Young Christians and Their Place in the Church Titus 2:1-8

Introduction too often, young Christians die on the vine ▫when they leave home, they have no spiritual ties ▫often compounded by friends and marriage what can the church do better to help our kids? ▫understanding that church supplements parents what can our kids do to strengthen themselves?

Why do they fall away? for the same reasons adults do (Mt. 13:19-23) ▫they do not listen to or understand the gospel ▫they do not grow strong roots so as to persevere ▫they become enchanted by worldly things ▫they do not bear fruit so what can we do? ▫with an acute sense of their spiritual maturity level, we need to encourage them and hold them accountable (and they each other)

Step 1: Make a Commitment, Set Goals by obeying gospel, acknowledged accountability ▫very serious commitment (Lk. 14:25-33) ▫very serious consequences, so live in such a way to keep a free spirit and enjoy youth (Eccl. 11:9-10) don’t wait to live for God, choose to now! ▫purpose in your heart (Dan. 1:8)(Gen. 39:8-9) (Esther 4:16) ▫you’ve been raised up a new person so you can glorify God now, not later (Rom. 6:1-4, 12-13)

Step 2: Study and Understand don’t let Satan steal away the seed (Mt. 13:19) ▫draw near to God and drink in His word like a sponge (1 Pet. 2:1-3) ▫devote personal time to study and prayer (1 Tim. 4:12-16)(Lk. 2:42, 46-47) seek understanding, wisdom ▫understand you naturally lack spiritual wisdom ▫ask questions, and then listen! (Lk. 2:46-47) ▫but listen to the right people (1 Kings 12:1-14)

Step 3: Develop Kinship with Brethren hard times will come, so root yourself not only in God but also in your brethren (Mt. 13:20-21) ▫Jesus grew in many things, including His relationship with others (Lk. 2:52) ▫you have a valuable part in the body – others need you and you need them (1 Cor. 12:20-27) get to know your brethren, spend time together ▫pure recreation with own peer group (1 Tim. 5:1-2) ▫need “mothers/fathers” as well (Tit. 2:1-8)

Step 4: Evaluate Priorities don’t allow worldly priorities to draw you away (Mt. 13:22) ▫there are many important things that can consume a young Christian’s life – school, sports, activities, social life (Eccl. 11:9) ▫most important are spiritual things (Mt. 6:33), and all else must be to God’s glory (1 Cor. 10:31) are you willing to give up things of this life for God? (Mt. 19:21-22)

Conclusion our young people should feel like they are a valuable part of the church, they should be invested in its outcome together with the primary instruction in the home, the church can feel confident its young Christians are prepared and bearing fruit as they enter into the world