healthy meals for yourself.

We will not talk about how to operate the various

What Every Young inventions and devices that we interact with on a day-to-day basis.
In addition, this class will not give a fully developed treatment of each of the
things that a young person needs to know. This class is a survey. It will be
Person Needs to Know broad and cursory.
Furthermore, this class is not going to be an exhaustive survey of everything
important that you need to know. This series will not cover every single thing
The following is from a two-part class taught at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, that a young person needs to know before leaving home. We are only going
Norfolk, VA. (http://www.ipcnorfolk.org) to touch on some of the most important things.

The importance of this series

Now, before we get to the heart of this material, let me briefly dwell on the
Introduction purpose of this series. Why study this topic?
Let me tell you a story. This is a sad story. It’s the story of a family. Let’s
call this family the Jones family. They seemed like responsible citizens. They
The title of this short series is “What Every Young Person Needs to Know.” were on good terms with all of their neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were
Our goal is to set forth the most important things that a young Christian man God-fearing parents. They seemed to be very devoted to the local assembly
and a young Christian woman should know by the time they leave home. We of believers.
want to have a comprehensive understanding of the things that are essential Now, Mr. and Mrs. Jones had several children. They provided for their
for a young person to have fixed in their minds before they leave the home. children’s housing, and food, and clothing needs. They made sure their
As we start, let me ask, to whom is this applicable? Well, to begin with, this children received a normal education, comparable to that of their peers. They
material is obviously applicable to parents. Parents, for what are you aiming brought their children up, taking them to the Church meetings every week.
as you raise your children? Some parents are aiming for nothing – they just Now as their children grew up, became adults, and began to leave home, one
go through their daily routine, week after week, year after year, and then by one, a pattern started to emerge. When their first one left home, he settled
suddenly, little Johnny or little Suzy turns 18 and is leaving home. It is my down, got married, but didn’t really have much interest in attending worship
hope that this material will serve to help and encourage parents to set the once he was on his own. When the second one left home, she also settled
right goals for what their children know before they leave the home. down, got married, but ended up with some very different beliefs from her
So this class seeks to clearly enumerate some of the most important things parents about worship, about the Lord’s Day, and about marriage.
that a young person needs to know before leaving the home. So you older This is a story that happened a million times… thousands of years ago… in
people here tonight, I encourage you to take these points and take interest in Israel. For every faithful generation which sought the Lord, which
the rising generation. Invest yourself – engage them in spiritual conversation. worshipped the Lord in accordance with His work, which kept and obeyed
You younger people – take these points and take advantage of the resources His commandments, there very quickly arose a generation that wandered
you have in the older Christians here. Seek counsel, seek input from the older away from what their parents believed.
believers in your lives, here in this church.
Judges 2:7-13 7 So the people served the LORD all the days of
Now, let me tell you what this series will not be. This is not a class about the Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had
mechanics of life skills. We will not talk about the importance of looking seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for
both ways before crossing the street. We will not talk about how to cook Israel… 10 When all that generation had been gathered to their
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 fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the to believe get there? Osmosis? Paul exhorts Timothy to be diligent, to study
LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel. 11 Then the the Scriptures in order to be properly equipped for his life’s work. This is
children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served the what it will take. The application for us is this: If we do not properly train
Baals; 12 and they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, who had and equip our children, and if the Holy Spirit does not apply this work to
brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods their hearts, then the next generation will wander from the Lord. The next
from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and generation will hold different doctrinal positions from their parents.
they bowed down to them; and they provoked the LORD to anger. 13
They forsook the LORD and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.
Brothers and sisters, you need to understand that this is our family history.
A young person must know their purpose in
This is the pattern that repeats over and over throughout Biblical history. We
are susceptible to this. This could happen to us, to this church, to our
life
families.
Here is how it happens: On one hand you have the parents’ faith, and on the
other hand you have the children’s faith, and the two are not the same. The The first thing a young person must know is this: A young person must know
parents’ faith is not passed on to their children. Could it be same some of you their purpose in life. Let me ask each of you in this room, what is your
sitting in this room tonight will grow up and be that generation that wanders purpose in life? What would you say if I were to put you on the spot right
away from the Lord? Could some of you sitting in this room grow up and end now and ask you to tell me, what is your purpose in life?
up holding to a very different doctrine that that of your parents? To be honest, many people live their life without a purpose. They simply
This is why this series is important. Parents, what are your goals for your exist. They just follow a routine, until the day they die.
children? What specific, tangible goals are you aiming for? Are your children But other people do live life consciously, with a purpose. For some people,
going to be like King Josiah? their purpose is to make their physical and emotional surroundings
2 Kings 22:1-2 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, comfortable. They seek to have a comfortable home, they seek to have a nice
and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was set of friends, they seek to have achievements and recognition.
Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2 And he did what was But if you, sitting here in this room, are a Christian, what is your purpose in
right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the ways of his life supposed to be? Your purpose in life is: To glorify God… and to enjoy
father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Him forever.
Look at this young man Josiah… He fully followed the ways of his ancestor Now in this church, you have often heard that Shorter Catechism question
David. That’s what you want for your children. and answer quoted. You can quote it yourself. But I ask you, is that your
Those of you who are on the verge of leaving home, take heed, and ask purpose in life? Do you consciously live for the purpose of glorifying God
yourself as we go through this series, “Is this what I believe?” And if you and enjoying Him forever? Or are you living to look good outwardly, to be
find that you are not grounded in any of these areas, apply yourself. Get handsome or beautiful or stylish? Are your energies and desires all focused
grounded! on maintaining a comfortable life?
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a There is a big difference between knowing the right answer versus living the
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word right answer.
of truth. 1 Corinthians 10:31 31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever
What you want to know, what you should want your children to know, how you do, do all to the glory of God.
does it get there? How do those essential things that you want your children
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 Matthew 5:16 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that A young person must know how to be right
they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in with God and know how to communicate that
heaven. to others
1 Corinthians 6:20 20 For you have been bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body.
Do these verses stir you? Do they resonate with your heart and do you Now secondly, I say that a young person must know how to be right with
inwardly say, “Yes, yes! That’s what I really want to do, most of all, more God and how to communicate that truth to others. Young people and older
than anything else! I want to bring glory to Jesus Christ!” people, if I were to put you on the spot and ask you right here to stand up and
A life devoted to glorifying God and enjoying God is more than going to tell me, “What can you do to be right with God?”, what would you say?
church. It is your mind, heart, soul and strength focused on this purpose. What must a man do to be right with God? Can you answer that question?
Your mind is oriented so that in all of your thoughts, you are thinking about The answer to this is found in the Gospel. Romans 1:16 says, “…the gospel
God and what He would have you think. Your heart is oriented so that all of of Christ…[is]… the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”
your desires are oriented towards Christ and the things of the Lord. Your soul But what is the Gospel? Do you know how to explain the Gospel?
is oriented so that its deepest satisfaction and delight is in fellowship with
God the Father and Christ the Son dwelling in your heart. Your strength is • All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23)
spent in pursuing Godliness, good works, eternal things. Here’s a very simple • There is none righteous, not even one. (Rom 3:10)
question. What things make you happy in your life? Things? People? Getting
a bonus at work? Or is it the Lord -- closer fellowship with Him, • For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in
advancement in your sanctification, and the salvation of the lost? Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
If you’re living to glorify and enjoy God, when you’re doing your studies, • Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He
when you’re laboring in your job, you’ll be able to stop and pause, even in was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the
the stressful times, and think to yourself, “Why am I doing this?” And you’ll Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 )
be able to answer yourself, “I’m in this class, I’m in this company, I’m doing • Repent, and believe in the gospel (Mark 1:15)
this job, to glorify the Lord. And my long term plan is to be with Him
forever.” • Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, (Acts 16:31)
Do you see the difference? The worldling is doing his work to earthly You may not have memorized all of those verses (though you should have
purposes – to look good, to gain friends, to get that promotion. The them memorized), but you must be able to at least recount those basic points
worldling’s long term goal is not heaven and fellowship with Christ. The of the Gospel in your own words. The Gospel is the one thing that
worldling has nothing higher than this life. differentiates Christianity from cults and false religions. If you cannot at
least recount those basic points of the Gospel in your own words… if you
What does it mean to glorify and enjoy God? It has nothing to do with being
cannot do this, how can you call yourself a Christian?
religious. It has everything to do with what you honestly treasure and pursue.
A young person must know their purpose in life. Too many Christians, when they are given a situation where they can bring
the gospel to bear in a conversation or in a letter, they find themselves
unprepared. The Bible tells us to always be ready. 2 Timothy 4:2 Be ready
in season and out of season.. Why? Well, it may be that you get a golden
opportunity, where some distressed or ill friend or relative comes to you and
flat out asks, “Why do you go to church? What’s this Christianity stuff all
about? Can you tell me about your religion? What do they believe at your
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church?” Those opportunities do come, and they are usually rare. You want Now you might think, “Oh, but if I did that at work or with the neighbors,
to be prepared so that you don’t miss that opportunity to bring the good that would be too direct. It would be socially awkward. They’d think I’m a
news! religious nut.” Wait a minute. But aren’t you supposed to be a religious nut,
in the world’s eyes? We’re not trying to look respectable to the world. We’re
But perhaps more realistically, the gospel also relates to many conversations
trying to look like Christians, and the Lord told us that Christianity, true
that we have. I can remember directly after the attack on 9/11, waiting in line
Christianity will look like foolishness to the world. As so, if you’re not
in a store and being able to talk to strangers in the store about mortality.
looking foolish to the world, what does that say? Could it be an indication
“Everyone has to die sometime.” Most unbelievers are free and open to talk
that you are hiding your Saviour. You’re keeping him hidden under your
about that. And that topic, your mortality, very easily leads to the gospel.
coat, only to be pulled out when you’re at church?
You stand there with strangers in a store, or perhaps with your co-workers or
fellow student, hearing about the news about the tragic deaths on the space An so I say that a young person must know how to be right with God and
shuttle, or the overwhelming tragedy. And if you’re ready, you can say, “I’d know how to communicate that to others
be so scared to die like that, but I know there is a God and that Jesus has
saved me.”
But it doesn’t have to only be in conversations about death and tragedy. You
A young person must be able to give a
young people, you should be ready to bring up the gospel, or even just parts
of the gospel when someone is tempting you. I’ve had several situations
personal testimony of their God and their
where I’ve been in casual conversation with unbelievers, and they start salvation
talking about some pornography that they greatly enjoyed. I’m sorry to say
that in those situations, I didn’t know what to say. In one instance, one of my
professors asked me if I knew how to find pornography on the internet for
The third thing that is essential for every young person is this: A young
him. I remember weakly saying something like, “I wouldn’t want to do that”,
person must be able to give a personal testimony of their God and their
or something like that that did little to point the man to Christ. I remember
salvation.
another time being in a store where a sales clerk mentioned how there were
some great videos with women in swimsuits. I remember just trying to be Too many young people assume they are saved, but in reality have never
polite and smoothly changing the subject. But, later, I thought, “I missed an come to Christ in faith and repentance. Too many young people assume they
opportunity to bring up aspects of the Gospel.” If I had been more heavenly are Christians, when in fact they are not. Over the past ten years, Gallup polls
minded, I might have said something like, “Those videos sound very have found that 40%-50% of all Americans claim to be “born again” or
tempting and enjoyable. But in reality, they are harmful. They only lead to “evangelical”. My brothers and sisters, do you really believe 40-50% of the
death. Porn is destructive.” Or perhaps I might have said, “As much as one people in this country are saved, and yet in the last thirty years we have
part of me would like to see those videos, another part of me would hate to legalized abortion, legalized partial-birth abortion, and accepted
see them, because I have been purchased by Jesus. He changed my desires homosexuality in our culture?
and my heart so that I understand that watching those kinds of videos would
When you ask these people why they consider themselves evangelical or
be sin. How can I sin against Him?” Wouldn’t saying something like that be
“born again”, let me hazard a guess as to what they would say. Some would
so much better than merely changing the subject?
say, “Well, I go to church.” But going to church doesn’t make you a
Look at Joseph – a woman was trying to seduce him. What does he do? He Christian any more than living in a chicken house would make you a
doesn’t just say “No, thanks.” He says, “How then can I do this great chicken. Others might say, “Well, it’s the way I was raised. My parents are
wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9) He brings God into the evangelical, and so I guess I am, too.” You do realize, don’t you, that just
picture. He testifies of His God. He calls sin sin. because your parents are Christians, it doesn’t mean that you are right with
God and that you are going to heaven. Salvation is not a hereditary

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condition. Still others might say, “Well, when I was young, I heard some Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who
powerful preaching and I responded to an altar call at the end, so I guess I am delivers us from the wrath to come.
born again.” To that we say, walking down an aisle, speaking certain words
If you have salvation, it is not a concept. It is a vital experience. If the seed of
in prayers, these are mere works, and works alone cannot save you.
the gospel has been planted in your heart, and it took root, there are fruits of
Now, maybe some of those people are saved. But maybe they are not. Here’s salvation in your life.
what you should be able to recount as your personal testimony of your
salvation: A close call
“At a certain point in my life, I was convicted of my sin. I realized that I was Let me also ask you this. Are you gripped by your salvation? If you are
guilty and deserved to be punished by God. I realized that I deserve to be saved, do you realize that it was a close call? You almost didn’t make it! Do
sent to Hell. But I also realized that Jesus… died on the cross in my place. you realize that you were just barely saved?
My sins were punished when He died. Jesus rose from the dead. My guilt Jude 1:23 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on
was taken away. His good deeds were put on my account, and now I am some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the
forgiven and guiltless before God. He changed my heart. I am a new flesh.
creation. I hate my sin. I am seeking to love and obey Jesus as His disciple.”
1 Peter 4:18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will
Now the circumstances of how that conviction of sin, that repentance, and the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
that faith and obedience appeared in your life will be different for each of us.
For some of you, it will have happened and began from the time you were a These verses are telling you that you almost didn’t survive. Your salvation is
little child. Others may have been saved when they were older, perhaps as a as if you just barely caught the bus. It is as if you were driving down the
result of providentially arranged circumstances, books, conversations, highway at 60 miles per hours and your car skidded, flipped and rolled over
sermons, and so forth. But each you here who claim to be a Christian must be three or four times, and then you crawled out of the broken window,
able to personally testify about how God has worked conviction, repentance, perfectly unharmed. It is a miracle that you survived and were saved.
faith, and obedience in your hearts. That’s how your salvation is! It is a miracle that you were saved.

Knowledge of the Gospel vs. Experience of the Gospel When you’ve had such a near miss, and near accident, you know what your
natural response is. You’re filled with relief. You’re filled with gratitude.
And here, brothers and sisters, be sure you know the difference between You rejoice. You want to tell people about it. You want people to know.
knowing about the Gospel, and knowing Christ. There is a world of
difference between Christ the concept and. Christ your brother. Do you So it is with those Jesus has rescued. We rejoice. We are filled with relief,
realize there are many religious people who can accurately explain the with amazement, and with gratitude. And we want to tell others what God
gospel, yet they themselves have never experienced the transforming power has done for us. If you find that your salvation does not stir you, that it does
of the Gospel in their own lives? not thrill you, then you need to do some serious thinking and self-
examination.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 gives a good picture of what happens when a person
experiences the work of the gospel in their life: And so, we have seen that a young person must know their purpose in life. A
5 young person must know how to be right with God and know how to
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 for our gospel did not come to you in communicate that to others. A young person must be able to give a personal
word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full testimony of their God and their salvation.
conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be
among you for your sake. .... 9 For they themselves report about us
what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to
God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for His
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 your life, and instead pursue love and patience and forbearance. You should
notice selfishness and self-indulgence, and instead pursue self-control and
self-discipline.
A young person must know the elements of
Christian character and be conscious of areas A young person must be able to discern and diagnose sinful thoughts and
where growth is needed actions in his or her daily life.
Now this is something that is never fully accomplished in a Christian’s life. It
is the work of the Holy Spirit, who reveals these things to us. The Spirit
reveals your motives. The Spirit convicts you of sin.
Fourthly, a young person must know the elements of Christian character and
be conscious of areas where growth is needed in their own life. In other 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the
words, as a Christian, you should have a picture in your mind of what you deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man
want to be like. I’m not talking about hairstyles, clothing fashions, or except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows
physical characteristics. I’m talking about character. I’m talking about what the things of God except the Spirit of God.
the Bible calls Godliness. In your mind, you should have an increasingly Now, if you are not a Christian, you do not have the Holy Spirit. You are
accurate, Scripturally informed picture of the character of Christ, and that self-willed. But, if you are a Christian, you do have the Holy Spirit, and you
mental image should be your goal. are led… by the Spirit. And it is the Holy Spirit who empowers you to repent
When you think of Jesus, you should think of His humility, and you should and to overcome temptation.
think, “I want to be like that!” Romans 8:13 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die;
When you think of Jesus, you should think of His love and His willingness to but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will
serve others, and you should think, “I want to be like that!” live.
When you think of Jesus, you should think of His overriding desire to obey Fruits of the Spirit
and please the Heavenly Father, and you should think, “I want to be like And so, a young person must know the elements of Christian character and
that!” be conscious of areas where growth is needed
And when you think of yourself, you should be yearning, “How can I be
more like Jesus? Oh God, change me, increase my sanctification! Make me
more like my Saviour Jesus!”
Summary
1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Paul’s goal, and your goal, should be to imitate Jesus. To copy Jesus. To look
like Jesus.
We’ve covered quite a bit of material and there’s much more in next week’s
Do you want to be a godly man? Do you want to be a godly woman? Great! class. In conclusion, let me say that my goal in this series is to stir you to set
What needs to change in your life in order for you to be more godly? a goal – a godly goal – for where you will be, or where you should be. We
And so, you should be regularly noticing those sins that need to be put to have a beautiful and precious treasure. 2 Corinthians 4:6 says that God has
death. When you do well, and men are praising you and you think, “What a “has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of
swell and praiseworthy fellow I am”, you should notice pride in your life and God in the face of Jesus Christ.” He has warmed out hearts. He has given us
instead pursue humility. When that irritating person in your life does light when we were lost in the darkness! He has come near to us! It is
something that vexes you, you should notice unrighteous anger and hatred in wonderful.

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The next verse goes on to say, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find
that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” Ah, we have then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
22
this treasure, but it is in earthen vessels – our diamonds, our rubies, our For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23
precious treasure is in a container made of dirt. We are those lowly containers But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my
that posses a priceless treasure. mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my
members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from
Why do we want young people to know these things? As we know these
this body of death?
things that every young person must know, this treasure becomes more
precious to us. We’re made to understand the depth and the height and Do you see the anguish and frustration that accompanies the fight against
breadth of the treasure. And as we know these things that every young person sin? “O wretched man that I am!”
must know, this treasure becomes more visible to the world. Christ is lifted
Secondly, you who are believers, this struggle against your own sins should
up and exalted, not only in our hearts, but also before men. And finally, as
be a conscious reality in your daily life. How will you fight against the
we know these things that every young person must know, we, these vessels
temptations that are brought to you day by day, not only from your flesh, but
made of clay, are increasingly transformed and made to be vessels of glory.
also from the world and the devil? The devil would like nothing more that to
So I exhort you, apply yourselves to know these things. ensnare you in sin without you even being aware of it. Be alert and stay in
the fight. War against sin! Gird yourself! This war will not end until you die.
Thirdly, what are the weapons of your warfare? How will you fight against
sin? This is an area to which you should be devoting your time and energies.
A young person must know how to war against
For your various temptations, there are helps and remedies, specific to each
sin one. But it requires you to apply yourself. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that
with every temptation, God will make a way of escape. The way of escape
from temptation may be quite costly. But there will always be a way of
Our first point this week is this: A young person must know how to war escape. Romans 7 ends saying, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our
against sin in his or her life. Last week we talked about Christian character, Lord”, the one who gives us victory against sin.
and being aware of the areas where you need to grow and be more Christ- So I say that a young person must know how to war against sin.
like. This point specifically addresses that battle against temptation and sin
that characterizes every true believer.
For every young person, the particular points of temptation will be different.
For some it will be lust, for others it may be envy or discontentment, for
A young person must know how to live a pure
others it will be pride or anger. But whatever your particular temptations are, life, distinct from the world
you as a believer are in a war.
Regarding this war against sin, I want to say three things:
Now secondly, I say that a young person must know how to live a pure life,
First of all, your life will be regularly marked with something like a
distinct from the world. As a believer, God calls you to live a pure and holy
frustration and grief about a particular sin that you are battling. There is a
life.
constant yearning and anguish in the life of a believer. Romans 7 very clearly
depicts this struggle. Listen to how it is described in 1 Peter 1:13-16 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves
to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you
Romans 7:19-24 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but
the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not
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 16
is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, you down in your pursuit of Christ. Watching TV is not necessarily a sin,
"Be holy, for I am holy." depending on what you watch. But is can be an encumberance, a weight, that
will drag you down spiritually.
That is to say, be like God in all aspects of your life. Don’t be like the people
in the world that live around you. Don’t try to fit in with them. Don’t Now note that you will not get any help from the world in this. Worldly
unthinkingly accept whatever the world will tell you is alright or good. In schools, worldly friends, the media, all will mock you should you decide that
James 1:27 we’re commanded to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world.” this or that choice of activities is impure or unsuitable for a believer in Christ.
The things of the world can taint you. The world cannot take away your As so, a young person must know how to live pure and holy life, distinct
salvation, but the world can draw your heart away from the Lord. We see this from the world.
in
James 4:4 4 … Do you not know that friendship with the world is
enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the
A young person must know how to cultivate a
world makes himself an enemy of God.
daily time of seeking the Lord
We’re warned that as we love the world, it will squeeze out the Love of God.
1 John 2:15-17 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For
Now, thirdly I say that a young person must know how to cultivate a daily
all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and
time of seeking the Lord. A young person must know how to spend dedicated
the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the
time with the Lord each day. Yes, it is true, that you should pray at all times,
world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of
but following the example of Jesus, you should also take some time each day
God abides forever.
to draw away from other people and from distractions in order to spend time
This means you will look noticeably different from those around you in your with the Lord.
community and your workplace. In your choice of friends, your choice of
Mark 1:35 35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before
music and movies, your conversation, your character, even the way you
daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He
dress, you must be different from the world at every point where it is unholy
prayed.
or where it would draw you away from the Lord. Here is how you should
evaluate things in your life: The purpose of such a habit is not to appear religious. The purpose in daily
devotions is not even to do religious things. The purpose is to cultivate your
Philippians 4:8 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
relationship with God. The purpose is to seek the Lord and find Him. Look at
whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things
how David expresses it.
are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good
report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- Psalm 42:2 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I
meditate on these things. come and appear before God?
Should I read thus and such book? Is it true? Is it noble? Is it pure? Is it of In each of us who have been born again, we have new hearts. From those
good report? Is it virtuous or praiseworthy? Should I watch thus and such new hearts, a love for the Lord springs up. We desire to be near Him. And as
movie? It’s only rated this? Well, God says to be holy? Would it be we draw near to the Lord, He promises to draw near to us. James 4:8 8
compatible with holiness? Or will it instead increase my love of the world? Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Your devotional time is a
How will these things affect my thinking? Will this make me more tolerant time when you draw near to God, and He draws near to you.
of sin, or will it increase my hatred of sin? Hebrews 11 tells us to cast of sin A well-rounded time of personal devotions consists self-examination, praise,
and any thing that would be an encumberance – cast of things that will slow prayer, reading, and meditation on the Lord. It is to be a two-way time. A
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time in which we express our love to God, and a time in which we receive In all of your decision-making, your goal should be to have the mind of
and perceive the love that God has towards us. Christ, as it is revealed by the Spirit in the Word of God.
Your devotional time will go through periods of dryness, but you must Now in contrast to that, how does the world make decisions? An unbeliever
persevere in seeking the Lord, by His strength. It takes love for the Lord, but or a foolish believer will use one of a combination of these principles in
it also takes self-discipline. Those of you who have not established a decision making, in setting priorities. One primary principle used in worldly
devotional habit, I encourage you to persevere. Keeping working at setting thinking is emotionalism. The person guided by emotionalism believes and
aside this time, brief though it may be. does according to how they feel – not based on truth, not based on Scripture,
but based on feelings. If I want to act this way, I will do it, as long as it
So we have looked at how a young person must know how to war against sin.
doesn’t seem to harm anyone else. If I feel that this is true, I will believe it,
We have looked at how a young person must know how to live a pure life,
even if it is not true. My emotions, my feelings, my desires dictate how I think
distinct from the world. We have looked at how a young person must know
and act. If I want to spend my money foolishly because I feel depressed, I
how to cultivate a daily time of seeking the Lord.
will do it. If I want to speak unkindly to a person simply because I feel tired
and I feel crabby, then I will do it. If I feel angry at my husband, then I will
not submit to him. If my heart is all a flutter about this beautiful girl, then I
A young person must be conscious of the will marry her. Oh, have pity on the man or woman whose primary guide in
life is their changeable and unstable emotions. They are a slave to their
authority of Scripture over his or her personal
emotions.
life
And so, every young person must be conscious of the authority of Scripture
over their life.

Fourthly, a young person be conscious of the authority of Scripture over his

or her personal life. This is one thing that makes a Christian very different
from a non-Christian. The Christian is conscientiously trying to follow the A young person must have an expanding
principles and commands contained in the Bible. The Bible is the foundation knowledge of the Bible
of the Christian’s thinking.
When a Christian is trying to decide, “Should I spend this much money on a
new car?”, he asks himself, “What Scriptures would help inform me in Now fifthly, we say that a young person must have an expanding knowledge
making this decision?” When a Christian is trying to determine whom should of the Bible. That is, a young person and an older person must be growing in
I marry, she asks herself, “What verses would help me determine the right
their familiarity and knowledge of the Bible. It’s said that there was once an
man?” When a Christian is trying to understand science, or the arts, or
atheist who trained his young son to challenge Christians. The son, perhaps
sociology, or current events, he asks himself, “What does the Bible say about
in school, perhaps in the neighborhood, would ask a professing Christian,
this topic?”
“Do you believe the Bible is true?” And of course, the Christian child or
In any area, a Christian is to be captive to the Scriptures. If the Bible says it, I adult would respond, “Yes, I believe the Bible is true.” Then the atheist child
will believe it. If the Bible says to do something, I will humbly obey it, even would ask, “Have you ever read the entire Bible?” And if the person
if it looks like foolishness to the World. responded, “No, I have not read the entire Bible,” the atheist child would ask,
“Then how do you know that you believe it?”
Psalm 119:160 160 The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of
Your righteous judgments endures forever. We’re commanded to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus
Christ.” This is accomplished in part as we grow more familiar with the

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Bible. As each year passes, you should know more about the Bible. “Study to believe. Make sure you know them. Along those lines, I heartily commend
show yourself approved,” says 2 Timothy 2, “as a workman who needeth not the Westminster Standards – the confession and the catechisms – as an
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Learn the New Testament. invaluable resource.
Be familiar with the content of each book. Know the doctrines of the Bible.
What a great tragedy, what a great loss it would be, to be born in a reformed
Know the historical accounts, the stories, in the Bible. Be increasingly
and Presbyterian church and to not have its rich doctrines be in your
familiar with the Proverbs, with the Psalms.
possession when you leave home!
You can spend lots of time reading about the news, about your hobbies,
about sports, and all of the things the world has to offer. But your reading in
the Bible, your study of the Scriptures will profit you a hundred-fold more
than all of these things. Seek to have an expanding knowledge of the Bible. A young person must know the greatest
commandments

A young person must know the fundamental

doctrines of the Bible Now seventh, a young person must know the greatest commandments. In the
sixth point we talked about things to believe – a young person must now the
basic doctrines of Scripture. In this point we talk about things to do – the
commandments of Scripture. A young person must know the greatest
Sixthly, I say that a young person must know the fundamental doctrines of commandments.
the Bible. These are the things that you must believe. You young people,
Let me ask you here, as you sit here listening, can you tell me, What are the
when you leave home, will you be able to explain in your own words the
two most important commands in the Bible? In all of the Old Testament and
basic doctrines of the Bible? If you cannot, you will be very susceptible to
all of the New Testament, the two most important commands are these: To
the first friendly, earnest, and persuasive Bible teacher that you run across,
love God, and to love each other. These commands should loom large in our
and you will find yourself very easily swayed from the beliefs that we hold in
thinking, day by day, as we live, as we work, as we play, as we interact with
this fellowship.
each other: loving God, and loving others.
I would say that at a minimum, a young person must be able to define and
But let me also suggest that there are four more commandments that are not
explain what we mean when we talk about, the Trinity. A young person must
only neglected, but are scarcely acknowledged. These are the first four
be able to define and explain what we mean when we talk about the
commandments of the Ten Commandments. The first commandment, “Thou
incarnation, … election, regeneration, repentance, faith, justification,
shalt have not other gods before Me,” teaches that we should not have any
salvation, sanctification, glorification, Calvinism, and the doctrine of
other God but God. But how often are you aware of idols, false gods, in your
Scripture. A young person should be able to list the sacraments, and explain
life? Is it because you don’t have them? Or is it because you and I don’t take
in their own words the meaning of the sacraments. Why do we baptize
this commandment as seriously as we should? Could it be that money,
infants of believers? What is the purpose of the Lord’s supper? A young
pleasures, and self are idols in our lives?
person should be able to list the means of grace and explain what they are
important. The second commandment, “Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven
image,” teaches that we may only worship God in the way He has
The ability to articulate the reason we are Christian, protestant, reformed, and
commanded. Have you ever wondered why in our church, we have a
Presbyterian, as opposed to secular, humanistic, materialist, Catholic, New
relatively simple order of worship? It’s not because our personal preference
Age, Eastern, or generally evangelical is something that many young people
is for simplicity. It’s because your elders take seriously God’s command that
do not have when they leave their homes. These are essential things to
we not introduce anything into the public worship of God unless He has
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commanded it. But you will see many churches whose worship service is has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this
filled with “good ideas.” Wouldn’t it be a good idea to have a time of commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love
fellowship in the middle of the service? Wouldn’t it be a help to worship if his brother also.
we had a special music performance? Wouldn’t it be more meaningful and
Christianity is not merely a set of propositions. Christianity is about
special if we had a testimony time in worship? But we see in this neglected
relationships – our relationship with God and our relationship with each
and unacknowledged command that God puts a high priority on His worship.
other. True Christianity is evidenced in your interactions with your family,
It’s commandment #2! He is only to be worshipped in ways that He has
with the people you live around, the people you work around. So much of the
commanded.
New Testament dwells on this. Listen even to the fruits of the Spirit, listen to
The third commandment, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God how much this speaks to how we are to treat each other:
in vain,” teaches that we are to reverently think of God and handle His
Galatians 5:22-26 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
revelation with honor and reverence. Whenever you think about the Lord,
longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-
whenever you speak of His, it should be with reverence and honor. It should
control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's
give you pause. Whenever you read from the Bible or hear the Bible read,
have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in
you should still yourself as if God in His glory had walked into the room and
the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become
was speaking the words you are hearing. It should arrest you. Yet in our
conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
world, and even in many churches, people are flip about Jesus. They may not
curse using the name of Christ, but they are casual, even joking, using the Take any of those fruits ask, How does love apply to my relationship with my
person of Jesus, the names of God, and the teachings of the Bible. May you mother? How does goodness apply to my relationship with my spouse?
never find that you are casual about God and His Word. Gentleness – how does it apply to your co-worker who often messes up the
project? Self-control – how does it apply to how you treat the neighbor who
The fourth commandment, “honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy,” is a
always lets his dog run loose?
commandment whose observance is dead in our country. Even in the church,
there is little to no recognition of this commandment, even in this The Bible speaks of bearing with one another – forbearance. The Bible
denomination. Sunday is not our day. Sunday is the Lord’s Day. We’re on speaks about not seeking your own, about not being provoked. How is
His clock. It is the market day of the soul, in which we devote ourselves to forgiveness and repentance worked out in the home? How is unselfishness
the worship and things of the Lord. worked out in the workplace where it is cut-throat and competitive? How is
encouragement worked out with your always sad roommate?
And so I say, young people, you must know the greatest commandments and
strive with all your might to keep them. And so a young person must know what the Bible says about how to live in
his or her personal relationships.

A young person must know how to live in

family and personal relationships A young person must know how to select a
church and how to serve in it

Now eighth, a young person must know how to live in family and personal
relationships. Now we come to the ninth point. A young person must know how to select a
20 church and how to serve in it. And in this, let me address three things: the
1 John 4:20-21 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his
brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he
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priority that a church selection must have, the criteria to use in selecting a
church, and the service to be rendered in a church.
First, then, the priority that a church selection must have. In this day and age, A young person must know how to live
when a young person leaves home for college, or leaves home for a job, the conscious of the return of Christ and the final
first questions are often, “How good is the school?” or “How much does the judgment
job pay? Does the job have good benefits?” But I say to you, that the first
question that should cross your mind is this: “Is there a good church there?”
If there is no good church, that should almost always be a deal-breaker in
choosing a given school or job. It may be the case that the Lord is calling you Now, having said all of this, we come to the tenth point. IT is appropriate
to plant a new church, or it may be he case that the Lord is calling you to that it is the last point, though it is not the least important point. The tenth
invest yourself in a weak or error-ridden church, but unless He is specifically thing is this: A young person must know how to live conscious of the return
calling you to do that, don’t follow the paycheck. Don’t follow the prestige. of Christ and the final judgment. The Confession of Faith summarizes the
There must be a good church there,… otherwise you must have a good teaching of Scripture in chapter 33. Let me read it to you.
reason for essentially leaving a faithful church for an unfaithful church.
WCF 33
Secondly, let’s look at the criteria to use when selecting a good church. One God hath appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world in
of the first things you should look at is the corporate worship. The primary righteousness by Jesus Christ,(1)
reason we gather corporately as Christians is not for evangelism, not for to whom all power and judgement is given of the Father.(2)
Bible study, not for fellowship. The primary reason we gather corporately is In which day, not only the apostate angels shall be judged,(3)
for worship of the living and true God. It is the purpose for which we were but likewise all persons that have lived upon earth
made. It is what we will spend eternity doing – worshipping God. Is the shall appear before the tribunal of Christ,
worship faithful to the second commandment? But not only that, you must to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds;
ask, is the doctrinal position and practice of the church reformed? And not and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether
only that, but you must also ask, is heart-religion thriving in this church? A good or evil.(4)
church that has the form, but not the power of godliness is to be shunned.
Isaiah 29 says The end [purpose] of God's appointing this day
is for the manifestation of the glory of His mercy,
…these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their
in the eternal salvation of the elect;
lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear
and of His justice,
toward Me is taught by the commandment of men…
in the damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and
You seek a church that worships in spirit and in truth. disobedient.
Having looked at the priority a church should have, the criteria for selecting For then shall the righteous go into everlasting life,
the church, we thirdly say that a young person should know how to serve in a and receive that fulness of joy and refreshing,
church. 1 Corinthians teaches us that we all have different gifts and we all which shall come from the presence of the Lord;
have need of each others’ gifts. Use the gifts the Lord has given you in the but the wicked who know not God, and obey not the Gospel of Jesus
Church. Seek to love and serve one another. Seek to reach the lost. Seek to Christ,
encourage and even rebuke one another, as needed. Seek to submit to your shall be cast into eternal torments, and be punished
elders in the Lord. Apply yourself to corporate prayer, to hospitality, to with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,
worship. and from the glory of His power.(1)

As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded

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 that there shall be a day of judgment,
both to deter all men from sin;
and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity:(1)
so will He have that day
unknown to men,
that they may shake off all carnal security,
and be prepared to say,
Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, Amen.(2)

There is coming a day when all that we see around us – the material, the
physical – it will all be destroyed. Even this newly renovated building. And
on that day, many will be ushered into glory, and many will be sent to eternal
damnation. This is something real on which to fix your sights. As you live
your life, young person, as you live out your years and become an older
person, this day of Christ’s return is that many years closer.
Young people, and older people, live your life conscious of the return of
Christ and the awesome day of judgment.
In closing, let me read
Psalm 98:7-9
7
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that
dwell therein.
8
Let the floods clap their hands:
9
let the hills be joyful together Before the LORD;
for he cometh to judge the earth:
with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with
equity.

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