3. General Counsels to Young Men:
After seeing the many dangers that face young men, and then naming some reasons why young men need exhortation, today we are going to look at some general counsels for young men.One such counsel is that as young men we need to get a clear view of the evil of sin. When we are still young we do not get a full grasp of the seriousness of sin. Like all men we are blind to the destroying effect sin has in our lives. We must be sure to realise that sin is not an insignificant matter! As young men we must see how the Bible talks about the seriousness of sin. It dwells in every one of our hearts, (Romans 3:23) and it defiles what we say and do (Matthew 15:19). Because of the sin in us we are all guilty before God and what used to be perfect creation is now a scarred world. Scarred by death, suffering, and disease. This is the awful change that sin has worked here on the earth. Not only did sin destroy our world, the cost to make atonement for sin was something greater than our minds could imagine. God's own Son, Jesus Christ, would take on human flesh and come to this world not only to live, but to die on a cross so that we may come to have life in Him. What a price to be paid that our sins would be washed away! J. C. Ryle States:
"Young man, consider these things, and you will not wonder that we warn you as we do. Surely, if you did but think of them, you would break off with sin forever. Will you play with poison? Will you frolic with hell? Will you take fire in your hand? Will you harbour your deadliest enemy in your bosom? Will you go on living as if it did not matter at all whether your own sins were forgiven or not, - whether sin had dominion over you, or you over sin? Oh, awake to a sense of sin's sinfulness and danger! Remember the words of Solomon: "Fools," not but fools, "mock at sin" (Proverbs 14:9)."
Aside from getting a clear of view of how sin is devastating and evil to all of us, us young men need to be acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ. The most important thing in your entire life is whether or not you believe in Jesus Christ. Not only believe that He is real but to truly believe that He is God (John 10:30) and is the only Saviour of sin (Matthew 1:21). Seek to know Jesus Christ as Lord and King. He is all that we need and His Word contains all that we need to live. Mr. Ryle states:
"Young Man, I set before you Jesus Christ this day, as the treasury of your souls; and I invite you to begin by going to Him, if you would so run as to obtain. Let this be your first step, - go to Christ. Do you want to consult friends? - He is the best friend: "a friend that sticks closer than a brother" - (Proverbs 18:24). Do you feel unworthy because of your sins? - Fear not: His blood cleanses from all sin. He says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18)."
Also, we need to remember that there is nothing as important as our never-dying souls. Our soul is eternal and will live forever either in heaven or in hell. All this world shall pass away, but your soul will never pass away. The earth and all that is in it will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10) but our souls will never be destroyed. We must understand that our soul is something worth living for. It is of most importance to keep you soul right with God. Man can hurt your body, your property, your name, and can even take your life, but he can never hurt your soul (Matthew 10:28).
"Young man, God is no respecter of persons. He regard's no man's coat,
or wallet, or rank, or position. He sees not with man's eyes (1 Samuel 16:7).
The poorest saint that ever died in a workhouse is nobler in His sight than
the richest sinner that ever died in a palace. God does not look at riches, titles,
learning, beauty, or anything of the kind. One thing God does look at, and that
is the never-dying soul. He measures all men by one standard, one measure
one test, one criterion, and that is the condition of their souls."
- J. C. Ryle
While we are young there are many snares placed to destroy our service to God. The world tells us that youth is time for fun and play, not a time to be serious. This is a lie we must not believe. We are responsible to God the very moment we know right from wrong. This is no easy road for us young men to take. The world constantly throws in our path numerous temptations to try and draw us away from God. But stronger than our will to sin is our will to obey God. Run to His Word in time of temptation! Serve God while you are young, before it is too late. We know not when we will die so let us serve God while we are still alive.
"Young Man, try to serve God. Resist the devil
when he whispers it is impossible. Try, - and the
Lord God of the promises will give you strength
in the trying. He loves to meet those who struggle
to come to Him, and He will meet you and give you
the power that you feel you need."
- J. C. Ryle
While we serve God we must make the Bible our primary guide and advisor. It will guide our paths straight and lead us in the ways of God (Proverbs 3:6). All that we need to know while we live this short life on earth is contained in the word of God. The Psalmist asks, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to your Word." We need to familiarize ourselves with God's
Word. Read it not for the sake of reading but so that we will know how to live the Christian life. So we will know what God loves and know how to obey Him. We must give the Bible the honour that it deserves. For us Christians, the Bible is the law. It matters not what my parents think is right, or what my friends think is right. God's Word divides right from wrong and it will not fail in giving you a clear answer. Let us study the Word with an open and prayerful heart so that we would be pleasing to our King. J. C. Ryle offers words of wisdom on how we should read God's word.
"A hasty glance at the Bible now and then does little good. At that rate you will never become familiar with its treasures, or feel the sword of the spirit fitted to your hand in the hour of conflict. But get our mind stored with scripture, by diligent reading, and you will soon discover its value and power. Texts will rise up in your heart in the moment of temptation. Commands will suggest themselves in seasons of doubt. Promises will come across your thoughts in the time of discouragement. And thus you will experience the truth of David's words, "Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might no sin against you."
Lastly, one extremely important advice that young men must take is that we should never make an intimate friend of those who are not friends of God. This does not mean acquaintances. As Christians we must interact with people of the world by sharing the truths of God with them. But with our friends we must make very careful choices. We need to make friends only with those people who will be helpful to our soul. Those who rebuke us when we sin and encourage us to obey Christ. A bad friend can lead you down wrong paths and even into grievous sin. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be deceived, 'Bad company corrupts good morals.'" Did you hear that, "Do not be deceived!" This fact is especially true for us young men when we plan on choosing a wife. Will she help us become like Christ, or drag us into despair? Will she encourage my love for God or discourage it? Will she help my soul or harm it? For us young men we need to look for a wife that loves Christ so much more than she will ever love us, for then she will truly be a blessing to our souls.
"Do you ask me what kind of friends you should choose? Choose friends who will benefit your soul, friends whom you can really respect, friends whom you will like to have near you on your deathbed, friends who love the Bible, and are not afraid to speak to you about it, friends such as you will not be ashamed of acknowledging at the coming of Christ, and the day of judgement...But depend on it, bad company in the present life, is the sure way to obtain worse company in the life to come."
- J. C. Ryle
Blessings,
Lucas C.
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