Handout for sermon:  Being Young and Staying Pure.                                                                                                                        A message to our young & parents to be.  February 26th, 2023, Manchester, TN  9:30 a.m.

Introduction: Holiness and purity is an expectation of God for His people.  As parents and concerned adults we all are interested in our young people.  Since the garden of Eden Satan has worked hard at “pulling” people away from God, holiness and purity. I personally value and love the children and young people in our Church family. It is my hope and prayer that everyone of these will choose God and choose to live a life of holiness, purity, and joy in the Lord.

Scripture: Matthew 5:48, I Thessalonians 4:4 & 7 & 5:23, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Philippians 2:14-16, Colossian 1:22

Solomon addresses young people in Ecclesiastes 11:9-10. Is this the advice you would give to your kids? Solomon speaks about the “heart” and the “eyes” of a person. Solomon is speaking to his son. He is speaking to a young person who knows about God, a young person who loves God and loves the word of God.

1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world or the things of the world, if anyone love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (heart), for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world.”

“Hearts and eyes” influenced and led by the World or by the goodness & knowledge of God. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Fear God and love Him and keep His commandments.

In our lesson today we will look at Psalm 119. How can a young man keep his way pure? There are 176 verses in this Psalm and there are 174 verses that reference the word of God in some way. This Psalm is broken into 22 sections, each section starts with and represents the Hebrew alphabet. All of the first eight verses start with the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet. This was used to teach young people the alphabet as well as God’s will. Solomon was raised to wrap his heart in scripture and to make choices based on scripture. In our study today we will look at the first 6 sections of Psalm 119, there is a lot more going on here than just “you must learn the word of God, and you must keep it!”

Section 1: Psalm 119:1-8

Highlight/notice these words: law of the Lord (1), His testimonies(2), His ways(3), Your precepts (4), Your statues (5), Your commandments (6), Your judgment(7), Your statues (8).

Notice: Those whose way is blameless, who observe testimonies, whose heart seeks God, who do no unrighteousness, who walk in His ways, those who keep His ways diligently.

Point out: Notice the use of the word: “HEART” in verse 3.  As a young person, I advise you to notice the good example of others & notice their heart! The great examples of faith that surround you. Hang out with people who love to spend time in the word of God. Observe the righteous people around you in this Church family!

Message: Look to those who are faithful, learn from them & follow in their footsteps.

Section 2: Psalm 119:9-16

Notice these words: Your word(9), Your commandments(10), Your word(11), Your statutes(12), Your ordinances(13), Your testimonies(14), Your precepts((15), Your statues(16), Your word(16).

Point out: I have sought YOU (v.10). I have treasured in MY HEART (v.11). I have told of your ordinances (v.13). I have rejoiced (14).  Notice the past tense. Our young people who were raised in Christian homes, think back to a time when you did such things. Rediscover your own connection with God from your childhood. Remember when you treasured it and loved it and believed in it. Go back and grab what you already know!

Message: Look to your own past!

Section 3: Psalm 119:17-24

Notice these words: Your word (17), Your law (18), Your commandments(19), Your judgments(20), Your commandments(21), Your testimonies(22), Your statues (23), Your testimonies(24).

Point out: Take note of the word “EYES” used in verse 18.  Look at the world around you.  The world of sinners is cursed by God (v.21) because they have wandered away from God’s teachings. Unfortunately, many of “our young” act like, talk like and think like the world when not “in Church” or at home.  There must be a difference between our children and the children of the world. The world sits and talks against God (v.23). Let our children know the world opposes us and they will oppose you, our children. However, Jesus is coming back and will separate those of “this world” and those who are “not of this world.” Read James 4:4-6

Message: Look to the world around you.

Section 4: Psalm 119:25-32

Notice these words: Your word (25), Your statues(26), Your precepts(27), Your word(28), Your law(29), Your ordinances(30), Your testimonies(31), Your commandments(32).

Point out: Take note of the words “My HEART.” (v.32) Notice the Psalmist speaks of “my soul cleaves to the dust, my soul weeps because of grief and remove the false way from me.”  In a state of humility we see that we need God, we need His direction and guidance. He helps us see our mistakes. Life teaches us humility. In your youth, please learn to be humble. Be able to admit a mistake!  Parent’s must show their children humility. Stop reading the scripture with pride and self-righteousness and read it in humility being “poor in spirit.”

Message: Look back to yourself and see yourself for who you are!

Section 5: Psalm 119:33-40

Notice these words: Your statues (33), Your law(34), Your commandments(35), Your testimonies (36) , Your ways (37), Your word(38), Your ordinances(39), Your precepts(40).

Point out: Take note of verse 34 & 36 where “heart” is mention and verse 37 where “eye” is mentioned. Our children must learn to plead to God to teach them, give them, make them, turn them, preserve them and to revive them. We must not put God in a box and try to limit what God can and will do or how He will do it. Speak of the providence of God in your life and tell your children all the great things that God does for His people. Show them this from scripture.

Message: Look to the Power of God & His providence to fix things.

Section 6: Psalm 119:41-48

Notice these words: Your word (41), Your word(42), Your ordinances(43), Your law(44), Your precepts(45), Your testimonies(46), Your commandments(47), Your commandments(48), Your statues(48).

Point out: The use of the word “LOVE” in verse 47 & 48. From our hearts we must desire to keep the law of God forever, a love for the word. We seek to build a relationship with God’s word . God is not just challenging us to not make a mess of our lives, or just stay pure and do my word! We have great kids in this church family. We don’t want them to JUST stay pure we have them to love God and love God’s word. A love for God’s word that causes them to want to SHARE the word of God. We must teach them to not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. So what example are YOU, the parent or adult, giving the young?

Message: Look for everyone and anyone to share the Gospel with! (Don’t be ashamed!)

Conclusion:                                                                                                                                                                                                     Psalm 119:9-10 So how can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word, by keeping it with all your heart. When we do so, God will help us so we will not wander from His commandments.

Summing up our points:

1-8 Blessed are they who live by your law. I will do the same.
9-16 I have loved Your Word in the past. I will continue to do so.
17-24 I am a stranger in this sinful world. I will live differently.
25-32 I know grief, sorrow, and sin. I call upon You for my salvation.
33-40 You can make me strong. I call upon You to help me and to guide me.
41-48 Your word is amazing and powerful. I will never be ashamed to speak it.