THE
DAYS OF OUR YOUTH
Ecclesiastes
12:1-8
Introduction: I sometimes think about what it would have been like if
I had grown up in a home with Christian parents.
A.
I would have reaped the
benefits of godly instruction (Pro. 1:8-9)
1.
Many of the problems I had
faced would have been avoided
2.
I would have had more time
as a Christian - more mature
3.
Stronger and more
knowledgeable
B.
I would not have run with
the crowd
1.
Read Proverbs
2.
Read Proverbs 4:10-19 –
Avoid wickedness
C.
I would have been more
principled and better able to resist temptation
1.
I would have been able to
flee fornication (Pro. 7:1-23; read 1-5, 24-27)
2.
See also 2 Timothy 2:22 -
"Flee youthful lusts"
I.
Exposition of Daniel 1:3-21
A.
Daniel and his friends take
a stand for the Lord (1:3-8)
1.
God was with them (1:9-15)
2.
Read also (
B. Stance may not be popular but God will be with you
1.
Look at Daniel 3:1-30
a.
King built an image (1)
b.
People were to worship it
when the music played (4-6)
c.
The three Hebrew boys would
not (12)
d.
They trusted God (17)
e.
God delivered them (28)
2.
You can take your stand for
the Lord and trust in Him to deliver you (2 Pet. 2:9)
II.
Remember the Lord in your
youth (Ecc. 12:1)
A.
Wait on him (Isa.
40:29-31)
B.
When the difficult days do
come you will be better able to stand
C.
Exhortations to the young
1.
Psalm 119:9 - Take heed to
the word
2.
Continue in the Word (2 Tim.
3.
Be an example (1 Tim.
Conclusion: Do not let happen to you what happened to me. I look
back with regret because I did not take the time to remember the Lord in the
days of my youth. I have to pay a heavy price, with images that haunt me. I
have to struggle because of desires that I must fight harder to avoid. No Being
a Christian is not easy. That is why the Lord is there to help us through the
journey.