QUESTIONS OF LIFE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

[Borrowed from someone so long ago that I don’t remember who it was.]

Introduction: Growing up is not easy; it never has been.  Perhaps it is even harder today than it was twenty-five or thirty years ago, because of the great technological advances that have been made in recent years. Yet, I believe that today's young people face the same basic problems that those of yesterday faced.  And I believe that the Bible contains the solutions to those problems, just as it always has.  In this lesson we will consider six questions that either are being asked or should be asked by young people, and the Bible's answers to those questions.

WHAT KIND OF SON OR DAUGHTER SHALL I BE?

A.The world says,

1. "You are only young once, so enjoy it in every way that you can."

2. "If it feels good, do it."

B.However, the Bible says,

1. "Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Eccl. 12:1).

2. "Obey your parents in the Lord" (Eph. 6:1; Prov. 2:51).

3. "Honor thy father and mother” (Eph. 6:2; Prov. 13:1).

C.   Therefore, be the kind of son or daughter that God and your parents can be proud of.

WHAT KIND OF CHARACTER SHALL I DEVELOP?

A.Work toward having a good name (Prov. 22:1).

1. It takes no planting, watering or cultivating to grow weeds.

2. Nor does it take effort to grow worthless character.

3. Careful attention and diligent effort are required for noble character just as they are for a beautiful garden.

B.Young people should strive to build a good reputation by manifesting purity and godliness (1 Tim. 4:12).

WHOM SHALL I CHOOSE AS MY ASSOCIATES?

A."Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Cor. 15:33).

B.Young people should avoid the crowd that drinks, dances, tells dirty jokes, uses bad language, and/or laughs at those who worship and serve God. * 

C.   Associate, rather, with those who will encourage you to be what you ought to be.

WHAT OCCUPATION SHALL I PURSUE?

A.In far too many cases, too much emphasis is placed on money when considering this question (1 Tim. 6:9-11).

B.One must be careful to choose an occupation that is honorable and legitimate. Dishonest gain and get-rich-quick schemes should be avoided, even though this may result in a smaller income (Prov. 15:16; 16:8).

WHOM SHALL I MARRY?

A.If there ever was a place for clear minds and true ideals, it is in marriage.

B.God’s laws must be understood, and they must be obeyed (Matt. 5:32; 19:6-9; Rom. 7:2,3).

C.   To a large extent, the type of people you choose, as your associates will determine the type of person you will choose as your mate. 

D.   Is there any closer associate than the one to whom you are married?

E.Do not allow erotic love (sexual attraction) to blind you to more important considerations, such as whether or not a prospective bride or groom has your best spiritual interest at heart.

F. It would certainly be best to marry a faithful Christian.

WHAT SHALL I DO WITH MY LIFE IN RELATION TO GOD?

A.If you have never done so, you should become a Christian (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Mark 16:l6; Acts 2:38).

B.If you are already a Christian, you should remain faithful (2 Tim. 4:6-8; Rev. 2:10).

Conclusion: Young people, if these questions are yours, I pray that these answers will be yours, also.  If you have not given any thought to these questions, won't you start doing so, today?

* A word about dancing [Desmond Morris, Manwatching: A Field Guide to Human Behavior, p. 246] - "This process of mate selection may be aided by specifically erotic displays, such as [the] body movements of dancing, where sensuous actions accentuate the gender signals and the individual qualities of the potential mate.  Sexual intention movements and mimicked copulatory actions also appear on the dance floor, helping to suggest the patterns of behavior yet to come."