TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE -- COLLEGE AGE

Introduction:
   1. 1 Tim. 4:12;  2 Tim. 2:22
   2. The aged apostle encourages the young Christian, Timothy.
   3. Paul was going on (2 Tim. 4:6-8); Timothy was to continue
      faithfully to serve Christ.
   4. Timothy needed warnings and encouragements.
   5. Just as Timothy, so DO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY.
   6. Especially is this true of those reaching the age to go forth
      and take their place as adults.
   7. INCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE READY TO ENTER COLLEGE.
   8. Thus our thoughts now: SOME WORDS OF WARNING AND ADMONITIONS
      TO THOSE WHO SHALL BE ENTERING COLLEGE. Some are very close.
   9. What can you expect? What MUST you guard against???
  10. This does not mean that these problems are of no concern or
      importance to High School, yea, Junior High Students.

BODY:
  I. REBELLION: The cry against authority.
     1. The cry of the day--against teachers, law, government, etc..
     2. "Don't tell me what to do." "I will do what I want to do."
     3. The obnoxious appearances of so many, the unkempt appearance
        of multitudes; offering so very little to society.
     4. Riots and demonstrations; disrespect.
     5. Most of this comes through evil companionship--1 Cor. 15:33.
     6. Young People -- Don't turn against all that is right and
        good for a few moments of "Going with the crowd."
     7. AUTHORITY -- Ultimate authority is in God, not man.
     8. Matt 28:18 -- Christ accepts all authority.

 II. ATHEISM: A Denial of God.
     1. Almost every school is full of instructors who deny the
        existence of God -- teaching evolution.
     2. Appealing to human sophistry and wisdom????
     3. These will attempt to belittle your faith. "How do you KNOW
        God exists?" "Show me your God."  (You might ask them, "Show
        me your mind." You can see the effects of the mind; likewise
        you can see the effects of an eternal God.)
     4. The same way you KNOW there is NO GOD.  You believe it.
     5. If we turn away from God, where shall we go?  John 6:68.
     6. The only other alternative is man and his wisdom. But, look
        where that has brought us--UTTER CHAOS, MASS CONFUSION,
        ridiculous explanations.
     7. Do not let your teachers shake your faith. They have no
        explanation for man's existence, for morality, for goodness.
     8. "In the beginning God....."  Intelligence came first.

III. BREAK DOWN IN YOUR MORALS:
     1. Many will try to lead you to do wrong. "Just try it out."
     2. Don't be an old foggy, be modern, forget what you have been
        taught, live it up.
     3. Petting, promiscuous relationships, may seem innocent, but
        the emotional strain will have its damaging effect; if not
        the illegitimate child.
     4. Drinking, smoking, dope, LSD, Pep pills, fun pills, Ecstasy,
     5. All of these will eat away at the vitals of your soul.
     6. Lewd, pornographic books and pictures, movies, etc.
     7. X rated, R rated, PG rated, and on and on we might go.
     8. Called "Adult entertainment" Watch out!! Dangerous.
     9. 2 Tim. 2:22 -- Keep yourself pure, clean, wholesome....
        BE YOURSELF -- DO YOUR OWN THINKING.
    10. KEEP YOUR BODY FOR THE SERVICE OF GOD.

 IV. INDIFFERENCE:
     1. Many will seek to lead you toward indifference, unconcern.
     2. They will seek to discourage you.
     3. They will attempt to get you to leave God, quit worship.
     4. There are many road blocks the world will place before you.
     5. Don't concern yourself with being faithful.
     6. 1 Tim. 4:12 -- Be faithful, be an example.
     7. Do not become so involved that you have no time for PRAYER,
        for BIBLE STUDY, for WORSHIP, for GOD.

Conclusion:
   1. Young people you are very precious in God's sight.
   2. Do not forget your upbringing, the teachings of your parents.
   3. You are going (perhaps already) to have many obstacles thrown
      in your path.
   4. With God's help and the encouragement from family and brethren
      you can succeed in being the kind of person the Lord wants you
      to be.
   5. Life is not easy, or simple, but we can be faithful.

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