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…. Giving God The. Strength Of Youth. In Remaining Pure Dan 1 Daniel removed far from home vv. 1-5 Described as a promising youth Plans are to make him Chaldean Daniel “made up his mind…” vv. 8-16 Compare to typical response other “promising youths” would have had.
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Giving God The Strength Of Youth
In Remaining Pure Dan 1 • Daniel removed far from home vv. 1-5 • Described as a promising youth • Plans are to make him Chaldean • Daniel “made up his mind…” vv. 8-16 • Compare to typical response other “promising youths” would have had
In Remaining Pure Dan 1 • Daniel “made up his mind…” vv. 8-16 • He was not defiant • He sought other solutions that would let him serve God & satisfy the king at the same time vv. 8, 11
In Remaining Pure Dan 1 • God blessed Daniel, other Hebrew youths vv. 17-20 • We must be faithful, even in trying times • We must remember that God will reward the faithful, not those who try to get ahead by compromising
In Fighting Temptation Gen 39 • God’s providence leads throughout life • Often, it takes us to unfavorable places • Joseph is brought to Egypt vv. 1-5 • Joseph is described v. 6 • Joseph is tempted vv. 7-12
In Fighting Temptation Gen 39 • How could Joseph have responded? • “Share the experience…why not??” • “It doesn’t matter what I do anyway” • “Finally, I get to do what I want to do!!” • How did Joseph respond? vv. 9, 12 cp. 2 Tim 2:22
In Serving God, Others Esth 4 • God never promises serving Him does not also contain risks • Mordecai informs Esther of the threat to the Jews, urges her to act vv. 4-8 • Esther responds to Mordecai in fear v. 11 cp. Mt 10:28
In Serving God, Others Esth 4 • Mordecai wants Esther to see the need of the moment vv. 13-14 • Mordecai understands providence • Esther accepts her opportunity to serve v. 16 cp. Lk 9:23-24
FAITH must overcome FEAR. In Serving God, Others Esth 4 • Esther’s FEAR – “I Can’t” • Mordecai’s PLEA – “You Must” • Esther’s FAITH – “I Will”
Some Closing Thoughts… • These 3 O.T. youths are excellent role models for young people today • You can do what they did • Their triumphs were not supernatural, but were the product of moral courage, faith, and trust in God
Some Closing Thoughts… • A look at Daniel’s faith in his old age is still impressive Dan 6 • He was able to be faithful when he was old because when he was young, he “…made up his mind” Dan 1:8
Some Closing Thoughts… • Remember…life passes quickly • If you will walk with God in your youth like Daniel, Joseph, & Esther, you’ll have happy memories in your waning years Eccl 12:2-6 • Give God the strength of your youth!!