Is Youthfulness A Hindrance To Spirituality?

Is Youthfulness A Hindrance To Spirituality?

Pastor Vincent - 19 December 2013

Run In Such A Way To Get The Prize

An important message to wrap up 2013, giving us important prayer topics for the coming 2014. May we aim for the crown that last forever - not out of conscience, courage nor responsibilities, rather, it's God's children being made courageous by deeply comprehending the Holy Spirit and how it works beyond ourselves. Not because we are able, it's because God has made it able for those whom He loves. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel. Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:18-27 NIV)

From Series: "All English Service"

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Is Youthfulness A Hindrance To Spirituality?


Young people are often seen to be full of zeal, quick to adapt, and the people to make an impact in this generation. Yet, what are the real challenges and realities young people faced in their faith? How is the World shaping their mind now? Find out this week about how young godly men and women need to guard their hearts and minds and be rightly equipped for this Era.

 Verses to read:
<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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Pastor Vincent Choo
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Vincent serves as the President of The Blessed Run Church. He is also the Senior Pastor of The Life Church and Missions (Singapore) and is an ardent missionary to the Chinese World. He currently lives in Singapore with his wife, Qiufen, and has three kids, Mary, David, and Caleb.

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