For Example . . .

Pastor Cory Herthel

Midland SDA Church

February 25, 2017

Key Texts: 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Samuel 17 (Story of David & Goliath); 1 Timothy 6:12

SOP Reference: Messages to Young People, pg. 21.1

Introduction: When you’re a kid there are so many things in life that you just cannot wait to be able to do…milestones to reach, hurdles to overcome.  When you’re 4, you can’t wait to be able to read.  When you’re 14, you can’t wait to be able to drive.  And when you’re 16, you just can’t wait to turn 18 and graduate from high school/academy.

Segue into being able to stand as a witness for Jesus no matter what your age.

I. A Message for All Ages (1 Timothy 4:12)

  A. Be an example

    1. The world is full of all types of examples

    2. Most examples are contrary to God

      a. An opportunity to fight the battle against the enemy

      b. Define your character with God’s will

  B. Types of Examples

    1. Word

      a. James said the tongue is untamable

      b. It can be a terrible enemy or an instrument of refuge

    2. Love (1 Corinthians 13)

      a. God’s love is perfect and casts out fear

      b. God’s love does not boast or seek its own

      c. God’s love abhors sin

    3. Conduct

      a. Your behavior exhibits your character

      b. Let your conduct be worthy of honor

    4. Spirit

      a. Overall attitude

      b. What do people see when they look at you

    5. Faith

      a. Do you trust Jesus with your all-in-all

      b. Is their evidence in your life that you know God?

    6. Purity – God is pure and desires that His children be pure

II. Old Enough to Fight (1 Timothy 6:12 & 1 Samuel 17)

SOP: God wants the youth to become men of earnest mind, to be prepared for action in His noble work, and fitted to bear responsibilities. God calls for young men with hearts uncorrupted, strong and brave, and determined to fight manfully in the struggle before them, that they may glorify God, and bless humanity. If the youth would but make the Bible their study, would but calm their impetuous desires, and listen to the voice of their Creator and Redeemer, they would not only be at peace with God, but would find themselves ennobled and elevated.

Closing: God has leveled a path for each one of us.  It matters not whether we are 9 or 99.  We are each at various stages of our journey with God.  He has called us to occupy a high position, a high status with Him.  What milestones have you reached in your relationship to God?  And which ones do you need to reach?  Look to Jesus, fight the good fight all the way, for there is no age limit to win the battle with Him.