Over the past few weeks we’ve seen that the Holy Spirit is for all people - all races, all nationalities, men, women, the old and also the young. All ages can experience the Holy Spirit. Whilst we looked last week at how God wants to use older people, we also see that the Holy Spirit is for young people too! As a church, we believe there is now coming a great new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on young people and that we can see a great revival among young people in the UK, South Africa and the world.
This week we saw that:
1. Young people can make a big difference (Esther, David, Joseph, Jeremiah 1:7)
2. Young people can be a big role model to the world (2 Timothy 4:12)
3. Young people need to make a big decision to put God first (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
Apply
Do you believe that God can use you, not matter your age? Do you believe God has a great purpose for young people? You might consider yourself ordinary or of little influence, but you can make a big difference. All through the Bible we see young people who made a big difference in their time. Young women like Esther and young men like King David grew up in humble circumstances but, when they faced great challenges, they saw miraculous conquests and saved whole nations. As young people with the help of the Holy Spirit, you too can take down giants of hate, fear, addictions and immorality. Like the many Biblical examples of young people who were used by God (Joseph; Naaman's servant girl; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego), God has a unique purpose for your life. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit you can be blessed and become a great blessing to many people. You may see yourself as young or insignificant, but you are not (Jeremiah 1:7) and you can make a big difference.
Do you set an example to others of how to live God's way in every area of your life? Are you a good role model, regardless of your age? God wants to use you as a big role model no matter your age. We need positive young role models in a world where there are so many negative and destructive ones: people who are real-life examples in the real world where people know you, not just focussing on your social media image. As Christian young people we should model different attitudes and behaviour to what people usually see. Just as the Apostle Paul taught his young apprentice Timothy, as young followers of Jesus we should be a big role model in: speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. With the Holy Spirit’s help, you and all younger Christians can be big role models in the world, but it all depends on living fully for God.
Have you decided to put God first in every area of your life and for all the days of your life? Don't wait until you are older to serve God (Ecclesiastes 12:1): no one knows how long they will live or what will happen in life. You need God now. You need His love and power, His help and guidance now. You need to start living the dreams God has for you now: don’t forget or ignore God in any area of your life. Just as we heard from Pastor Wes last week that he has served the Lord all of his life from a young age and he has no regrets, we too need to maximise every day and every year that we have with no regrets. So right now, make the best decision when you are young. Give your life fully to God. Give him your best energy now. Give Him your dreams and hopes. Give him everything. And the Holy Spirit will change your life and help you to change the world.
Today, take time to pray and give your life afresh to the Lord, submitting every area to Him. Come to the Cross in prayer and surrender your future completely to God, trusting that He wants to use you to make a big difference in this world. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power so that you can be a big role model and set the best example to others, and to help you put God first every day and in all decisions.
