Word of God and how they managed to stand firm. The weakening, spineless youth make up a very small part of the youth of the world. The time has come for the silent majority to stand up so that the world can take note that the youth who have connected themselves with God will not crumble under the attacks of the powers of darkness. But there are so many temptations. How can the youth keep standing firm? Let us look at some of the young people of the Word of God and how they managed to stand firm.

Joseph 1. How did Joseph get to know God through his childhood years? NOTE 1; 2 Timothy 3:15 2. How did Joseph give himself fully to the Lord when he has around the age of seventeen years? Genesis 37:18-28; NOTE 2 3. Did Joseph manage to stay steadfast to the Lord, even though heathen customs and practices were constantly around him? Genesis 39:2; NOTE 3 4. What caused Joseph’s faith to be tested in two different situations and what were those two situations? Genesis 39:7-19, 20; Proverbs 7:15-19; Genesis 41:38; NOTE 4; NOTE 5 5. Can we become examples like Joseph for the Lord in the work He wants the youth to do for Him? NOTE 6

Daniel 6. How were Daniel and his friends blessed by the Lord so much? Daniel 1: 4, 5, 9, 19; T4 570; PK 486; NOTE 7; NOTE 8 7. What were the various examples in which their faith was tested? Daniel 2:5, 6, 12-19, 47-49; Daniel 3:12, 14, 16-26; Daniel 6:4, 7, 16, ; NOTE 9

Moses 8. How did God prepare Moses for him to get the Israelites out of Egypt? Exodus 2:17, 23-25; NOTE 10

Children in Jerusalem 9. Did the children continue rejoicing when Jesus entered the gates of Jerusalem? John 12:12-14; NOTE 11

Paul 10. How did the Lord decide to change Saul who He would later name Paul? Acts 9:3-18; NOTE 12

Child Preachers 11. How did God use children to preach in the Scandinavian countries after the 1260 years of the Dark Ages? NOTE 13

SDA Pioneers 12. How did God create an establishment such as ours with just a youth movement? NOTE 14

Conclusion The history of all these young people is an illustration of what God wants to do with the young people of today. Just as God worked through the children during Christ’s first coming, so He will also work through them in preaching the message of His second coming. He is looking for young people who are true and honest in the very fibre of their being, who will stand for what is right though the heavens fall. The history of all these young people is an illustration of what God wants to do with the young people of today. Just as God worked through the children during Christ’s first coming, so He will also work through them in preaching the message of His second coming. He is looking for young people who are true and honest in the very fibre of their being, who will stand for what is right though the heavens fall.

Last Thoughts How often did those who trusted the Word of God withstand the power of the entire world! Young people, God is calling me and you to take your places in His royal line. Many people are waiting for something great while they daily let opportunities to portray their faithfulness to God pass; and their lives are passing them by. The war between light and darkness is great- God needs fearless courage. How often did those who trusted the Word of God withstand the power of the entire world! Young people, God is calling me and you to take your places in His royal line. Many people are waiting for something great while they daily let opportunities to portray their faithfulness to God pass; and their lives are passing them by. The war between light and darkness is great- God needs fearless courage.