He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Titus 1:9
Here Paul is telling Titus what the qualifications are for someone who will be placed in a position of leadership. It begs the question, shouldn't we (as leaders) be training our children in sound doctrine? I don't mean just in the home but shouldn't that be the goal of children's and Youth programs? Why do so many people believe that teenagers can't comprehend good doctrine so you shouldn't try to teach it? I think we are shooting ourselves in the foot because at some point we are going to have to turn the reins of ministry over to the next generation and we need to be sure that there will be a next generation with sound doctrine there to take them. I was doing the math in my head the other day and realized something that really scared me. Our Youth program meets every two weeks. The average youth is in the youth program for 6 years (ages 13-18). That's 26 Youth meetings a year, times 6 years, equals 156. That's only about 150 chances to make sure that they have what they need from me for life and Godliness and sound doctrine. (I know they have parents and a Senior Pastor to teach them as well, but I was thinking just in terms of Youth Ministry). Why waste a lot of time with fluff? Why not make it a point to cover foundational truths, meaty doctrines, Law and Gospel, and what ever else is needed instead of How to Deal with Peer Pressure, or How to be a Good Person or some variation on these themes every youth meeting. Teenagers are smart enough to take in whatever you take the time to teach them. Be Bold and Teach the Word!
Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Titus 1
The start of a new week and a new Bible study. This week it’s Titus and Philemon. As I’m working through 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, its really been fun to see the requirements for leadership in the Church. Paul lays out some very specific things we must adhere to. They are good guidelines for anyone but absolute necessities for leadership.
I Requirements for and Expectations of Leadership
vs 1-4 Opening greeting
vs 5-9 Paul list qualities needed for leaders
vs 10-16 Silence rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Titus 1:15-16
This is a reality that I have seen many times in Youth Ministry. To the pure all things are pure. There are no double entendres in their speech, no flirtatious glances, no clothes that do not cover or are too tight, no course jesting, etc… When worldly people see these kids they are quickly written off as naïve but there is something else going on. A purity that comes from God and is the natural consequence of keeping their heart clear of all the sin and trash that that infects so many of the youth of today. It is so dangerous for a youth to “claim to know God, but by their actions … deny Him”. The Bible says these are “detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good”. I don’t ever want any teenager that I minister to, to be thought of in these terms. This is why it’s so important to challenge youth in personal holiness and to greater heights of devotion to God.
I Requirements for and Expectations of Leadership
vs 1-4 Opening greeting
vs 5-9 Paul list qualities needed for leaders
vs 10-16 Silence rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Titus 1:15-16
This is a reality that I have seen many times in Youth Ministry. To the pure all things are pure. There are no double entendres in their speech, no flirtatious glances, no clothes that do not cover or are too tight, no course jesting, etc… When worldly people see these kids they are quickly written off as naïve but there is something else going on. A purity that comes from God and is the natural consequence of keeping their heart clear of all the sin and trash that that infects so many of the youth of today. It is so dangerous for a youth to “claim to know God, but by their actions … deny Him”. The Bible says these are “detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good”. I don’t ever want any teenager that I minister to, to be thought of in these terms. This is why it’s so important to challenge youth in personal holiness and to greater heights of devotion to God.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
2 Timothy 2
Here I am at the end of another week of studying God’s Word. I wish that I had thought of this sooner. I have learned so much more by staying on one passage of Scripture instead of trying to get through the entire Bible in a year. I see themes and thoughts that I just missed all those other times of reading. If I ever meet Pastor MacArthur, I will have to be sure to thank him for recommending this to me.
I think what I am going to do is try to restore what I wrote earlier in the week about chapter two, so here goes.
II Endure everything and strive to be a pure worker in the Gospel
vs 1-13 Endure hardship
vs 1-7 Paul draws analogies between common life and working for Christ
vs 8-13 Endure for the sake of the elect
vs 14-26 Be a workman approved by God
vs 14-19 Handle the Word of God correctly
vs 20-21 Cleanse yourself and be prepared to do any good work
vs 22-26 Pursue holiness and be kind to all
Flee the evil desires of youth (NIV)
Flee youthful lusts (KJV)
2 Timothy 2:22
As a Youth Pastor I have seen the unfortunate fallout when this verse is not obeyed. While we are told in a general sense to “Resist the Devil, and he will flee” the Bible speaks about the specific sins that youth are prone to commit with a different tone. We are not told to resist but to FLEE! Run as if your life depended on it!
I cannot tell you how many times I have shook my head wondering what goes through the minds of some parents. These parents are given the charge of growing their children up in holiness and then allow their children to go alone on dates. Why would you put your child in a position to fail like that? Do you not remember all the hormones you had when you were a teenager? I’m not talking about (just) sex here, we are called to a higher standard. We should be teaching our children to flee the very appearance of immorality. There should not be even a hint of anything unclean among us. Parents, love your children enough to keep them holy and pure.
Youth,
I love you and have given my life to serve you, please listen to me. Obey the Word on this point. Don’t put yourself in a position where you are alone with a member of the opposite sex. Conduct yourself in righteousness and if you must date, take separate cars and be in public for the entire date. If possible, go in a group so you are accountable to someone. Don’t give the Devil even a foothold on your life because he won’t stop there.
That’s it for another week. Tomorrow I’m going to start Titus. But before that, what did I learn from 2 Timothy?
The verse about “God has not given us a spirit of fear” is referring to how we should be bold in using the gifts that God has given us. (Context, context, context)
Being confident in our knowledge will keep us from being ashamed (Doctrine, doctrine, doctrine)
We have a responsibility before God to correctly handle His Word (How many times have I been lax in my sermon preparations?)
If I am to serve God, I must not quarrel. (Wow! How am I going to obey that one?)
Everyone who wants to live a Godly life will be persecuted. (Every single one!)
There is no higher calling than to preach the Word! (Amen, brother)
I think what I am going to do is try to restore what I wrote earlier in the week about chapter two, so here goes.
II Endure everything and strive to be a pure worker in the Gospel
vs 1-13 Endure hardship
vs 1-7 Paul draws analogies between common life and working for Christ
vs 8-13 Endure for the sake of the elect
vs 14-26 Be a workman approved by God
vs 14-19 Handle the Word of God correctly
vs 20-21 Cleanse yourself and be prepared to do any good work
vs 22-26 Pursue holiness and be kind to all
Flee the evil desires of youth (NIV)
Flee youthful lusts (KJV)
2 Timothy 2:22
As a Youth Pastor I have seen the unfortunate fallout when this verse is not obeyed. While we are told in a general sense to “Resist the Devil, and he will flee” the Bible speaks about the specific sins that youth are prone to commit with a different tone. We are not told to resist but to FLEE! Run as if your life depended on it!
I cannot tell you how many times I have shook my head wondering what goes through the minds of some parents. These parents are given the charge of growing their children up in holiness and then allow their children to go alone on dates. Why would you put your child in a position to fail like that? Do you not remember all the hormones you had when you were a teenager? I’m not talking about (just) sex here, we are called to a higher standard. We should be teaching our children to flee the very appearance of immorality. There should not be even a hint of anything unclean among us. Parents, love your children enough to keep them holy and pure.
Youth,
I love you and have given my life to serve you, please listen to me. Obey the Word on this point. Don’t put yourself in a position where you are alone with a member of the opposite sex. Conduct yourself in righteousness and if you must date, take separate cars and be in public for the entire date. If possible, go in a group so you are accountable to someone. Don’t give the Devil even a foothold on your life because he won’t stop there.
That’s it for another week. Tomorrow I’m going to start Titus. But before that, what did I learn from 2 Timothy?
The verse about “God has not given us a spirit of fear” is referring to how we should be bold in using the gifts that God has given us. (Context, context, context)
Being confident in our knowledge will keep us from being ashamed (Doctrine, doctrine, doctrine)
We have a responsibility before God to correctly handle His Word (How many times have I been lax in my sermon preparations?)
If I am to serve God, I must not quarrel. (Wow! How am I going to obey that one?)
Everyone who wants to live a Godly life will be persecuted. (Every single one!)
There is no higher calling than to preach the Word! (Amen, brother)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
2 Timothy 3
I have decided to learn from my mistakes and type these posts in Word then cut and paste them into the blog. I almost lost yesterday's post also. I guess you live and learn.
III Godlessness in the last days and the cure
A. vs 1-5 People will be wicked in the last days
B. vs 6-9 God will expose the folly of the wicked
C. vs 10-17 A Godly life is a persecuted life
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
2 Timothy 3:12
Yesterday's post about teenagers falling away from the faith has been rattling around in my brain since then. As someone who cares deeply about teenagers and has this "falling away" happen time and time again, it causes we to really think about what I can do as a Youth Pastor to help.
I think this verse gives some insight. I can not recall ever preaching (or really even hearing) a sermon on "suffering for Jesus". Usually suffering is spoken of as something to be avoided or as something bad that Jesus rescues you from. Rarely is it taught that suffering is a normal part of the Christian experience. Even more rarely is it taught that Christians should suffer. That we believe what is true with such conviction we are willing to go through anything rather than compromise it. When teenagers get outside the protective bubble of their parents, they have to begin to make their own decisions and suffer the consequences. If we've always taught them that God will deliver from ever suffering or that Christians never have to experience suffering, the real world becomes quite a shock. Any time we teach our children something that will not hold up in the fires of real life, we do them a grave disservice. Suffering is not only normal and to be expected, but it is a good thing when we suffer in the cause of Christ. It brings our Father glory and earns us a crown to cast at the feet of Jesus.
III Godlessness in the last days and the cure
A. vs 1-5 People will be wicked in the last days
B. vs 6-9 God will expose the folly of the wicked
C. vs 10-17 A Godly life is a persecuted life
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
2 Timothy 3:12
Yesterday's post about teenagers falling away from the faith has been rattling around in my brain since then. As someone who cares deeply about teenagers and has this "falling away" happen time and time again, it causes we to really think about what I can do as a Youth Pastor to help.
I think this verse gives some insight. I can not recall ever preaching (or really even hearing) a sermon on "suffering for Jesus". Usually suffering is spoken of as something to be avoided or as something bad that Jesus rescues you from. Rarely is it taught that suffering is a normal part of the Christian experience. Even more rarely is it taught that Christians should suffer. That we believe what is true with such conviction we are willing to go through anything rather than compromise it. When teenagers get outside the protective bubble of their parents, they have to begin to make their own decisions and suffer the consequences. If we've always taught them that God will deliver from ever suffering or that Christians never have to experience suffering, the real world becomes quite a shock. Any time we teach our children something that will not hold up in the fires of real life, we do them a grave disservice. Suffering is not only normal and to be expected, but it is a good thing when we suffer in the cause of Christ. It brings our Father glory and earns us a crown to cast at the feet of Jesus.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
UFO's and Why do Youth leave the Church after Graduation.
Well, I'm not sure what happened yesterday. I posted a whole blog about fleeing youthful lusts and it just disappeared. What is the use of autosaving drafts if I can't find the draft later? Oh well, maybe I'll re-cover the subject later.
Here's an interesting post about the UFO's in Stephenville. Mike Tumillo is a friend of mine from when we both attended the same church many years ago. He has a wonderful online ministry now and is a big propponent of the "Home Church" movement.
http://yourtown4jesus.com/2008/01/16/ufos-in-texas/
Two interesting posts about youth.
http://samrainer.wordpress.com/
http://jollyblogger.typepad.com/jollyblogger/2008/01/myths-about-c-1.html
The whole article is about why Youth leave the church after graduation and offers these three myths.
1. The influence of the secular university has pushed them away. Not true - of the dropouts, it is a virtual statistical tie between those who go to college and those who don't.
2. High school students are planning to leave the church once they go to college. The overwhelming majority of high school students do not plan to leave their church when they graduate.
3. The scandal-happy media has disenchanted our youth. Only 15% of those who leave church say it is because of moral or ethical failures in church leadership.
This article confirms in my mind what the greatest reason why the youth leave the church when they are no longer made to go by their parents. It's not because of the overwhelming temptations from the world, or loss of faith in church leadership, or any other of the myriad of reasons I've heard over the years. It comes down to this, they were never saved to begin with. If there is no new work of regeneration in our hearts, if the love of Christ does not enter us and cause us to cleave to Him, it shouldn't be a surprise when we wander from the church and from the faith. This is why it is so crucial that the Gospel be preached from the pulpit everytime we enter it. We must make sure every young person knows of the seriousness of sin, the consequences of sin, and the remedy of Christ. We need to stop teaching "feel-good" sermons or sermons with no scriptural meat that meander aimlessly from point to point. As leaders we also need to commit to praying for a young people, convinced that nothing less than a sovereign move of God can cause repentance to well up in their hearts. Youth don't need games, or candy, or rockin' praise music, or an awesome youth room near as much as they need the Savior, preached clearly and passionately. How many sermons have I preached that have been one or the other. All clarity, full of doctrine and theology with none of the life and power of God indwelling it. Or all passion, full of exortations, illustrations, and challenges but with no clear root in the scriptures, led by emotion to appeal to emotion. First we preach salvation, then we preach the necessity of bearing fruit and continuing in the faith. If our kids do not know what God expects of His children, are they really to blame when they fall away?
Here's an interesting post about the UFO's in Stephenville. Mike Tumillo is a friend of mine from when we both attended the same church many years ago. He has a wonderful online ministry now and is a big propponent of the "Home Church" movement.
http://yourtown4jesus.com/2008/01/16/ufos-in-texas/
Two interesting posts about youth.
http://samrainer.wordpress.com/
http://jollyblogger.typepad.com/jollyblogger/2008/01/myths-about-c-1.html
The whole article is about why Youth leave the church after graduation and offers these three myths.
1. The influence of the secular university has pushed them away. Not true - of the dropouts, it is a virtual statistical tie between those who go to college and those who don't.
2. High school students are planning to leave the church once they go to college. The overwhelming majority of high school students do not plan to leave their church when they graduate.
3. The scandal-happy media has disenchanted our youth. Only 15% of those who leave church say it is because of moral or ethical failures in church leadership.
This article confirms in my mind what the greatest reason why the youth leave the church when they are no longer made to go by their parents. It's not because of the overwhelming temptations from the world, or loss of faith in church leadership, or any other of the myriad of reasons I've heard over the years. It comes down to this, they were never saved to begin with. If there is no new work of regeneration in our hearts, if the love of Christ does not enter us and cause us to cleave to Him, it shouldn't be a surprise when we wander from the church and from the faith. This is why it is so crucial that the Gospel be preached from the pulpit everytime we enter it. We must make sure every young person knows of the seriousness of sin, the consequences of sin, and the remedy of Christ. We need to stop teaching "feel-good" sermons or sermons with no scriptural meat that meander aimlessly from point to point. As leaders we also need to commit to praying for a young people, convinced that nothing less than a sovereign move of God can cause repentance to well up in their hearts. Youth don't need games, or candy, or rockin' praise music, or an awesome youth room near as much as they need the Savior, preached clearly and passionately. How many sermons have I preached that have been one or the other. All clarity, full of doctrine and theology with none of the life and power of God indwelling it. Or all passion, full of exortations, illustrations, and challenges but with no clear root in the scriptures, led by emotion to appeal to emotion. First we preach salvation, then we preach the necessity of bearing fruit and continuing in the faith. If our kids do not know what God expects of His children, are they really to blame when they fall away?
Monday, January 14, 2008
2 Timothy 1
I've decided to do just 2nd Timothy this week and save Titus for next week. As I read both First and Second Timothy I am really surprised at how important doctrine was to Paul. I'm not sure how I missed this. It really makes me examine my own ministry even more to be sure I am keeping Paul's commands to Timothy. As a Youth Pastor, there is always a line to be walked between entertainment and teaching. It needs to be something they enjoy coming to and feel comfortable inviting their friends too, and it also needs to be meaty and Bible-saturated. I know that in the past I have had youth services that have been filled with fluff and have thrown out candy and had a fun time but no one learned anything. I also know that I have had services that have been so teaching-focused I wonder how much of what I said was retained. However, after reading these books I think the answer is to continue to teach doctrine but to try do it in engaging and interesting ways. I spend so much time studying for lessons (reading commentaries, word studies, etc.) and while that's a good thing, I need to invest time in illustrations and stories that make what I am saying memorable. One thing I won't do under any circumstances is have an all-entertainment, fluffy teaching on how to be a better you with no doctrine.
I Be faithful and use the gifts God gave you
A. vs 1-2 Greetings
B. vs 3-7 Fan your gift into flame
C. vs 8-12 Do not be ashamed of the gospel or of its apostles
D. vs 13-15 Guard what was deposited in you by the Holy Spirit
E. vs 16-18 Paul prays for Onesiphorus
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
2 Timothy 1:9
What day were you saved? According to this verse, if you are saved it was because of a decision that was made wa-a-a-a-a-y before you were born. God chose you to be in Him before the first act of creation and your repentance and trusting in Jesus was just confirmation of what was already written. There is a lot of comfort in this verse. The most comforting aspect is if you are saved He will hold you safe through this life. There is nothing you can do to get unsaved. Those that fall away were false converts and were never saved in the first place. Nothing surprises God and He already knows all of our days. Not only does He know them but He also ordained them. God actively works in our life to bring His best plan for all of us to fruition. God is a good God that can be trusted and loved whole-heartedly and with abandon.
I Be faithful and use the gifts God gave you
A. vs 1-2 Greetings
B. vs 3-7 Fan your gift into flame
C. vs 8-12 Do not be ashamed of the gospel or of its apostles
D. vs 13-15 Guard what was deposited in you by the Holy Spirit
E. vs 16-18 Paul prays for Onesiphorus
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
2 Timothy 1:9
What day were you saved? According to this verse, if you are saved it was because of a decision that was made wa-a-a-a-a-y before you were born. God chose you to be in Him before the first act of creation and your repentance and trusting in Jesus was just confirmation of what was already written. There is a lot of comfort in this verse. The most comforting aspect is if you are saved He will hold you safe through this life. There is nothing you can do to get unsaved. Those that fall away were false converts and were never saved in the first place. Nothing surprises God and He already knows all of our days. Not only does He know them but He also ordained them. God actively works in our life to bring His best plan for all of us to fruition. God is a good God that can be trusted and loved whole-heartedly and with abandon.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Outline for Philippians 1
I. Paul's imprisonment will not stop the Gospel
A. vs 1-2 This letter is coming from both Paul and Timothy
B. vs 3-11 Paul thanks, prays for and exorts the Philippian church
1. vs 3-6 Paul reassures that God will complete the work he started
2. vs 7-8 Paul's chains will not stop him
3. vs 9-11 It is growth in the knowledge of God that keeps us pure and blameless
C. vs 12-30 Paul rejoices that his chains only serve to spread the gospel more
1. vs 12-14 Paul is in chains for Christ and this causes him to speak boldly
2. vs. 15-18 Paul's opponents stir up trouble by preaching Christ, but this only serves to spread the gospel more
3. vs 19-26 It is better for Paul to continue to live and work for the gospel than to die and be with Christ
4. vs 27-30 Despite suffering, we must always conduct ourselves in a manner worhty of the gospel
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-13
Here Paul is reminding us of the importance of being "self-growers" for lack of a better term. We must take responsibility for our own walk with Christ even if no one is standing over our shoulders making us. As a Youth Pastor I can tell you one of the most difficult times in a young person's christian life is that transition from childhood to adulthood. As a child your days were pretty structured. If your parents loved God, you went to church, maybe family devotions, whatever. Even if they weren't saved there was (hopefully) at least some kind of structure to your day. You went to school, etc.. Where I've seen so many kids fall is when those restraints are taken off (maybe they go to college, move out, whatever) they fly apart at the seams. This is why as parents it is so important that we do several things. First of all, make sure your kid is saved. This may seem obvious but I've seen way to many parents fall in to this trap. Their kid repeated some prayer when they were two then the subject is never brought up again. Does a two year old have enough knowledge of their own sin nature to sorrow over sin? To repent? Maybe, but to be sure examine their lives. Do they keep the 10 Commandments? Are they growing in holiness? Do they exhibit the fruits of the Spirit? Don't take it for granted. Next a parent should discipline with love. There needs to be structure and boundries but the child should always know that every "No" comes out of a deep love for them and a desire for only their best. Third, develop the habits of Bible study, prayer and service within the local church. Make them a part of the larger community of God. The Goal of parenting is that they love God when you are not around and then can pass those values on to the next generation.
I. Paul's imprisonment will not stop the Gospel
A. vs 1-2 This letter is coming from both Paul and Timothy
B. vs 3-11 Paul thanks, prays for and exorts the Philippian church
1. vs 3-6 Paul reassures that God will complete the work he started
2. vs 7-8 Paul's chains will not stop him
3. vs 9-11 It is growth in the knowledge of God that keeps us pure and blameless
C. vs 12-30 Paul rejoices that his chains only serve to spread the gospel more
1. vs 12-14 Paul is in chains for Christ and this causes him to speak boldly
2. vs. 15-18 Paul's opponents stir up trouble by preaching Christ, but this only serves to spread the gospel more
3. vs 19-26 It is better for Paul to continue to live and work for the gospel than to die and be with Christ
4. vs 27-30 Despite suffering, we must always conduct ourselves in a manner worhty of the gospel
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-13
Here Paul is reminding us of the importance of being "self-growers" for lack of a better term. We must take responsibility for our own walk with Christ even if no one is standing over our shoulders making us. As a Youth Pastor I can tell you one of the most difficult times in a young person's christian life is that transition from childhood to adulthood. As a child your days were pretty structured. If your parents loved God, you went to church, maybe family devotions, whatever. Even if they weren't saved there was (hopefully) at least some kind of structure to your day. You went to school, etc.. Where I've seen so many kids fall is when those restraints are taken off (maybe they go to college, move out, whatever) they fly apart at the seams. This is why as parents it is so important that we do several things. First of all, make sure your kid is saved. This may seem obvious but I've seen way to many parents fall in to this trap. Their kid repeated some prayer when they were two then the subject is never brought up again. Does a two year old have enough knowledge of their own sin nature to sorrow over sin? To repent? Maybe, but to be sure examine their lives. Do they keep the 10 Commandments? Are they growing in holiness? Do they exhibit the fruits of the Spirit? Don't take it for granted. Next a parent should discipline with love. There needs to be structure and boundries but the child should always know that every "No" comes out of a deep love for them and a desire for only their best. Third, develop the habits of Bible study, prayer and service within the local church. Make them a part of the larger community of God. The Goal of parenting is that they love God when you are not around and then can pass those values on to the next generation.
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