Sermon Notes:-
The Holy Bible is filled with stories of young individuals chosen by God to fulfill extraordinary purposes. Joseph, David, Esther, Ruth, Timothy, and Mary are examples of how God works through youth to achieve great plans. Even Jesus Christ began His ministry at the age of 30, demonstrating the transformative power of youth guided by God.
When God created Adam and Eve, He made them young and entrusted them with the responsibility to multiply and fill the earth. He gave them instructions on how to live, emphasizing the importance of obedience and responsibility.
The Psalms beautifully describe youth as arrows in the hands of a mighty warrior (Psalm 127:4). Arrows are tools of precision and purpose, but they must be guided by a skilled archer. Just as arrows must be directed with care, youth must align themselves with God’s guidance to fulfill their divine calling.
Challenges Facing Youth Today
In today’s world, youth face numerous challenges, both spiritual and worldly. Some of these challenges include:
- Moral Temptations: Lust, material desires, and worldly attractions can lead young people astray. The story of Amnon and Tamar from 2 Samuel highlights the destructive power of unchecked desires. Lust blinds and consumes, leading to devastating consequences.
- Worldly Pressures: Young people often grapple with educational pressures, career uncertainties, financial struggles, and societal expectations. These challenges can result in feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and hopelessness.
- Misguided Influences: Many young people fall victim to manipulative forces that exploit their vulnerability. Extremism, violence, and other harmful behaviors are often fueled by the misdirection of youthful energy and passion.
Youth as Instruments of Change
The metaphor of youth as arrows emphasizes their potential for impact. However, the critical question is: Whose hands hold these arrows? There are two choices:
- In the hands of God: Youth guided by God’s wisdom and love become instruments of righteousness. God uses them to bring positive change, inspire hope, and fulfill His divine purposes.
- In the hands of the devil: Misguided youth become tools for destruction and chaos, used to spread harm and negativity.
It is vital for young people to place themselves in God’s hands, allowing Him to direct their paths toward truth, purpose, and eternal life.
A Call to Action
Youth are called to examine their lives and align their priorities with God’s will. Instead of succumbing to worldly temptations, they must:
- Seek God’s guidance through prayer and scripture.
- Cultivate moral discipline and resist harmful desires.
- Use their energy and passion for meaningful purposes that glorify God.
Parents, guardians, and spiritual leaders are also called to nurture and educate the youth in faith, ensuring they are equipped to face life’s challenges with strength and wisdom. Youth is a gift and a responsibility. It is a time to grow, learn, and serve with purpose. The choice lies in whose hands they place themselves—whether to be guided by God for good or to fall prey to the forces of destruction. Let every young person remember that they are arrows meant to hit the target of righteousness, fulfilling God’s plan and leaving a legacy of faith and goodness.
