Question:
What advice does the Bible give a young person?
Answer:
Everything in the Scriptures is valuable for young or
old, rich or poor, male or female, blonde or brunette (2 Timothy
3:16,17). However, some passages are more directly pointed to specific
groups of people—including young people.
When the aged Solomon wrote, “Remember now your Creator in the days
of your youth” he was hoping the younger generation would read it
“before the difficult days come” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). In fact, it is
best if we have a keen understanding of the Scriptures in our youth. The
Proverb writer once said, “Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it” (22:6).
Beginning with the Bible lays a great foundation for a young person. In
studying it, consider these ideas.
Study the young characters of the Bible. The accounts written about
Joseph, Josiah, young David, Esther and Daniel, Jesus at age 12 and even
young Timothy are all excellent character studies. What did these
characters do right? What was the focus of their energy and mind? How
did they deal with tempting situations, loneliness, peer pressure, etc.?
These are good questions to ask as you study.
In addition, the Bible writes many passages specifically to young
people. Most of Proverbs is written as a father would write to his son
(1:8). Sections in the New Testament are written directly to young
people (Matthew 19:13,14; Ephesians 6:1-4; Titus 2:1-8; 1 Timothy
4:12,13). Remind yourself of these passages daily.
It may also help if you learn the definitions of specific words in the
Bible. A long list of the “works of the flesh” is seen in
Galatians 5:19-21. Find out what those words mean and provide examples
of them. In addition, the “fruit of the Spirit” is listed in
Galatians 5:22-24. What do those words mean? Can you provide examples of
them?
Jesus accomplished all He did in 33 years. You can accomplish great
things too as Christ’s servant!
July 2006