Foundational Truths for Young People -- Zac Poonen -- June 9, 2022
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/foundational-truths-for-young-people CFC NA Singles Discipleship Gathering - Session #2 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages young people to remember Jeremiah 29:11, affirming that God has a good plan for their future, not one of calamity. He emphasizes that laying a strong foundation during youth is crucial for a life built to last, using the examples of Joseph and Jesus Christ. These figures demonstrated faithfulness, deep study of scripture, and integrity even when facing adversity.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God has good plans for your futureGod knows your strengths, weaknesses, and the trials you will face, and His plans are for your welfare and to give you a wonderful future.Jeremiah 29:11
The importance of single and youthful daysJust like laying a deep foundation for a skyscraper, the habits and spiritual disciplines you establish in your youth will support your entire life.
Learning from Joseph and DanielBoth Joseph and Daniel laid strong foundations in their youth, remaining faithful to God despite living in difficult, ungodly environments.
Training up children in the right wayLike a tree that grows straight when guided early, children trained in the right way will not depart from it when they grow old.Proverbs 22:6
Being sure you are a child of godIt is essential not just to ask Jesus into your heart, but to have the deep assurance that He has accepted you based on His promises.
Quickly confessing and forsaking sinTreat sin like a thorn in your foot by confessing it to God immediately so He can cleanse you completely from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9
The danger of pridePride enters our hearts when we compare ourselves with others, whereas true humility comes from comparing ourselves with Jesus.
God does not remember forgiven sinsEven when the devil tries to remind you of past failures, God promises to be merciful to your iniquities and remember your sins no more.Hebrews 8:12
Keeping the inside of the cup cleanBelievers must avoid hypocrisy by ensuring their private thought life and inner character are pure before God, rather than just looking good on the outside.Matthew 23:25
Knowing God as an intimate FatherJesus revealed God not just as a holy judge to be feared, but as a loving heavenly Father who controls all circumstances and invites us to call Him dad.Matthew 6:9
Being filled with the Holy SpiritWhile receiving Christ brings the Holy Spirit into your life, being filled means allowing the Spirit to take control of every single area and room of your heart.Romans 8:9
The necessity of forgiving othersGod will deal with us based on how we treat others, meaning we must quickly forgive those who hurt us and ask forgiveness from those we have wronged.Matthew 6:12
Trials make us strongJust like lifting weights in a gym builds muscle, God allows trials and temptations in our lives to strengthen our faith and help us develop Christian character.
Advice on common youth strugglesYoung people should learn to accept how God made them, honor their parents, resist peer pressure, guard their minds against sexual temptation, and overcome failures with God's help.
