Teach Doctrine to Youth

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!

Titus 2

II Paul tells us what to teach to various people
A. vs 1-2 What to teach older men
B. vs 3-5 What to teach plder women
C. vs 6-8 What to teach young men
D. vs 9-10 What to teach slaves
E. vs 11-15 What the Gospel does for us while we wait for His return

Rather than pull out one particular verse to write about I think I will discuss the entire chapter. Here is a very concise list of what pastors should focus on when leading specific groups of people. These verses should probably be at the foundation of men's groups, women's groups, youth groups, etc… These are the things that we must instill in the lives of those we lead. To be self-controlled, worthy of respect, temperate, etc. Because these are the qualities of a life that honors God and places Him foremost in our lives. These are the qualities that the world is looking for to see if there really is a difference in living for Christ. These are the qualities we must have if we are to have any credibility in the world.

One theme that comes up three times in this passage is self-control. To be followers of Christ we must crucify our flesh. We must deny the things our old nature wants and cling to what is good. Not what we think is good but what has been defined as good by the Scriptures. Putting off the weight that so easily entangles us and finding pleasure in the commands of God. Enjoying what He asks us to do and loving even the hard things because we a convinced they are for our good.