21 Oct Is Youthfulness A Hindrance To Spirituality?
Pastor Vincent - 16 October 2014
Faith And Its Hidden Dynamics
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” [Lk 17:3-5] Often, we are troubled by the gigantic tasks we’re called to do, and we know that we lack the faith to accomplish it. However, before one has faith, he needs to know that faith comes from the Word of God. A man with faith is a man having the word of God in him so much so that he is living in a state of constant spiritual conviction. That moment, the enabling power of God will compel him to do things beyond his inclination and ability. Therefore, it is not the quantity of our faith but God's initiative power and sovereignty that achieve the great and impossible things in our lives. So in the difficult process and impossible hurdles in life, don't feel crippled by your little faith. Use the little faith you have to look to God's power and truth. Our faith is not the condition required to achieve God’s purpose, instead, it is the conditions (big and small, good and bad) surrounding us, driving us God-relying and dependent on His grace that shape our faith.
From Series: "All English Service"
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Is Youthfulness A Hindrance To Spirituality?
<2 Ti 1:5,7; 2:22> <Titus 2:6> <Job 32:4-5,9>
<1 Sam 17:24,26-40,45-47> <1 Ti 4:12>
Introduction:
Few Questions to ponder thru:
- Have you ever thought through the realties and challenges faced by young people?
- Have you look at how the World is shaping a world of young people today? (E.g. HongKong)
- Can the general characteristics of young people stand up against the World?
1. What is it about being youthful?
1) Strong desire for experiences.
Possible Downside:
- Could draw you into the wrong grounds ⟹ Must learn to flee
- Bought over easily by what is emotionally appealing ⟹ Must learn the truth to make critical judgment
- Shape us to be esp incongruent ⟹ Must be brought to sincere faith
* Bottom line is: “Gain experience while knowing the truth, so that you will not be drawn into experientialism”.
2) Youthful nature can incline us into rashness or impulsiveness.
⟹ Be self-controlled (But not timidity)
⟹ At appropriate times, need to be incisive and courageous.
3) Difficult to understand shades of grey
<Rn 14:1> Accept him whose faith is weak… disputable matters.
<Rn 15:1> …Bear with the failings of the weak.
* When imperfection exists, we must learn to test the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
2. Be a young and godly person, like David
1) Filled with Godly Anger
* Cares about the glory of God and Israel (the Church)
* Ask: What arouse a godly anger in you?
- A corrupted, truncated Gospel
- Hypocrisy in the Church
2) Youthfulness, coupled with great courage
* Ask: Do you succumb to the pressure of life when following the Lord?
3) Develops own unique way of battling
4) Accept all kinds of challenges and trials that God has specially designed for you
Reflection:
1. What is the most difficult thing to overcome for you as a young person?
2. Personally, what is the most edifying thing u have done as a young person?
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